LOS ANGELES (KNX) — Our KNX Hero of the Week grew up on what he calls the "mean streets" of Los Angeles. Now, he's saving lives from those same streets.
Dr. Reggie Jones was born at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center, where he now works as a trauma surgeon.
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The job of a trauma surgeon in and of itself requires all the traits of a hero, but Dr. Jones takes things to a new level.
He's a dad and a devoted husband passionate about giving back to his community. He saves lives, mentors local youth, and helps former gang members reintegrate into society.
A young Dr. Reggie JonesDr. Reggie Jones
In a conversation with KNX's own Heather Jordan, Dr. Jones shared how he managed to not only survive but thrive coming from the environment he grew up in. "It was rough," said Dr. Jones, "but.. the fact that I had my mom and dad together in the home - when I strayed, they pulled me back in."
After attending Howard University College of Medicine in D.C., Dr. Jones returned home, where he has spent the last 27 years treating his community for everything from acute conditions like appendicitis and hernias to gunshot and stab wounds.
Dr. Reggie JonesDr. Reggie Jones
He also found a way to leverage his proximity to gang members during a crucial window of healing and reflection. He calls it a "teachable moment" where the individual is open to changing their lives, and Dr. Jones uses these moments to help gang members reintegrate into society.
Dr. Jones shared a motto his family lives by, "Learn, earn, return." He has and continues to make good on the return. For these many reasons, Dr. Reggie Jones is our KNX Hero of the Week!
Dr. Reggie JonesDr. Reggie Jones
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