Honoring Excellence in Medical Training

Over the last 50 years, UCSF Fresno has trained thousands of dedicated physician leaders to provide innovative and excellent patient care and advance patient-centered research. 

Katherine Jones, DO

Each year, we proudly celebrate excellence in medical training by recognizing an exceptional first-year Internal Medicine resident (intern) who shows exceptional growth as a physician and exemplifies dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to learning. This past year, we honored  Katherine Jones, DO, with the UCSF Fresno Department of Medicine’s Eloise Thompson Outstanding Intern of the Year Award

This special award was established to honor Eloise Thompson, who dedicated 18 years of service to UCSF Fresno’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. Following her passing in 2016, the award became a lasting tribute to her dedication to the program’s mission to recruit and train the best and brightest physicians for Central California and beyond. 

Dr. Jones grew up in Camino, California, a small town about halfway between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. She earned her undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley and her medical degree from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia. Now in the second year of the three-year Internal Medicine Residency, Dr. Jones continues to exemplify the qualities this award celebrates. 

Dr. Jones shares her reflections on her path to residency and the inspiration she draws from her colleagues and experiences at UCSF Fresno. 

“I remember rotating at UCSF Fresno as a fourth-year medical student," said Dr. Jones. “During that time, I realized this is where I wanted to be. To me, UCSF Fresno means community; the people here are what make this place so special. I know this is where I can learn, collaborate, and feel supported in my journey as a resident. I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful group of individuals as I continue my training as a physician.” 

When asked to share her most memorable experience as a first-year resident, Dr. Jones replied, “I had so many memorable experiences, but what stands out most is the time I spent with my co-residents at retreats and conferences, during simulation sessions, and working together on rotations. I also appreciate the cross collaboration between specialties. Learning from this diverse group of faculty and trainees is what makes UCSF Fresno so unique.” 

As an example of this cross collaboration, Dr. Jones joined forces with residents and fellows from a variety of specialties to support the Sixth Annual UCSF Fresno Liver Expo, organized under the leadership of Marina Roytman, MD, UCSF clinical professor and director of the Hepatology Fellowship Program at UCSF Fresno. This free event for the community provides attendees with valuable information about liver health including free FibroScan assessments and hepatitis testing and exemplifies the vital role of dedicated medical professionals like Dr. Jones in community outreach and preventative care. 

When discussing her future aspirations, Dr. Jones said, “I hope to pursue a fellowship in Gastroenterology. I'm passionate about advocacy for the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) community and in the future, I would love to work with this patient population.” 

Dr. Jones is grateful to the supporters of the Eloise Thompson Award Fund. “Thank you for continuing to support residents in our journey to learn and care for patients,” she expressed. “Your kindness is another example of how this community strives to support one another.” 

We invite you to join us in fostering the growth of the next generation of outstanding physicians like Dr. Katherine Jones by making a gift to the Eloise Thompson Award Fund or to the UCSF Fresno fund of your choice.  

For additional information on how you can influence the future of medical education and health care in the San Joaquin Valley, please contact Kathleen Smith, UCSF Fresno associate director of development, at 559-499-6426 or [email protected]