Ever since his teenage years, Dr. Jonah Fox has been interested in how the brain works. After initially considering a career in psychiatry, he discovered that neurology captured his interests. His sense of responsibility towards his patients keeps him motivated, both in his clinical and research duties. During his free time, Dr. Fox enjoys spending time with his family, exploring Nashville’s many kid-friendly hangout spots.
Tell us about your background and how your path led to Vanderbilt.
I was born in Vancouver, Canada, where I lived until I went to get my bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Victoria in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. I then went to medical school at Tel Aviv University in Israel. I was then at the Medical University of South Carolina for neurology residency for four years, followed by two years of epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology fellowships at VUMC. I then joined the faculty here after I finished my fellowship.
How did your path lead to neurology, and ultimately epilepsy?
Since I was a teenager, I was interested in how the brain works to generate our experience of the world. At that time, I was reading a lot of books about psychology and philosophy as well as literature inspired by these topics. I initially wanted to be a psychiatrist but then during medical school I found that I enjoyed internal medicine. Ultimately, I found that neurology captured elements of both that I found interesting and even more so epilepsy.
Were there any particular books or authors that sparked your interest? What about epilepsy seemed to tie your interests together?
Oliver Sacks, whose writing covers very interesting and unusual neurological conditions, was a particular inspiration. Intuitively I thought neurology would be a good fit, then my neurology rotation during medical school confirmed that.
In epilepsy there’s a lot of emphasis on what happens during a seizure and how it ties into neuroanatomy. We also tie in pharmacology and the different seizure medicines we use, all of which combines my interest in the brain and medicine.
Are you involved in any research? If so, what does that entail?
Yes, I do clinical research with particular emphasis on anti-seizure medications, the psychiatric manifestations of epilepsy, and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. I have authored over 20 peer reviewed publications and serve on the Scientific Program Committee of the American Epilepsy Society. I also serve as a peer reviewer for journals including Epilepsia, Epilepsy & Behavior, European Journal of Neurology and Epilepsy Research.
What keeps you motivated in your career? Who have been some important mentors for you?
I take it as my moral duty to do everything in my power to help my patients. It is a matter of personal responsibility that my patients do as well as possible. I am also passionate about my field and love to learn everything I can. Dr. Abou-Khalil who is a professor of neurology here has been an important mentor for me.
What’s one thing you wish everybody knew about VUMC?
The incredible collegial culture at VUMC is what drew me here and motivated me to stay. Nashville is a great place to raise a family as well.
What are some of your favorite restaurants, parks, or other Nashville haunts?
Family activities like the zoo or Adventure Science Center, Cheekwood, parks. Usually kid-based stuff.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
During my spare time I like to exercise four days a week, read fiction and non-fiction, compose music and play guitar as well as to spend time with my family. I like to go to a few concerts a year if I can, and I love hard rock.
What are you currently reading?
Right now I’m reading Dune, but in general I enjoy science fiction, history, and classic literature.
Do you and your family like to travel?
We recently went on a cruise which was a great family vacation. We plan to do another one. We’ve gone a couple times to Gatlinburg. We also often go to visit family in different places.
