It wasn’t a surprise to his family when Jason Peary Bridges, MD, decided to become a physician. His grandfather was one of the first Black doctors in Mississippi. His mother is also a doctor, and so is her brother. His father’s brother is also a doctor, which is how his parents met.
“It’s not that I didn’t have a choice, but the path was laid out for me pretty nicely,” Dr. Bridges says.
It was one of those uncles who suggested Dr. Bridges consider a career in urology—a choice that became personal, as his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer six years ago.
“I was very involved in his care, so it’s one of those things that’s really near and dear to me,” Dr. Bridges says. “Now in my practice, I treat patients as if they were a family member. I want to take the best care possible of each patient so that their family doesn’t have to go through what my family went through.”
Local Care That Makes a Difference
After a stint in Baton Rouge, Dr. Bridges joined Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Urology in Gonzales in March 2021. A graduate of Rice University, Dr. Bridges attended the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Mississippi, where he also completed his residency in urology.
“In my practice I specialize in minimally invasive robotic surgery for prostate cancer, kidney cancer and urinary system problems,” says Dr. Bridges, who is Board Certified by the American Board of Urology. “Generally, this leads to better outcomes and quicker recovery times. Some of my patients don’t even need pain medication afterwards.”
Minimally invasive robotic surgery is especially effective for treating prostate cancer, often reducing incontinence and improving sexual function compared with open prostatectomies. Dr. Bridges says most of his patients can leave the hospital after one night.
A Focus Beyond Surgery
Unlike many surgeons, Dr. Bridges provides comprehensive urological care.
“I perform robotic surgery, but I also take care of the complications from that surgery,” Dr. Bridges says. “I’m your guy from the beginning to the end.”
From his perspective, this comprehensive care creates a better experience for patients—Dr. Bridges can be the patient’s advocate throughout the process.
“So many of my patients are otherwise healthy men in their 40s or 50s, and cancer is the last thing on their minds,” Dr. Bridges says. “And while I hate having to break that news to them, I do find joy in being able to tell them, ‘Look, I know I found cancer, but fast forward a year from now, and we will be high-fiving and talking about LeBron James, because the cancer is cured and gone and you’re not worried about it anymore.’ Ninety percent of the time patients are leaving my room with a smile on their face, even though I just told them they have cancer. I truly value the relationships I make with my patients.”
Must Love Travel, Dogs and Sports
A former college basketball player, Dr. Bridges doesn’t have time these days for pick-up games. But his love of sports means he has season tickets to the New Orleans Pelicans and the New Orleans Saints.
At 6 ft. 7 in., Dr. Bridges still looks like a basketball player, making his devotion to his small Yorkie a bit of a surprise when he’s walking around town. When he’s not working, Dr. Bridges is off to parts unknown.
“Good luck keeping up with me because I am almost always traveling,” Dr. Bridges says. “I love working, but then it’s time to play. Work hard, play hard, that’s my motto.”
In the rest of his spare time, Dr. Bridges enjoys reading about astrophysics and astronomy.
