Born in the desert southwest of the United States, Jonathan White grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With an introspective nature, he was always fascinated with human behavior and motivation. This led to his study of clinical psychology at the University of New Mexico where he graduated Cum Laude in Psychology with a minor in chemistry. After graduating he began work in the laboratory of Dr. Gary Rosenberg studying the in-vivo role of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in brain imaging. This experience deepened his interest in the physiological aspect of the brain and behavior and resulted in his acceptance to medical school at the University of New Mexico.

Upon acceptance to medical school, Dr. White was intent on studying psychiatry; however, an edifying third year of medical school rapidly demonstrated that his temperament and disposition made him more suited to the surgical subspecialties. Working with Dr. Edward Benzel, the Chairman of Neurosurgery, at the University of New Mexico, at that time, Dr. White quickly demonstrated an affinity for neurosurgery. Enamored with Dr. Benzel's boundless energy and his passion for teaching Jonathan aspired to complete a neurosurgery residency. Since no program yet existed at the University of New Mexico, with Dr. Benzel's help, he entered the training program at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. The training program at UT Southwestern turned out to be the ideal learning environment with a high clinical volume, a faculty of skilled surgeons who were eager to teach and of course the mentorship of Dr. Duke Samson. From Dr. Samson, Dr. White learned about the cognitive and technical skills of neurological surgery, but also saw the integrity, humility and selflessness that are required for true excellence. At the completion of his residency, Dr. White was invited to join the faculty of UT Southwestern and develop a career in vascular neurosurgery. While at UT Southwestern, Dr. White had the opportunity to study clinical outcomes of cerebrovascular disease some of which has been published in various peer reviewed publications and book chapters.

From these studies and from his clinical experience, Dr. White saw the promise of endovascular neurosurgery and six years after completing his residency he entered a three year fellowship in endovascular neurosurgery at UT Southwestern. The completion of this fellowship not only allowed him to expand his clinical practice but also provided opportunity to participate in the testing of novel endovascular devices. Next to his clinical work, Dr. White has been most rewarded by resident and medical student education. In 2006, he became program director of the UT Southwestern residency and he has worked hard to maintain the quality of the program through curriculum development, compliance and by fostering strong relationships between the faculty and residents. With the arrival of the new UT Southwestern Chairman, Dr. Hunt Batjer, Dr. White was exposed to neurosurgery leadership on a national level, eventually becoming a member of the Senior Society.