Colin Bird, MD, FACS

I attended Duke School of Engineering on a soccer scholarship. I had the opportunity to play with some outstanding athletes. Part of my excitement about Novant Health Surgical Partners is, once again, I am blessed with an extremely talented and dedicated group of partners. \n I had no grand plan to become a doctor. I came to it by happenstance. As an undergraduate in biomedical engineering, I thought an MD/PhD would serve me best in my career. Early in my clinical years as a medical student while on a family medicine rotation in rural Virginia, I was offered the opportunity to assist the local general surgeon perform a cholecystectomy. That day I was hooked on surgery and never changed course. \n My path led me to a general surgery residency at Duke, followed by a surgical oncology fellowship at MD Anderson. I came to Asheville in 2000. Originally as chief of general surgery at the Oteen Veterans' Hospital, I later transitioned into solo private practice in Asheville. In 2004, I joined a general surgery group and eventually joined Novant Health in 2023. \n I believe that being a physician is a privilege. It is a privilege bestowed upon me by my patients. I feel this is especially true for a cancer surgeon like myself. Being entrusted with the care and well-being of my patient is a responsibility I take very seriously. Sometimes surgery is all that is needed for successful treatment. Other times surgery is part of a more comprehensive treatment plan. Occasionally surgery is not the right choice. Regardless of the treatment you receive, my goal is to provide you with the best quality of life for as long as possible. There is no one right or wrong answer to this question. It is a discussion with each patient to decide their treatment goals and decide whether surgery is the right choice for them.

When I was 13, a dear family friend suggested I pursue a career as a physician assistant after a PA diagnosed her six-year-old child with a type of congenital heart defect. At the time, I was just a teenage babysitter who respected this family and adored their child. Despite my young age, I think the mom saw me as a caregiver. \n That career suggestion took hold. Throughout high school, college, graduate school and additional residency training, I never lost sight of my dream. And now, more than 16 years into my career as a PA, it's still the right path for me. \n A professor in PA school - who was also a stellar role model - used to sign all her emails, Laughter is the best medicine. I've thought of that quote often over the years. I always enjoy bringing humor and joy to my interactions with patients - especially those being treated for cancer or preparing for (or recovering from) surgery. \n I have been part of one team or another for most of my life - first, in sports and now in healthcare. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach gives patients the best of our collective experience. \n Born and raised in Litchfield, Ohio, I grew up exploring our rural area with my younger brother. That freedom led me to develop a deep love for the outdoors. \n These days, my outdoor time is mostly spent in my suburban yard and garden - an ever-changing, bountiful slice of heaven, especially since my husband, Jason, and I have two young children running around and making mud pies and dirt soup. We love spending time together as a family, especially if we're traveling to visit immediate and extended family. \n I love creating things with my hands and reading - and wish there were more hours in the day for both. But running and rollerblading take up much of my free time (when I have it). I have completed several marathons, but now run for the feeling of freedom it gives me and for the many health benefits it offers.

I have always loved the sciences. As an undergraduate, I studied nutrition and exercise physiology. I spent several years working as an outdoor educator/guide. This gave me the opportunity to study wilderness medicine, which I found fascinating. \n After getting my emergency medical technician (EMT) license, I worked on an ambulance and in an emergency department. While working as an EMT, I noticed significant gaps in care. I wanted to help address this problem in my community, so I became a physician assistant. I chose surgical oncology as my specialty because I have several family members who have fought cancer, so I've seen firsthand how difficult it can be for the patient and their family members to navigate the healthcare system. \n I strive to treat each patient holistically. Cancer is not just a physical disease process; it's often emotionally and spiritually distressing. I take the time to ensure patients understand their treatment plan and feel comfortable with it. \n I spend most of my free time outside with my partner. We enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing and flyfishing. I also enjoy cooking and reading as a respite after a long day at the hospital or on the trails. We have a calico cat named Fiona, whom we adore - even though, at times, she terrorizes us.