Ioanna Mazotas, MD

I always wanted a career in medicine and started as an RN in acute care oncology. I loved connecting with patients and making an impact on their lives. \n After 11 years in oncology, I had the opportunity to specialize as a gastrointestinal (GI) cancer nurse navigator and work closely with the surgical team. I was instantly hooked and fascinated by the GI system and the surgical interventions used to address GI issues. I pursued my acute care nurse practitioner degree and knew I wanted to continue focusing on the GI system and surgery. \n My approach to healthcare has always been to treat the person - not just the problem. Each patient is an individual with needs and goals. It is my job to collaborate with each patient and help create a treatment plan that not only delivers excellent outcomes, but targets what my patient feels is important in their healthcare. \n I am board-certified in acute care for the adult and geriatric populations and certified as a surgical first assistant, meaning I have specialty training that allows me to assist in the operating room. \n Today, I have two decades of experience as an acute care RN and nurse practitioner with a focus on acute care oncology, gastrointestinal malignancy and colorectal surgery. \n I am proud to have been born and raised in the Asheville, North Carolina, area. I have a wonderful husband and an amazing son who plays competitive baseball. So, we spend lots of time on the baseball field. When I'm not working or on the ball field, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking and spending time with friends. As a family, we love to travel and explore new places.

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.

I'm a board-certified, fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon with a specialty of diagnosing, treating and managing benign conditions and malignant diseases of the colon and rectum. I'm the only female colorectal surgeon in Western North Carolina. \n For some patients, colorectal issues may be personal or embarrassing. It is my goal to put patients at ease and guide them through treatment with as little discomfort as possible. \n I completed a general surgery residency along with a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at the University of South Florida. In my last year of residency, I was honored to serve as administrative chief resident. \n I stay up to date on the latest traditional and minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgical procedures. I have expertise in not just colon, rectal and anal cancers, but also in complicated diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease and anorectal pathology. \n In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, traveling and exploring Western North Carolina - my adopted home and the place I'm happy to be raising my three children. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community by providing care in a specialty that's under-represented in our region.