Paul Ahearne, MD

I'm a Dallas native who's been fortunate to call Western North Carolina home for more than a decade. In 2014, I became Buncombe County's first board-certified colorectal surgeon. I've been blessed to have my community trust me to provide proctological care ever since. \n I take tremendous pride in managing conditions ranging from colorectal cancer to inflammatory bowel disease to benign anorectal disease and in treating them with advanced technology such as robotic surgery. I can also offer patients several choices when it comes to where they have surgery, as I have privileges at a few surgery centers in the area. \n I treat a wide variety of conditions, including diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, anal fistulas, and anal and colorectal cancers. \n When not in the office, I enjoy running, skiing with my wife and being an expert ball and frisbee thrower for my golden retriever.

As a surgeon, I have been trained to help people by excising and repairing. However, as a surgical oncologist, the most important part of my job is to determine whether surgery will actually help someone. This is often a balance of risk and benefits, and is different for every person who has their own goals and risk tolerance. Surgery is often a crucial component of an attempt to cure many cancers; however, we are sometimes able to offer surgery to prolong life or improve quality of life, even in the absence of cure. \n I have wanted to be a surgeon for as long as I can remember. My father is a surgeon, which certainly helped inspire and guide my career as a surgical oncologist. I love surgical oncology because I get to build a long-term relationship with a patient. Each patient also may present his or her own unique presentation for which I can work with other oncologic specialties and the most recently published data to come up with a specific treatment plan. \n I have training in complex malignancies, offer minimally invasive/robotic surgery, and value open communication and joint decision-making with my patients. I attend multiple regional tumor boards each week and national conferences yearly. \n I graduated magna cum laude from Purdue University's honors program with Phi Beta Kappa honors. I moved on to Northwestern University in Chicago where I served as administrative chief general surgery resident during my general surgery training there. After completing specialty fellowship training at University of Tennessee, I traveled to Asheville with my wife and three children, where we can hike, and I can fly-fish.

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.