Jessica Taylor, ACNP

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.

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.