From a young age, Dr. Colin Knight knew he wanted to help others. In order to pursue this goal, Colin Knight attended Yale University where he graduated in 1991 with a B.S. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. That same year, Dr. Colin Knight went on to obtain his M.D. from the University of Virginia, from which he graduated in 1995. Shortly after completing an internship at the University, Dr. Colin Knight devoted four years to the United States Air Force, serving as a Flight Surgeon.
Following his discharge in 2000, Dr. Colin Knight moved on to a residency with Allegheny General Hospital in the area of General Surgery. During this time, Colin Knight contributed research and studies to the field, particularly as it relates to AI, robots, and pediatric surgery. Once this residency concluded, Dr. Colin Knight proceeded, he relocated to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan where he specialized in pediatric surgery.
Since obtaining his certifications in 2006 and 2008 for general surgery and pediatric surgery respectively, Dr. Colin Knight has been passionate about educating those in his communities on relevant issues and promoting general wellness. He regularly supports events and organizations that promote healthier lifestyles for children, and he is also responsible for teaching new medical students, surgery residents, and members of the community. Colin Knight takes pride in the fact that he is considered a reliable expert in his field, and is doubly proud of his children, who he has raised to grow and become reliable, independent individuals.
Through his various experience in the military, the medical field, and the community, Dr. Colin Knight has fostered a number of positive, productive skills that benefit him in every situation. From effective communication skills to organizational leadership, Colin Knight has acquired and developed a number of skills to serve him and his patients every day.
Dr. Colin Knight has already contributed so much to the medical industry. What further advancements he guides into action remain to be seen.
Interview with Dr. Colin Knight
| What’s the most important thing we should know about you? Dr. Colin Knight: People often ask me, “what do you do?” I generally respond, “many things.” I believe people are more than how they make a living. I make my living as a surgeon, but I’m also paid as a consultant and photographer. Of all my activities, though, my most important is being an effective father. When I studied human behavior in medical school, the professor taught me that a parent’s role is to raise happy, independent adults. That’s my main goal these days: to raise my sons to be happy, independent adults. Name the most impactful lesson you learned from failure. Dr. Colin Knight: I was not a great medical student. I learn best by doing. And I’m best at learning concepts, not lists of facts. Unfortunately, much of medical school is based on regurgitating lists of facts. So when the end of medical school came around, I found out I was one of the small group of students who had not “matched” into a post-graduate training spot. Fortunately, I was able to stay at my medical school, the University of Virginia for a surgical internship. UVA was (and is) among the most reputed surgical training programs in the country. As internship started, I soon discovered that I was a much better doctor than medical student. In fact, as the year wore on, one of the interns decided to leave surgery for another specialty, and I was offered the surgical training spot. I owed four years to the USAF since they paid for my medical schooling, so I was unable to accept the offer. Four years later, coming out of the USAF, I discovered I was in demand as I sought out a spot to continue my surgical training. This led me on the path to my current specialty, pediatric surgery. What did I learn? I learned that despite failing as the primary task of a medical student, gaining a residency training spot, by pushing forward I was able to accomplish things I never would have believed possible for myself including training in one of the most competitive surgical specialties. What accomplishment are you most proud of? Dr. Colin Knight: Ignoring professional achievements and how great my sons have become, I am proud that I started, ran, and grew the major annual fundraiser for a local charity over a span of six years. What did you waste the most time on when you were first starting your career? Dr. Colin Knight: I don’t think being a surgical intern in the era of every-other-night call allowed one to waste time. There was too much work and too little time. Name a tool you use for work that you can’t live without. Dr. Colin Knight: The groove director. It’s an instrument that is like a stainless steel Mickey Mouse head on a stick. I use it to close the umbilical incision in every laparoscopic case I do. And the vast majority of my operations are laparoscopic. What is your favorite hobby and why? Dr. Colin Knight: Cooking. By cooking I can explore the world without leaving my kitchen and make my loved ones smile when I fill their bellies with great cuisine. What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Dr. Colin Knight: In terms of personal danger, probably joining the USAF and spending four years in military aviation. Name one small habit that positively impacts your productivity. Dr. Colin Knight: Never going to sleep until that day’s to-do list is entirely checked off. Do you value intelligence or common sense more? Why? Dr. Colin Knight: I don’t think they are different, however I think some intelligent people can overthink things making it seem like they don’t have common sense. What would you consider to be the perfect day? Dr. Colin Knight: Every day I’m alive. |
