Brett Gordon, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant serving patients at Avance Psychiatry and Pain Management in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Brett began his medical career as a paramedic after graduating from Thomas Jefferson University’s emergency medicine program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A challenging emergency response led him to question how compassionate people can witness such difficult situations without being deeply affected, sparking his interest in mental health.
Brett’s passion for healthcare was ignited when he witnessed a paramedic save a man who had a heart attack while at work. Brett later earned a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland and returned to the medical field a decade later, earning his Physician Assistant degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Since 2003, Brett has been practicing as a PA, starting in surgery, and has spoken at many surgeon-led conferences across the U.S., often focusing on laparoscopic surgery. He also represented the DaVinci robotic surgical system at numerous events.
With a strong surgical background, Brett naturally found his place in the operating room, practicing for several years, mostly in the Triangle area. He also worked in emergency medicine, where he dealt with both physical and mental health trauma. After injuring his back, Brett transitioned to a career as a professor and mental health care provider. Known for his friendly and humorous nature, Brett is also serious when it comes to his work.
However, he’s lived in North Carolina for almost 20 years and considers it home. Brett is a big sports fan, supporting all Philadelphia teams, and plans to buy season tickets for the Carolina Hurricanes when he returns to the Triangle. He even enjoys rooting against a local team. Brett has a passion for golf, which originally brought him to Pinehurst, and stays active with sports like slow-pitch softball, racquetball, and pickleball. Though he once played college-level baseball, he now prefers these more relaxed activities. Brett also enjoys photography and appreciates the brilliant artwork created by his wife, Melissa. In his free time, Brett loves spending time by the water with Melissa, traveling, and exploring art and music. His eclectic taste in music often surprises his younger patients. Brett is always ready to help his patients and is most proud of the positive impact he’s had on their lives over the years
