Dr. Colin Birch appointed to lead Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Alberta Health Services (AHS) Calgary Zone and the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Colin Birch, MD, as the new head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology effective Dec. 1, 2018.

He replaces Dr. Douglas Wilson, MD, who is returning to an academic role after leading the department for the past 10 years. Our sincerest thank you to Doug for outstanding leadership and service within the department.

Colin has worked in obstetrics and gynecology for more than 30 years, currently practicing at Foothills Medical Centre and as a visiting OB/GYN in Canmore. Prior to moving to Calgary he served as the regional chief of obstetrics in Timmins, Ont. He was recruited to Calgary for his skills in endoscopic surgery in 2000 before returning to London, U.K., for a fellowship in pelvic reconstructive surgery at St. Georges Hospital in 2001-2002.

Colin served as site chief for the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Foothills from 2005 to 2015 and regional head of gynecology for Calgary Health Region from 2007 to 2010. He was president of the Western Society of Pelvic Medicine from 2013-2018.

He has served as an examiner for the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada and currently chairs a Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada committee that provides opinions and analysis to society members on legal matters. His professional interests include new techniques in prolapse surgery, childbirth injury involving the pelvic floor and abnormal placentation. He has presented more than 100 times at national and international conferences and meetings.

Colin was born in England and graduated from medical school in Newcastle upon Tyne. He completed a general surgical residency in London and obstetrics and gynecology residency in St. John’s, N.L.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Birch on his new leadership role with AHS and the CSM.

Jon Meddings, MD
Dean, Cumming School of Medicine   
University of Calgary

Sid Viner, MD
Calgary Zone Medical Director
Alberta Health Services