Catherine Kirby Tanner Kurtz, MD, FACOG

Dr. Kurtz strives to give her patients the best care possible.  She is passionate about helping women be their best selves.  She enjoys all aspects of General Obstetrics and Gynecology; from discussions regarding birth control options to technical minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries.

Dr. Kurtz considers her job a privilege. She believes in taking care of patients the way she would want her family to be cared for. Dr. Kurtz has three young children and a wonderful husband.

Request An Appointment Call 828-258-9191

Qualifications

Education and Training

  • University of Virginia: Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2014
  • University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine: MD, 2010
  • University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: BS, 2005

Work Experience

Asheville Women’s Medical Center 2014 – Present

Professional Organizations

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Board Eligible
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Junior Member

Community / Volunteer Activities

Attends All Souls Episcopal Church

Find out more about Dr. Kurtz

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Genuine, Compassionate, Capable

What was your first job?

Summer Nanny for a family of 4 girls under 5.  I was 14.

Who/what inspires you?

I have had the pleasure of working with exquisitely talented, compassionate physicians who manage to be phenomenal with their patients, supportive of their colleagues, leaders in their community and still have the ability to meet the needs of their families.  Most of these physicians admit that it’s tough, but they somehow do all of these things while still taking care of themselves.  I am inspired by these women and men, and I strive to be the best I can be with all the roles that I choose to take.  I often find myself saying, What would Dr. James (or Kent or Jeffries or Herbert or Buys or, gosh–too many to name here) do?

What do you never leave home without?

iPhone and WetWipes

What would you do if you had 2 free hours?

Go hiking with my husband and children

Why did you choose to specialize in Ob/Gyn?

It is a pleasure to take care of other women.  I enjoy working in the office and operating when necessary.  Ob/Gyn is a vast field that allows me to stay busy, challenged and interested.  I enjoy helping a woman choose the  right birth control for her needs as much as I enjoy removing a painful ovarian cyst in the operating room or delivering a baby on labor and delivery.  I can see a woman in consultation for an isolated surgical problem or I can help manage chronic conditions alongside their primary care physician.  I often help with mental health issues and I enjoy guiding women as they find the best help for them, whether it is therapy, medication or simple self care techniques.  It is a privilege to care for women and to be trusted to help with such confidential and complex information and emotions.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I am a Black Belt in Japanese Shotokan Karate– few people know this, but now the whole internet does!

What is the best advice anyone has given you?

Remember the golden rule– Treat everyone as you would want to be treated.

Choose your priorities and make them your priorities.  Forget about the rest of the things, and don’t feel guilty.  You can’t do everything well.  (I have chosen to make cleaning my last priority!)

What is your favorite animal?

Puppies

What do you like about living in Asheville?

Mountains, people, family.  I love being outside, especially with my family.  Asheville is close to everything, and we can be in Pisgah or DuPont with little effort.  We can finish a day at a brewery and a food truck with the kids, or (rarely) we can get a sitter and my husband and I can go mountain biking together in Bent Creek.  I am originally from Rutherfordton, and my parents are still there.  Living in Asheville keeps me close to my roots and allows my children to see their grandparents regularly.  We feel so lucky to be here.

What was your favorite subject in school?

Math and Biology… but oh how I loved Math!

Do you have a life motto?

The Golden Rule– Treat everyone as you would want to be treated.

What is on your “bucket list”?

Travel with my husband.  We would love to go to Iceland or Asia together.

What would your profession be if you weren’t a physician?

Teacher, likely high school.

What music are you listening to now?

Leon Bridges, Bon Iver, Chris Stapleton, Sinatra, Sturgill Simpson – this is the home playlist.

Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Macklemore when I’m on a run.  I’m a sucker for that pop music when I’m sweating.

What is your favorite thing to eat?

Pasta, any kind of pasta!

Name one personal goal.

Be the kind of person I would want to be friends with… and find time to do the things I loved before residency and children… climbing, kayaking, travelling and generally being out of doors.