News

Pardee honors Price as Physician of the Year

David Price is UNC Health Pardee's 2025 Physician of the Year

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 15, 2025

UNC Health Pardee honored Dr. David Price Friday night as Physician of the Year, citing his outstanding service, compassionate care and unwavering commitment to his patients and the broader community.

“It is my great honor to recognize an extraordinary individual who has gone above and beyond in the care of his patients and service to this community,” said Nicola Barksdale, senior vice president and market executive at First Citizens Bank, the evening’s Physician of the Year Sponsor, as she announced the award during the Foundation’s Spring Soiré.. “Dr. Price exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a physician — skillful, compassionate, and committed to making a difference in the lives of others.”

Each year, the Physician of the Year is selected through an extensive nomination process that invites community members, patients, and Pardee team members to share how a physician has made a meaningful impact on their lives. Finalists are then reviewed and voted on by their peers in the medical community.

"The Physician of the Year Award represents an opportunity for us to recognize and express our gratitude to the exceptional physicians within our community who consistently go above and beyond to deliver outstanding healthcare services," said Amy Treece, executive director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. "Dr. Price’s unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence have impacted the lives of individual patients and colleagues and contributed to advancing healthcare standards."

A native of Wetumpka, Alabama, Price grew up in a military family before pursuing a medical career. He earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed his residency in general surgery at Carraway Methodist Medical Center. Drawn to the problem-solving nature of surgery and a deep interest in human anatomy, Price joined Pardee UNC Health Care in 2005 and has been an integral part of the medical staff ever since.

He and his wife, Tonya, chose to settle in Hendersonville nearly two decades ago, drawn by the area’s quality of life and ideal setting to raise their daughters, who now attend the University of North Carolina and N.C. State University. Known for his calm and steady demeanor, Price is highly respected by colleagues and patients.

During the nomination process, patients described Dr. Price as: “Kind, compassionate, and really wants his patients informed and part of the process.” “Very smart, kind-hearted, good personality.” “A compassionate doctor who listens to the problems and needs of his patients.” “Perfectly amazing service.”

These sentiments reflect his clinical expertise and his gift for connecting with patients in ways that foster trust, clarity, and comfort. “He puts his patients first and makes sure to hear out his patients’ family members,” one patient wrote.

“I credit my wife for her unwavering support throughout my career,” Price said. “My success would not have been possible without her.” Price enjoys hiking, biking and spending time with his family in his free time. “These are all things that contribute to the work-life balance that I truly value at Pardee,” he said.

“Dr. Price has served not only his patients but this community as a whole,” Barksdale said. “We are grateful to have him as part of our healthcare family and proud to honor him as our 2025 Physician of the Year.”