Community Connect: Robin Birchfield, Celebrating 25 Years of Care and Connection at BMC
By Savannah Logan
When you talk to Robin Birchfield, one thing is immediately clear — her passion for people is the heartbeat of her career. This August marks an incredible 25 years at Bibb Medical Center, and over that time, Robin has worn many hats, made countless connections, and built a life deeply rooted in service to her community. From her early days as a National Health Service Corps scholar to her leadership in wellness initiatives, Robin’s story is one of heart, growth, and purpose.
How long have you been with BMC, and what originally drew you to this community and to the practice?
“This August will mark my 25th year at BMC. I was a National Health Service Corp Scholar and was committed to work in an underserved/rural area, so that is how I began working at Bibb Medical Center. After 2 years of service, I felt at home in this community and I never looked back.”
What has been the most rewarding part of serving patients and their families in a close-knit setting like this?
“I certainly have enjoyed working in this tight-knit community. I think it’s great that I know people here and what is going on in their lives.”
How has your role evolved over the years at BMC?
“One of the best things about working here over the years is that I have been able to serve in many different roles. I have always been a family nurse practitioner in primary care and urgent care but I have also worked in the acute care setting and long-term care setting as a nurse practitioner and as director of nursing.
What do you think makes BMC special compared to larger healthcare systems?
“This is one of the biggest differences between a larger facility and here. In a larger facility you are much more likely to work in a specialized area for years without much change but here you can work within several different settings within a day.”
What inspired your involvement with BMC Wellness?
“I began my own fitness journey as the wellness center was being built. I had the thought during the beginnings of COVID that this could be survival of the fittest and I wasn’t very fit. I decided to start a 6 weeks nutrition/resistance training program that changed my health. I was so excited to see the wellness center opening and the opportunity for so many others to feel better too.”
How would you describe the mission of BMC Wellness in your own words?
“My passion for fitness just flourished in such a wonderful facility. I am passionate about strength training. I teach classes for strength training and I am a personal trainer within the wellness center.”
How do you see the connection between physical and mental wellness in your work?
“I believe as you feel better, physically you naturally feel better mentally.”
What’s one small wellness habit you recommend to almost everyone?
“I would tell everyone to move more wherever you are in your journey, just move more. The wellness center logo is true – movement is medicine.”
What do you love most about living and working in a smaller community?
“I love working in an organization that I can walk into the cafeteria and know just about everyone, staff, visitors and perhaps their families.”
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
“Outside of work, I love being outside. I like to ride 4-wheelers, hike, boat, swim and sit by an outdoor fire.”
Who or what keeps you grounded during the busy seasons of life?
“My family keeps me grounded.”
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in healthcare, what would it be?
“I would say to anyone who is interested in healthcare you should really love people, that way it will be fulfilling.”
Whether she’s guiding a patient toward better health or leading a strength training class at the Wellness Center, Robin Birchfield brings compassion, energy, and experience to every role she steps into. After 25 years, her roots in this community run deep — and it’s clear that both BMC and the people it serves are better for it.
