Jon Kolkin, M.D.

Dr. Jon Kolkin is an orthopedic surgeon and fine art photographer whose dual careers in medicine and photography have informed one another throughout his life. Kolkin attended Emory University and Emory University School of Medicine, completing his residency in general surgery and orthopedic surgery, with a specialization in hand and forearm conditions. He practices orthopedic surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina, with nearly five decades of experience. Kolkin was introduced to photography as a child in his father's darkroom and later became a clarinetist who toured Europe with the National Youth Symphony. While completing his medical residency, he continued to pursue photography, taking courses at night.

Kolkin is recognized internationally for his work as a fine art photographer, physician, educator, humanitarian, and speaker. He is known for a minimalist photographic style that emphasizes clarity and often incorporates socially relevant themes. His photographic series, including "Tide Pool," "Seeking Wisdom," "Feathers," "Equilibrium," and "Dreamscape," reflect a commitment to art that encourages introspection and dialogue.

Kolkin's book, "Inner Harmony: Living in Balance," is a collection developed over seventeen visits to Asia, covering ten countries. The book features forewords by the Dalai Lama and the Queen Mother of Bhutan and has received a Gold Medal at the Tokyo International Foto Awards for Best Photography Book by a Professional in the People category, as well as a Silver Medal at the International Photography Awards for Best Photography Book by a Professional in the Documentary category. Kolkin's photography has been exhibited in more than 20 museums and galleries in the United States and internationally, and he has received 20 international photography awards.

The "Inner Harmony" series debuted internationally at the Dalai Lama's World Headquarters and was later exhibited at the IIC in Delhi and the SLU Museum of Art in the United States. Kolkin served as co-chair of the "Fostering Universal Ethics & Compassion Summit," which brought museum leaders from the United States to India for a private audience with the Dalai Lama. He also co-chaired the international traveling exhibition "Shades of Compassion" and collaborated on the documentary film "Man of Compassion: Stories of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama" in partnership with the Office of Tibet, Washington, D.C.

Kolkin is the only professional photographer from the Southeastern United States to serve on the faculty of both Santa Fe and Maine Media Workshops. He is a trained health coach and is recognized as a guest speaker and educator on topics related to wisdom, creativity, and achieving balance in life. Kolkin uses his art to facilitate discussions about living a balanced and enriching life, with presentations that highlight practical approaches to professional achievement and personal well-being. His perspective, shaped by experience in both the operating room and the darkroom, positions him as a voice on creativity, compassion, and the intersection of art and medicine.