A Message to My Patients and Community
After nearly four decades in medicine—and more than 30 years serving the Stowe community—I would like to share an important update.
Following my residency training in 1986, my wife Tamara and I moved to Stowe, where I founded Stowe Family Practice. What began as a small primary care office grew into a practice serving over 12,000 patients with a team of six providers. In 1999, I transitioned the practice to Copley Hospital, and it later became a federally qualified health center, now known as Lamoille Health Partners.
In 2013, I made the decision to step away and create a concierge practice, allowing me to return to a more personal and comprehensive approach to care. By limiting the size of my practice, I have been able to spend more time with each patient, focus on prevention, and remain accessible when you need me most. These past 13 years have been among the most rewarding of my career.
In 2026, I came full circle—returning to my original office at 1878 Mountain Road, where my journey in Stowe first began.
Looking Ahead
As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, I plan to retire at the end of 2026 to spend more time with my family and grandchildren.
One of my highest priorities has been ensuring continuity of care for my patients. I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Ilsley Colton, MD will be taking over the practice.
We will begin working together in Fall 2026 to allow for a thoughtful and seamless transition. My hope is that all patients will feel comfortable continuing their care with Dr. Colton beginning January 1, 2027.
Thank You
It has been a privilege to care for you and your families over the years. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the relationships we have built together.
I look forward to working alongside Dr. Colton in the coming months and ensuring that you continue to receive the attentive, personalized care you deserve.
David Bisbee MD
An Exciting Announcement for Stowe Personalized Medical Care Patients
I am pleased to announce that I have found a highly qualified Family Physician to take over Stowe Personalized Medical Care beginning January 1, 2027. Dr. Ilsley Colton, MD will be moving to Stowe this summer, and we will work together starting September 1, 2026, before he assumes full stewardship of the practice at the start of the new year — allowing me to retire with great confidence in the future of your care.
Dr. Colton is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with deep roots in Vermont. He earned both his medical degree and completed his residency at the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he was recognized with the Gold Star Award in Family Medicine and named Outstanding Resident in Surgery. He has spent the past several years practicing hospital medicine in Salt Lake City, specializing in the care of complex patients requiring hospitalization — an experience that has given him a broad, whole-person understanding of health across all stages of life. He is 44 years old, married to his wife Alexis, and together they have two daughters. Both he and Alexis have strong Vermont ties, and they are actively looking for a home in Stowe, where their girls will be starting at the Mountain Village School this fall.
Like this practice, Dr. Colton believes deeply in the doctor-patient relationship — in care that is unhurried, personal, and built on trust. He will be limiting his practice to adults, as I have done over the past 13 years, and will be available Monday through Friday for scheduled appointments, as well as 24/7 by phone for urgent and emergency needs. His practice will carry on the same model and values that have defined Stowe Personalized Medical Care since 2013. He is also excited about incorporating modern diagnostic tools and health technology into the existing practice.
Beginning in September, Dr. Colton will be available for “meet and greet” appointments so that patients can get to know him and determine if he is the right fit. He has agreed to accept all current SPMC patients and will also be welcoming new patients.
If you plan to continue as a patient with Dr. Colton beginning January 2027, please let us know so we can add you to his list. Please also return the enclosed questionnaire regarding your plans for when I retire.