FirstHealth of the Carolinas Inc.

09/16/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2021 08:08

Experienced Family Nurse Practitioner Joining FirstHealth Family Medicine in Vass

VASS, N.C. - An experienced family nurse practitioner has joined FirstHealth Family Medicine in Vass. Angela Walling, FNP-BC, is joining Janine Hepler, FNP-C, at the Vass clinic and will begin seeing patients Sept. 20.

Walling has spent almost 20 years serving patients in the Sandhills, most recently as a nurse practitioner at a local gynecology practice. She also previously worked at Pinehurst Surgical Clinic and FirstHealth of the Carolinas in Ellerbe.

'Returning to FirstHealth is a bit like coming full circle and coming home. FirstHealth taught me so much as a new grad and gave me a platform to grow my skills,' she said. 'I have watched FirstHealth become a more amazing organization over the years and have been very impressed with their forward-thinking approach to community health care.'

Walling earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University in 2002 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNC Chapel Hill in 1996.

Walling will serve as a family medicine provider in Vass while also offering some women's care services to her established family medicine patients. Walling said she wanted to pursue a career in medicine since she was young.

'I volunteered as a high school student with medical professionals, and I began my career after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing working in public health. When I decided to pursue my master's degree with a concentration in family practice, I wanted to cover the full scope of care,' she said.

Walling also noted that her focus on women's health in recent years is a 'complementary skill set for the family practice setting.' 'I can now bring more knowledge and skills to add to my broad scope of training into the community setting where I can serve more people and hopefully improve wellness and optimize health,' she said.

Outside of work, Walling enjoys spending time with her family, travel, group fitness classes and walks with her boxer, Theo.

To schedule an appointment with Walling at the Vass clinic, call 910-245-7678. The clinic is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.