Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

10/23/2026

This week, we’re celebrating the dedicated medical assistants at UNC Health Appalachian who play an essential role in delivering compassionate care and keeping our practices running smoothly. From assisting with clinical procedures and appointments to helping patients feel comfortable and supported, our MAs make a difference every day!

We’re also proud to invest in the growth and professional development of our team through the Medical Assistant Academy, led by our Clinical Educator, Hallie Donadio. This 22-week program combines online learning, interactive activities, and hands-on clinical skills training to prepare participants for the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.

And the results speak for themselves: Our Medical Assistant Academy has a 100% pass rate! 🎉

Thank you to our medical assistants for the important work you do, the compassion you show our patients, and the difference you make in our communities every day. We’re grateful to have you on our team! 💙

10/22/2026

💊💙 Happy Pharmacy Week!

This week, we’re celebrating the dedicated pharmacy teams at UNC Health Appalachian and the important role they play in delivering safe, effective, high-quality patient care every day!

We’re especially proud that Charlie Stewart, was recognized as the UNC Health Pharmacy Teammate of the Year! 🎉

From ensuring medications are safe and effective to collaborating with healthcare professionals to support the best possible patient outcomes, our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make a meaningful difference every day.

10/21/2026

😴 Waking up tired even after a full night in bed? Your sleep habits may be playing a role!

From sticking to a consistent sleep schedule to unplugging from electronics before bedtime, small changes can make a big difference in your sleep routine. 💤

Check out our blog for 5 tips to help you get a better night’s sleep and learn when it may be time to seek help for a possible sleep disorder.

🌙 Read more: 5 Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
If you’re struggling with sleep or feeling overly sleepy during the day, talk with your primary care provider. The Sleep Center at Watauga Medical Center offers sleep studies and at-home sleep testing. Call 828-266-1179 to learn more.

With a third of Americans feeling sleep deprived, the Sleep Center at Watauga Medical Center is sharing common symptoms of sleep deprivation and tips for getting better sleep.

10/20/2026

🩺 Flu season is here! Now is the perfect time to get your flu vaccine and help protect yourself and those around you.

UNC Health Appalachian offers convenient flu vaccine clinics at three locations:

📍 AppFamily in Boone
• Tuesdays: 8 a.m. – noon
• Wednesdays: 1 – 5 p.m.
📞 Call 828-386-2222 to schedule an appointment.

📍 AppInternal Medicine in Boone
• Mondays: All day
• Fridays: 1 – 5 p.m.
You do not have to be a patient to receive a flu shot!

📍 Baker Center for Primary Care in Linville
• Tuesdays: 8 a.m. – noon
• Fridays: 1 – 5 p.m.
📞 Call 828-737-7711 or schedule through MyUNCChart. You do not have to be a patient to receive a flu shot!

💙 Don't wait to prioritize your health this flu season. Get vaccinated and stay one step ahead!

10/19/2026

🎃👻 Join us for some Halloween fun! 🍬

Avery Healthcare Market and the Williams YMCA of Avery County are teaming up for a community Trick-or-Treat event on Thursday, October 22, from 6–8 p.m.!

Bring the family and enjoy an evening of Halloween fun in the Blackburn Gym, located behind Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital. We can’t wait to see you there! 🧡🕸️

10/16/2026

We are proud to have Dr. Beaver on our team and grateful for her continued advocacy for cancer patients throughout the High Country, particularly those navigating breast cancer. Her compassion, perspective and dedication make a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients and families we serve. 💗

10/15/2026

🌟Employee Spotlight🌟
on Sarah Zupcic, MBA
ARMA Quality Manager

For the past 6.5 years, Sarah Zupcic has been a part of the Appalachian Regional Medical Associates (ARMA) team. As Quality Manager, she works closely with our outpatient practices to identify opportunities for improvement and help ensure we deliver high-quality care and an exceptional patient experience.

From analyzing data and monitoring quality metrics to collaborating with clinic teams on closing care gaps and improving workflows, Sarah plays a key role in supporting continuous improvement across our practices.

“I work closely with clinic quality champions to integrate Primary Care Improvement Collaborative (PCIC) principles into daily workflows and foster a culture of continuous improvement,” Sarah shared.

Sarah says she “loves partnering with different clinics on a variety of projects and quality improvement initiatives. It is especially rewarding to see the time and effort invested in a measure or project lead to meaningful results and achievement of our goals. While I enjoy the work itself, the people I work alongside are what make my role special. UNC Health Appalachian is a great place to work, and I am thankful for the supportive team and colleagues who make each day rewarding.”

Sarah is a Boone native and proud graduate of Watauga High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Appalachian State University and her Master of Business Administration from UNC Wilmington.

She and her husband, Drake, who works at Appalachian State University, share their home with their beloved 6-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, Rey.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys cooking, baking, reading, gardening, playing volleyball, golfing and horseback riding. This year, she also began volunteering at a local therapeutic riding center, combining her love of horses with a meaningful way to give back to the community.

“I’ve always loved horses, and it is inspiring to witness the positive impact they can have on people’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being,” Sarah shared.

10/14/2026

Perimenopause doesn't always come with hot flashes. It can look like restless nights, brain fog, anxiety, mood changes, unexplained weight gain or simply feeling like you don't feel like yourself anymore.

Dr. Kacy Stille, gynecologist with Women's Health in Boone, shared what women need to know about this often-overlooked stage of life—and why you don't have to just tough it out.

💗 Learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatment options for perimenopause in this Health Talk.

Think brain fog, poor sleep, anxiety or weight gain are just aging? Learn the signs of perimenopause, treatment options, and when to talk to your provider.

10/13/2026

This week, we’re celebrating the dedicated Sterile Processing team members who play a vital role in keeping our patients safe. From carefully cleaning and sterilizing instruments to ensuring everything is ready for procedures, their attention to detail and commitment to quality help make exceptional patient care possible.

Although much of their work happens behind the scenes, their impact is felt throughout our health system every day.

10/12/2026

🤧 Flu season is here!

Feeling under the weather? AppInternal Medicine’s Same-Day Clinic in Boone or Baker Center for Primary Care's Same-Day Clinic in Linville can help you get the care you need without waiting for a traditional appointment.

Whether you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms or another unexpected illness, our Same-Day Clinics offer convenient, affordable care.

💙 The best part? You don’t have to be an established patient to be seen! Our Same-Day Clinics are available to help when you need care today.

📍 AppInternal Medicine | Boone
Call 828-386-2222 to learn more about same-day appointments and availability.

📍Baker Center for Primary Care | Linville
Call 828-737-7711 to learn more about same-day appointments and availability.

Or visit the link in the comments to schedule same-day appointments through MyUNCChart