ABOUT US

About Carolina Acute Care & Wellness Center

We are more than a clinic. We are your center of health. We strive to make a difference by providing consistent care from local clinicians you know and trust. Our staff has over 65 years of combined experience in Emergency Medicine. We know and care about the health of the community because we are your neighbors!
Our aim is to deliver visionary healthcare with short waits, personalized care and comprehensive service, all in an environment that is less hectic & more convenient than emergency room care.
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More than just a clinic

Our Story

We were inspired to create Carolina Acute Care & Wellness Center, P.A. after decades of community service within the medical community. 

We recognize our region has incredible health challenges. 

We share your concern that across the nation, healthcare is changing as corporate interests overshadow personalized care.

Hometown clinicians are disappearing in rural communities. Health disparities are rising.

But personalized care from people you know & trust should not be a thing of the past.
That is why we are passionate about improving the health of our community. Our mission is to change the way you experience healthcare.

We believe in the idea that your health care provider is also your neighbor & friend. 

We believe in quality care through the latest evidence-based practice.

So, we created a place grounded in the personalized care you want with visionary care you need.

Carolina Acute Care & Wellness Center, P.A. is more than a clinic.  We are your Center of Health.
Phillip Stephens, DHSc, PA-C

Phillip Stephens, DHSc, PA-C

Phillip Stephens, DHSc, PA-C earned his Doctorate of Health Science (DHSc) from A.T. Still University and graduated from the Physician Assistant (PA-C) program at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. He has worked as an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant for 30 years.

He is co-author of the emergency medicine reference textbook, “Emergency Medicine: The Inside Edge” published by Wolters Kluwer and contributed to national publications such as Emergency Medicine News, The American Journal of Nursing and the KevinMD Blog.

As Adjunct professor at A.T. Still University, he teaches courses in Evidence Based Medicine, Research Methodology & Population Health. He has also designed and teaches a course in Innovative Healthcare Technology for the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences School of Healthcare Business. He served as Assistant Professor for Campbell University School of Medicine Emergency Medicine Residency Program.

He has an interest in the latest evidence based medical care & has extensive experience with cosmetic closure of traumatic wounds. During the early part of his career in Emergency Medicine, Stephens worked part-time in pediatrics. He has certificates of specialized training in Botulin Toxin & Dermal Filler administration.

Appointed to the NC Boxing & Combat Sports Commission by the NC Legislature where he serves as a Commissioner, Stephens is a martial artist with two World Championship titles and author of “Winning Fights: 12 Proven Principles for Winning on the Street, in the Ring, at Life” published by YMAA Publication Center. His author site can be found at: www.PhillipMStephens.com

He is author of the Christian Fiction book, “The Fifth Dimension” and a member of Sigma Xi - The Scientific Research Honor Society. Stephens has an interest in research & development of AI / Large Language Models for advanced medical decision making & education while working with the developers of this technology to pursue advancements in care.

Gina Stephens, DNP, FNP-BC

Gina Stephens, DNP, FNP-BC earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Alabama and graduated from the Nurse Practitioner Program at Duke University. She has worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Family Practice & Emergency Medicine for 30 years and formerly worked for Duke Life Flight/Life Care.

She is the co-author of the emergency medicine reference textbook, “Emergency Medicine: The Inside Edge” and is published in the Journal of Nursing Staff Development.

She has served as adjunct professor at several universities including UNC-Pembroke and the University of Phoenix. Stephens has also supervised a Cardiac Decision Unit.

She has particular interest in medically monitored weight loss programs and aesthetic medicine holding certificates of specialized training in Botulin Toxin & Dermal Filler administration. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, NC Nurses Association, The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Aesthetic Medicine & Wellness for RN’s, PA’s, LE’s Group and the Obesity Medicine Association.
Gina Stephens, DNP, FNP-BC
Matthew Stephens, MMS, PA-C

Matthew Stephens, MMS, PA-C

Matthew Stephens, MMS, PA-C is a graduate of Methodist University Physician Assistant program with a Masters of Health Science. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in Biology from UNC-Pembroke as an undergraduate. He has experience in Emergency Medicine working in one of the top ten busiest ER’s in the state caring for a variety of high acuity patients. He began his career in medicine as an emergency medical technician volunteering for rescue services. Former Gen 8 Top 500 ORAS UU, RU, and 1v1 Tier.

As a former martial arts competitor, he has an interest in physical fitness and weight training and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

James Michael (Mike) Cox, MS, PA-C

Mike Cox, MS-PAS, PA-C is a graduate of the New York Institute of Technology Physician Assistant program with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. He has a BS degree in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University and an AS degree in Emergency Medical Science from Fayetteville Technical Community College. He was a National Health Service Corps scholar and has provided health care for the underserved in Robeson and Scotland County rural health centers for the past 10 years. He is experienced in providing family medicine for a diverse patient population, including all age groups from pediatrics to geriatrics.

Mike has a special interest in providing health care to emergency responders and veterans. He is a retired Fire Chief from the City of Lumberton Fire Department where he also served as a firefighter-paramedic, HazMat responder, and a confined space special rescue technician. He was a state certified firefighter, level II fire service instructor, and holds the National Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD.

Mike is a current member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, North Carolina Association of Physician Assistants, and South Carolina Association of Physician Assistants. He is also a United States Navy Veteran and served aboard the USS Voge FF1047.
Gina Stephens, DNP, FNP-BC

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