Wilmington Health Associates

The largest medical practice in Wilmington, Wilmington Health Associates, was founded in July 1971 by two specialists and has grown ever since. Headquartered on Medical Center Drive near the New Hanover Regional Medical Center, the practice now has 10 locations.

One of the most medically underserved areas was Northern New Hanover County and Pender County, which have seen a dramatic surge in growth in the last several years. The homeowners there were delighted when Wilmington Health Associates opened a major satellite center at Porters Neck. That office serves the local citizenry as well as a large number of Hampstead residents who are grateful to have outstanding doctors much closer to where they live.

New Surgical Center At Porters Neck

A newly constructed, $6.6 million, 17,390-square-foot, same-day surgery center open in Porters Neck in 2008, the result of a partnership between New Hanover Regional Medical Center and a doctor’s group called Wilmington Physicians, ASC. Providing a health care option that's already becoming a statewide model for public and private medical partnerships, Atlantic Surgicenter features four spacious operating rooms, expansive pre- and post-operative care areas, state-of-the-art equipment and a relaxed, comfortable environment. The fully licensed, accredited center anticipates performing more than 7,000 surgical procedures in its first year in the following specialties: General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Ear, Nose & Throat, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Gynecology, Gastroenterology, and Pain Management.

An integral part of our health and medical care infrastructure are legions of freestanding clinics and medical offices of all descriptions and sizes. Rehabilitation, surgery, urgent care, orthopedic and specialty centers, teen health, diagnostic clinics, infusion therapy, public health, dialysis, and imaging are among the many support services. And, supporting the support services is another industry – retail businesses including pharmacies, opticians, prosthetic devices, surgical garments, home medical supplies, and so forth.

Alternative and complementary health care is widely available in coastal communities. You’ll easily find chiropractors, massage therapists, herbalists, acupuncturists, and others who practice Naturopathic Medicine, Chinese Medicine and biofeedback. Many businesses in our area focus on natural remedies, nutrition, holistic health, wellness, organically produced foods and healthy lifestyles. Wilmington even offers holistic veterinary services, chiropractic care and acupuncture. As an aside, in 1983, there were only 12 practicing chiropractic physicians in the Wilmington area; today that number is close to 100!

Dental Practices Triple

More than 60 dentists practiced in the Wilmington area in 1983, including general dentistry and specialists in public health dentistry, endodontia, periodontics, pedodontics, oral surgery and orthodontics. Twenty-five years later, the tri-county area boasts 178 in the same fields plus maxillofacial surgery, cosmetic and restorative dentistry.