MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center) is an integral part of our Western North Carolina community, and is a critical resource for both providing and improving healthcare in the mountain region. We are the safety net provider for Western North Carolina, which provides us with a robust patient volume. Our mission is to provide specialized obstetric and gynecologic care to the women of Western North Carolina through compassionate, patient-centered services and comprehensive education of healthcare providers. We provide this care to the most vulnerable and underserved population in the region.
The residency experience at MAHEC is unique because our program is really a hybrid program that offers many of the opportunities of large academic centers within the supportive setting of a small community-based program. MAHEC is a patient-centered healthcare provider that delivers care using an interprofessional team-based approach that incorporates maternal-fetal medicine specialists, obstetrician-gynecologists, certified nurse midwives, doulas, behavioral health providers, addiction specialists, clinical pharmacists, and registered dietitians. Additionally, we participate in innovative community-centered programs that improve health equity and maternal and infant birth outcomes including Centering Pregnancy and the Mothering Asheville movement.
Our residents train at a Baby-Friendly designated hospital where over 4,000 deliveries and 40,000 surgeries are performed each year—more than any other hospital in North Carolina. MAHEC's maternal-fetal medicine specialists are the primary providers of high-risk obstetrics for the region and expose trainees to the full spectrum of obstetrical and neonatal care. Gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, reproductive endocrinology, vulvar, and rural women's health specialists provide extensive training in gynecology, and our connections around the world provide opportunities for international training.
Our program offers regular simulation training in our state-of-the-art Simulation Center as part of our regular didactic schedule in our comprehensive curriculum. At least 20% of our didactic time is spent performing simulations with most of the faculty trained in simulation instruction. All of our didactics are formatted for adult learners, and we continually seek new and innovative ways to teach, train, and prepare our residents.
While all residents at MAHEC are trained in medical research, those interested in an academic career have the opportunity to receive extensive training and support as they design and implement their own research plan with the support of the Department of Program Evaluation and Research at UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC. Many resident research projects lead to changes in our clinical practice. This serves as a testimony to how much we value resident research and also how MAHEC continually positions itself on the cutting edge of patient care and resident education. All MAHEC faculty are fully committed to teaching and are trained on how to educate adult learners. Many have UNC School of Medicine appointments.
Our program is a proud participant of the Right Resident, Right Program, Ready Day One (RRR) initiative of APGO (Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology). Our GME staff and residency leadership has actively participated on committees in this effort to support medical school students’ transition from Undergraduate Medical Education into Graduate Medical Education. MAHEC will be a proud participant this coming year (as we were last year) following the guidelines from RRR. We will continue to provide all of our interviews in a virtual platform based on the guidance from RRR. We aim to provide a robust, engaging exposure to MAHEC and its culture via this website.
As a graduate of the MAHEC Ob/Gyn Residency program, I am extremely proud of our program and am dedicated to helping continue our vision - to train competent, compassionate, well-rounded physicians who are capable of managing patients within the breath and scope of a generalist Ob/Gyn. Our program offers a unique residency experience with opportunities for international training and medical research, provided by faculty fully committed to resident education. We also have opportunities for rural training within our region. Our residents learn within a supportive, community-based, and highly advanced healthcare system. Whether in the classroom, simulation center, operating room or delivery room, our residents receive top notch learning opportunities, while providing the very best in healthcare to the people of Western North Carolina.
Thank you for your interest in our program!
Sincerely,
Lauren Knowlson, MD, FACOG
Ob/Gyn Residency Program Director
Katherine Grette, MD Ob/Gyn Generalist
Ob/Gyn Residency Program Assistant Director
Taryn Smith Ob/Gyn Residency Program Administrator
MFM Fellowship Program Coordinator obgynrp@mahec.net
Marketa McAfee, MA Ob/Gyn Residency & MFM Fellowship Program Coordinator obgynrp@mahec.net
4th Year Medical Student Rotations
MAHEC offers a variety of student rotations in Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Surgery, Rural Medicine, and Psychiatry for both in-state and out-of-state students interested in our residency programs. Learn more about our 4th year medical student rotations
Values Statement
Excellence: We deliver quality activities and services that our customers and partners value.
Culture: We promote equity and inclusivity.
Integrity: We act with fairness, transparency, and the highest level of ethics.
Collaboration: We value partnerships and support interprofessional approaches.
Improvement: We continuously innovate and improve our work.
Foundational Principles
Civility: We treat all people with respect and kindness, all the time.
Inclusivity: We value the contribution of people different than ourselves and the merits of an organization that reflects differences in our teams and our community.
Empowerment: We value engagement, commitment, and ownership of MAHEC’s mission, work, and budget.
Our Commitment
MAHEC is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive place to work, learn, and receive care. MAHEC does not discriminate on the basis of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, spiritual practice, geography, disability, or age.
Block Schedule
Rotation blocks are 4 weeks. First year OB rotation includes 1 week of nights and 3 weeks of days.
First Year Rotation Block Schedule
Block
Resident 1
Resident 2
Resident 3
Resident 4
1
GYN
OB NF | OB DAYS
OP
ONC
2
OB NF | OB DAYS
OP
ONC
GYN
3
OP
ONC
GYN
ON NF | OB DAYS
4
ONC
GYN
OB NF | OB DAYS
OP
5
OP
OB NF | OB DAYS
ONC
GYN
6
ONC
OP
GYN
OB NF | OB DAYS
7
OB NF | OB DAYS
ONC
OP
GYN
8
GYN
OP
ONC
OB NF | OB DAYS
9
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
OP
ONC
10
OP
ONC
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
11
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
ONC
OP
12
ONC
OP
GYN
OB NF | OB DAYS
13
GYN
OB
OP
ONC
Second Year Rotation Block Schedule
Block
Resident 1
Resident 2
Resident 3
Resident 4
1
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
OB DAYS | OB NF
OP
2
OP
OB DAYS | OB NF
GYN | GYN
OB NF | OB DAYS
3
OB NF | OB DAYS
OP
OB DAYS | OB NF
GYN
4
GYN
OB DAYS | OB NF
OP
OB NF | OB DAYS
5
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
OB DAYS | OB NF
OP
6
OP
OB DAYS | OB NF
GYN
OB NF | OB DAYS
7
GYN
OP
MFM
ONC
8
OB DAYS | OB NF
MFM
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
9
GYN
OB NF | OB DAYS
MFM
OB DAYS | OB NF
10
OB DAYS | OB NF
MFM
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
11
GYN
OB DAYS | OB NF
MFM
OB NF | OB DAYS
12
OB DAYS | OB NF
GYN
OB NF | OB DAYS
MFM
13
MFM
OB DAYS | OB NF
GYN
OB NF | OB DAYS
Third Year Rotation Block Schedule
Block
Resident 1
Resident 2
Resident 3
Resident 4
1
MFM
ONC
OB DAYS | OB NF
GYN
2
ONC
MFM
GYN
OB DAYS | OB NF
3
GYN
OB DAYS | OB NF
ONC
MFM
4
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
MFM
ONC
5
MFM
OB NF | OB DAYS
ONC
GYN
6
ONC
GYN
MFM
OB NF | OB DAYS
7
MFM
OB NF | OB DAYS
OP
GYN
8
GYN
ONC
OB NF | OB DAYS
OP
9
OB DAYS | OB NF
OP
GYN
ONC
10
OP
OB NF | OB
ONC
GYN
11
OB DAYS | OB NF
OP
GYN
ONC
12
GYN
ONC
OB DAYS | OB NF
OP
13
OP
GYN
ONC
OB NF | OB DAYS
Fourth Year Rotation Block Schedule
Block
Resident 1
Resident 2
Resident 3
Resident 4
1
ONC
GYN
OB NF | OB DAYS
OP
2
OP
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
ONC
3
GYN
ONC
OP
OB NF | OB DAYS
4
OB DAYS | OB NF
OP
ONC
GYN
5
ONC
GYN
OB DAYS | OB NF
OP
6
GYN
OB DAYS | OB NF
OP
ONC
7
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
ONC
GYN
8
OP
ONC
GYN
OB DAYS | OB NF
9
OB NF | OB DAYS
OP
ONC
GYN
10
GYN
OB DAYS | OB NF
OP
ONC
11
ONC
OP
OB NF | OB DAYS
GYN
12
OB NF | OB DAYS
ONC
GYN
OP
13
OP
GYN
ONC
OB NF | OB DAYS
Didactics
On Friday mornings, MAHEC Ob/Gyn residents have protected time from to 9:00 am – 1:00 pm to support a flipped-classroom curriculum that meets CREOG objectives, is designed for adult learners, and augmented by simulation education.
Simulation Center
MAHEC's state-of-the-art simulation center offers three types of simulated learning via task trainers, virtual reality task trainers, and high-fidelity manikins to give residents realistic experiences in obstetrical emergencies, gynecologic surgeries, and patient interactions.
Clinical Services
Attendance is expected for:
Grand Rounds
Fetal Board
Tumor Board - Gyn Oncology
Journal Club
Obstetrics
Routine obstetrical services: low-risk patients from continuity clinics, prenatal patients from Buncombe and Madison counties, and patients seen in the attending clinics.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Comprehensive high-risk obstetrical services for women in a 16-county region.
Regional Outreach Services
Management of antepartum complications and delivery for more than 480 high-risk patients that are transported each year from across our primarily rural and underserved region.
General Gynecology
Inpatient and outpatient surgical experiences for the diagnosis and treatment of benign gynecologic conditions including advanced operative laparoscopy.
Outpatient gynecology services provided through resident continuity clinics include:
health maintenance and preventive care for women
primary care
comprehensive office gynecology
urogynecology
Specialized Gynecology
Gynecology Oncology
Residents actively participate in the preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patients with gynecologic malignancies on our busy gyn oncology service. Three gyn oncologists from Hope Women's Cancer Center serve as faculty attendings and actively participate in resident education.
Urogynecology
Residents receive extensive training in outpatient evaluation and operative management of patients with urinary and anal incontinence. They also have access to 2-channel urodynamics testing for patient evaluation at MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists. More extensive patient evaluation (video flourourodynamics testing, anorectal manometry, anorectal ultrasonography, defecography, and pudendal nerve testing) as well as assisting with advanced pelvic surgery is also available.
Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility
Complete evaluation and treatment of reproductive and endocrine disorders and therapeutic options for menopause are offered. Basic workup and treatment of infertility and endocrine problems are also addressed at MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists. Advanced therapies offered through the MAHEC REI division include a wide range of patient care. Residents participate in evaluation of endocrine disorders in women as well as advanced reproductive therapies.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
The MAHEC Ob/Gyn advocacy and community engagement curriculum comprises a longitudinal curriculum throughout residency as well as a more intensive elective block, if desired, devoted to advocacy activities. This curriculum is designed to provide residents the skills necessary to identify an area of advocacy in their community, develop an idea, and implement and evaluate advocacy activities at multiple levels: the individual patient, the community, and legislative policies.
The goals of the advocacy and community engagement curriculum include:
Develop a set of advocacy skills that can be applied in any community
Advocate for individual patients and families
Identify community resources and establish partnerships
Describe and participate in advocacy at the local, state, and/or national levels
Experiential Training in Clinical Research
Critical literature review of the Ob/Gyn literature with seminar and presentation in PGY1
Journal club held 6 times annually with an annual presentation by PGY2 residents
Clinical research projects (trials, prospective, or retrospective observational studies in PGY3 and 4)
Research didactics annually
Biomedical research ethics training in PGY2
Local, regional, and/or national presentation of research in PGY4
Dr. Lauren Knowlson joined MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists as faculty in August 2019 after completing her Residency training at MAHEC. She received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Doctorate of Medicine degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Knowlson has a passion for residency education, curriculum innovation, and resident wellness/well-being as well as an interest in residency research and simulation. She joined the residency leadership team as Associate Program Director in January 2022 and has served on the Clinical Competency Committee and as both the Outpatient Curriculum Director and Advocacy Curriculum director.
Dr. Knowlson has an interest in obstetrical care and advanced gynecologic care and surgery for women of all ages. She enjoys teaching residents and has special interests in gyn surgery, gyn office-based practice, and pelvic and vulvar health.
Outside of work, she enjoys running and spending time with her family in the beautiful mountains of Western NC.
Ob/Gyn Generalist
Ob/Gyn Residency Program Assistant Director
Dr. Katherine Grette joined MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists in October 2022 from the University of South Alabama, where she completed residency before joining faculty. Dr. Grette has a passion for educating patients about their health, as well as for training resident physicians. Her clinical interests include polycystic ovarian syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. She participates in women’s health research and will continue to act as a resource for resident research at MAHEC.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, time with family, and an annual two week hunting trip in the Idaho wilderness! She is excited to explore all that Asheville has to offer.
Ob/Gyn Generalist
Medical Director, MAHEC Women's Care at Brevard
Dr. Barrow was born and raised in the panhandle of Florida. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Food Science & Human Nutrition and his medical degree at the University of Florida. He completed is Ob/Gyn residency training at University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. He then moved to Brevard in 2010 where he has been practicing full-spectrum Ob/Gyn care since then. He performs gynecologic surgery with a focus on minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery such as single-site total laparoscopic hysterectomies, among many other procedures for prolapse, incontinence and sterilization. In addition to surgery, he attends deliveries at Mission Hospital on Labor and Delivery and teaches residents. In the office, he sees patients for prenatal and postpartum care, annual wellness visits, ultrasounds, contraceptive counseling, incontinence care and a multitude of procedures. Dr. Barrow has also served as Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery for Transylvania Regional Hospital and earned his Masters of Business Administration in 2018 from University of Florida. He is now honored to be Medical Director for MAHEC Women’s Care at Brevard and remains dedicated to continue providing care to the community for many years to come.
When not at work Dr. Barrow enjoys relaxing with his wife and 2 children, hiking, rowing, lifting weights, woodworking/building, gardening and traveling.
Undergraduate: Elon University Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH Residency: MAHEC Ob/Gyn Residency Program Board Certified
Dr. Bre Bolivar is a recent graduate of the MAHEC Ob/Gyn Residency Program and is delighted to stay in Asheville as a faculty member. She currently works as an Ob/Gyn Hospitalist where her primary role is to care for hospitalized obstetric patients and manage obstetric emergencies. She also provides urgent gynecologic care and consultation for patients in the emergency department or those already admitted to the hospital. Dr. Bolivar also serves as the Patient Safety Officer for Women’s Services at Mission Hospital. Her specific interests include improving management of obstetric hemorrhage and decreasing the rate of cesarean section. She finds joy in helping women feel comfortable during their hospital stay while navigating unexpected experiences. Outside of work, Dr. Bolivar enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.
Dr. Lisa Carroll is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist. She joined the MAHEC Maternal-Fetal Medicine division in 2020 after completing Medical School at the University of North Carolina, Ob/Gyn Residency at Boston Medical Center, and MFM Fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. Throughout her training and career, Dr. Carroll’s clinical and research interests have been guided by her commitment to social justice and equity for marginalized populations.
Dr. Carroll specializes in providing care for women who are ‘at risk’ and considering pregnancy, or those who are experiencing ‘high-risk’ or complicated pregnancies for a variety of reasons. Dr. Carroll sees patients who are undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures such as comprehensive ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling and genetic amniocentesis. She also consults with patients who have medical and surgical disorders coincident with or prior to pregnancy, which includes heart disease, chronic hypertension, diabetes/other endocrinologic disorders, kidney/gastrointestinal diseases and infectious diseases. Otherwise healthy women who may require these services are those whose pregnancies are at markedly increased risk for adverse outcomes, such as those with abnormal serum screens, multiple gestations, recurrent preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes or growth abnormalities of the fetus. Dr. Carroll considers it a great privilege to walk with women through questions and complications that arise in pregnancy in effort to achieve the healthiest possible outcomes for women and their growing families.
Dr. Amelia Cline is a generalist Obstetrician and Gynecologist who joined MAHEC faculty after completing residency at MAHEC Ob/Gyn. Prior to that she received her BSPH at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and attended medical school at UNC School of Medicine.
Dr. Cline enjoys practicing the full spectrum of obstetrics and gynecology including managing high risk pregnancies and gyn care for patients of all ages. She has a special interest in rural medicine and maintaining access to high quality outpatient and surgical care throughout WNC. She works in both MAHEC’s Franklin and Asheville locations as well as Angel Medical Center and Mission Hospital. Outside of work she loves Dolly Parton, cooking, and finding new swimming holes in these beautiful mountains.
Dr. Carol Coulson is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist. She specializes in providing care for women who are ’at risk’ and considering pregnancy or those who are already pregnant and ’high-risk’ or complicated for a variety of reasons. Dr. Coulson sees patients who are undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures such as comprehensive ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling, and genetic amniocentesis. She also consults on patients with medical and surgical disorders coincident with or prior to pregnancy including heart disease, chronic hypertension, diabetes and other endocrinologic disorders, kidney and gastrointestinal diseases, and infectious diseases. Otherwise healthy women who may require these services are those whose pregnancies are at markedly increased risk for adverse outcomes such as those with abnormal serum screens, multiple gestations, recurrent preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, or growth abnormalities of the fetus.
Medical School: Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 1997 Residency: Ob/Gyn Residency Program, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, 2001 Board Certified
Dr. Currens provides general gynecologic and obstetrical care for women. She has a special interest in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, gynecologic care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, resident and medical student education, and mindfulness education for healthcare providers.
Medical School: University of Florida, 2008 Residency: University of Florida, 2012 MFM Fellowship: University of Florida, 2015 Board Certified
Dr. Kathryn Davidson is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. She joined the MAHEC Maternal-Fetal Medicine division in 2014 after completing medical school, residency, and fellowship at the University of Florida. Although she grew up on the Space Coast of Florida, she previously called North Carolina home while attending undergrad at Wake Forest University. She is passionate about helping families grow by optimizing the health of each pregnancy.
Dr. Davidson specializes in providing care for women who are ’at risk’ and considering pregnancy, or those who are experiencing ’high-risk’ or complicated pregnancies for a variety of reasons. She sees patients who are undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures such as comprehensive ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling, and genetic amniocentesis. Dr. Davidson also consults with patients who have medical and surgical disorders coincident with or prior to pregnancy, which includes heart disease, chronic hypertension, diabetes/other endocrinologic disorders, kidney/gastrointestinal diseases, and infectious diseases. Otherwise healthy women who may require these services are those whose pregnancies are at markedly increased risk for adverse outcomes, such as those with abnormal serum screens, multiple gestations, recurrent preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, or growth abnormalities of the fetus.
Medical School: Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU Residency: MAHEC Ob/Gyn Residency Program Board Certified
Dr. Elizabeth England grew up in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee. She joined MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists in May 2018 after working as a rural Ob/Gyn provider in the far Western portion of North Carolina. She completed Medical School at Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, and her Residency at MAHEC Ob/Gyn. Dr. England has a special interest in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery as well as resident and medical student education. She enjoys practicing the full range of generalist obstetrics and gynecology in the hospital and in the office. Dr. England enjoys virtually all outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and snow skiing.
Undergraduate Education: Duke University Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Residency Program: MAHEC Ob/Gyn Residency Board Certified
Dr. Fan has been practicing general obstetrics and gynecology at MAHEC since 2013. After receiving her residency training at MAHEC, she graduated and joined our Ob/Gyn faculty because of her love for the program and the people she met along the way. Dr. Fan has precepted medical students since 2013 and became the Ob/Gyn clerkship site director in 2020. She assumed the role of Academic Advisor for SOM Asheville in 2025. In MAHEC's Ob/Gyn residency program, she works closely with interns during their weekly continuity clinic and advises several residents as Core Administrative Faculty. She provides full-spectrum Ob/Gyn care, which includes contraception, prenatal care, and osteoporosis. When she is not working, she enjoys baking, hiking, and learning new languages.
Program Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship
Dr. Lisa Foglia joined MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists in September 2022. She recently retired from the US Army after over 24 years of service. She completed her Residency and MFM Fellowship at Madigan Army Medical Center. She was most recently the Designated Institutional Official at Womack Army Medical Center at Ft. Bragg, NC. She enjoys teaching residents and fellows and was the OB/Gyn Residency Program Director at Madigan for seven years. She has special interests in medical education, health equity and simulation. She is also active in ACOG, and currently serves as the Chair of the Armed Forces District.
Outside of work, she enjoys hanging out with her dog Sophie, yoga and enjoying all the culinary delights that Asheville has to offer.
Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency: Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, NC Board Certified
Dr. Rob Malsby joined MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists in April 2019. He previously served as the Assistant Deputy Commander for Women’s Health, Winn Army Community Hospital, Fort Stewart, GA. He was also Chief of Clinical Operations and teaching faculty in the Department of Ob/Gyn at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC, after serving as Division Surgeon with the 82nd Airborne. He received numerous Commendation and Service Medals while providing service to our country. He is an Associate Clinical Professor with the University of North Carolina School of Medicine’s Department of Ob/Gyn and now serves as Medical Director with MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists.
Dr. Erica Manogue joined MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists in February 2022. Her Residency was completed at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center after finishing medical school at the University of South Alabama. After spending a few years in private practice in Atlanta, GA and Auburn, AL, she and her family moved to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Dr. Manogue has an interest in obstetrical and gynecologic care for women of all ages. She enjoys teaching residents and has special interests in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 kids, as well as baking and hiking.
Dr. Marietta joined MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists in January 2023 after working for seven years as a rural family medicine physician in Polk County, NC. She completed her Family Medicine Residency in 2012 at Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency, and she was board certified in Addiction Medicine in January 2022. She is passionate about caring for pregnant and parenting people with substance use disorders and working to bring these services to more people in rural communities. She also has specific interests in comprehensive reproductive health access, providing gender-affirming care, and teaching medical students and resident physicians. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, hiking, swimming, visiting local fairs and farmers’ markets, and exploring all the beautiful nooks and crannies of Western North Carolina with her family.
Dr. Nathan Mullins is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and addictionologist with expertise in substance used disorders in pregnancy. He works as the medical director for an opioid treatment program as well as part-time faculty for the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) Ob/Gyn residency program. Dr. Mullins earned his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed his residency at MAHEC.
Dr. Mullins obtained his DATA-2000 waiver in 2016 and began treating pregnant and postpartum patients with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder as part of a multidisciplinary team at MAHEC where he supervises and educates MAHEC residents and serves as a consultant for community physicians on the treatment of opioid use disorder in pregnant patients. Dr. Mullins is also the medical director for a community-based opioid treatment program that uses both methadone and buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder.
Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA Residency: Oregon Health & Science University Ob/Gyn Residency Program, Portland, OR Fellowship: Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN Board Certified
Dr. Patricia Overcarsh joined MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists in October 2019. She has trained in various regions of the country and is happy to now call Asheville home. She completed a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and completed residency at Oregon Health & Science University and medical school at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Overcarsh provides full-scope Ob/Gyn care and has a special interest in the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic pain. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and playing tennis.
Dr. Kiran Sigmon is a general obstetrician and gynecologist with a particular interest in the diagnosis and management of vulvar skin disease and sexual pain. She started the MAHEC Vulvar Clinic in 2006 to assist other providers in the WNC region with difficult cases including recurrent vaginitis, lichen sclerosis, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus and vulvodynia, to name a few. She works with other local providers to provide patients with opportunities to explore treatments including physical therapy, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling. She also helps patients address the psychosocial components of living with chronic pain by working closely with local mental health professionals. Dr. Sigmon feels strongly about educating patients, other providers and the community about issues related to genital health and sexuality, and many local physicians rotate seeing patients with her in the Vulvar Clinic.
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Residency: Walter Reed Army Medical Center/National Capital Consortium MPH: Yale University School of Public Health Board Certified
Dr. Amy Willis joined MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists in October 2017. Before moving to Asheville, she was an Ob/Gyn provider at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg and was a Staff Physician at the 21st Combat Support Hospital in Tikrit, Iraq. She completed her Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Medical School at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. She also received her Master’s Degree in Public Health from the Yale University School of Public Health. Dr. Willis has an interest in advanced gynecologic care and treating women of all ages from adolescence through menopause. Her special interests include in-office procedures, contraception, infertility, abnormal bleeding, and menopausal disorders. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, reading historical fiction, hiking and traveling.
Dr. Harkness graduated from the University of South Florida School of Medicine. He completed his residency in OB/GYN here in Asheville at MAHEC. Dr. Harkness then completed his fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Minnesota.
Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences Center, Magee-Women’s Hospital
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences Center, Magee-Women’s Hospital
Dr. Howden has been practicing UroGynecology in Asheville since 2005, a partner at Western Carolina Women’s Specialty Center. She is married to her husband, Jeff, and they have twin boys, Frank and Charles. Everyone in the family enjoys being outside, swimming, golf, running, baseball, and watching/cheering all things Tarheel!
Dr. Vanderkwaak graduated from the Wayne State College of Medicine. He completed his OB/GYN residency and his fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Advanced Practice Provider
Residents PGY4
Residents PGY3
Residents PGY2
Residents PGY1
MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists
Our office is located at 119 Hendersonville Road on MAHEC's Biltmore Campus. It is a 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that opened in August 2011. The Biltmore Campus, which also houses the MAHEC Family Health Center and Dental Health Center, is located on almost 14 acres in the town of Biltmore Forest.
Our facility allows us to offer more services to our patients in one attractive and convenient location and includes state-of-the-art technology for both patient care and resident training, Our Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists, Generalists, Reproductive Endocrinologist, and Midwifery programs are housed here. The location provides obstetrical and gynecological care, including pre-conceptual evaluation, prenatal care, full obstetrical ultrasound and other fetal assessment services, delivery and postpartum care, infertility services, perinatal consultation and high-risk pregnancy evaluation.
Mission Hospital
Ob/Gyn residents practice at Mission Hospital, a part of the Mission Health system and the medical center that serves as the tertiary referral center for Western North Carolina. Mission Hospital serves a population of over 750,000 people in a vast geographic area. This comprehensive health system brings together the capabilities of its two founding hospitals, Mission and St. Joseph's. Together, they are licensed for 815 beds. Medical staff comprises over 600 physicians.
The Helen Powers Women's Health Center is one of 11 Centers of Excellence at the Health System. It offers comprehensive services for women of all ages. Obstetrical services are housed in a recently completed new hospital wing. It includes private labor, delivery and recovery rooms and is fully equipped for high-risk deliveries. The staff is committed to family-centered care during and after delivery, with infants staying with their mothers and nursing staff caring for both together. Neonatal intensive care facilities are available. Gynecological surgery, individualized education programs, and antenatal care are also offered through the Helen Powers Women's Health Center. The Resource Center at Mission Hospital offers health screenings, consultations, and education programs to help people maintain and improve their health.
We have adopted the CREOG recommended guidelines for the 2024-2025 Ob/Gyn residency application and interview processes.
Application Deadline
September 25, 2024
First Release Date for Interview Offers
October 29, 2024, with rolling offers to follow.
Applicants will have 48 hours to accept or decline offer.
Number of Interview Slots
80
Number of Residency Positions
5
Final Notice of Application Status
November 27, 2024
2024-2025 Virtual Interview Dates
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
A complete application is required and must include:
Transcript and academic performance at a U.S. medical school
Step 1 and 2 USMLE scores or COMLEX 1 and 2 scores
Clinical experience (in the United States)
Three letters of recommendation from those who have observed academic and clinical performance
One Standardized Letter of Evaluation (SLOE) should be included. The SLOE will replace one of the traditional letters of recommendation (LOR) or the Chair’s letter.
Applicants should still include two Ob/Gyn LORs (traditional or Chair where available) and one other LOR.
The updated 2024-2025 SLOE template and applicable resources can be found at RRR: Applicant Resources
Temporary or permanent North Carolina licensure must be held by each resident prior to beginning training. After the match results, a Resident's Training License application will be forwarded to the new resident by the program.
Orientation
Orientation will begin mid-June of each year. A variety of activities are organized to allow residents to get acquainted with each other, the faculty, and the staff of the MAHEC Department of Ob/Gyn. First year residents are required to begin the program at the start of orientation with stipend compensation.
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to obgynrp@mahec.net.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs will select from among eligible applicants on the basis of residency program-related criteria such as their preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity.
Minimum Requirements
An applicant must meet or exceed the following minimum qualification(s) to be eligible for selection and appointment to MAHEC’s GME residency programs:
Be a graduate of a medical school in the United States or Canada, accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME); or
Be a graduate of a college of osteopathic medicine in the United States, accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA); or
Be a graduate of a non-LCME- or AOA-approved medical school who also meets one of the following additional qualifications:
holds a currently-valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) prior to appointment; or
holds a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a United States licensing jurisdiction in his or her current ACGME specialty/subspecialty program; or
has graduated from a medical school outside the United States and has completed a Fifth Pathway program provided by a LCME-accredited medical school.
Passed USMLE Steps 1 and 2 or COMLEX 1 and 2 within three attempts, as required by the North Carolina Medical Board.
Be eligible for a NC resident training license.
Be eligible to work in the U.S. (citizen, permanent resident, eligible visa including J1). MAHEC does not sponsor H1B or other visas.
VISA Sponsorship
MAHEC does not directly sponsor residents or fellows that need a J-1 Sponsorship VISA. Non-U.S. citizen applicants needing visa sponsorship must secure this directory from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The ECFMG is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor foreign national physicians for the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa for the purpose of participating in U.S. programs of graduate medical education or training. ECFMG is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a BridgeUSA sponsor for J-1 exchange visitor physicians enrolled in accredited programs of graduate medical education or training, or advanced research programs (involving primarily observation, consultation, teaching, or research). Although many universities and research institutions in the United States are authorized to sponsor exchange visitors as research scholars, ECFMG is the sole sponsor of J-1 physicians in clinical training programs.
Questions regarding VISA Sponsorship should be directed to the GME office at 828-232-2946 or gme@mahec.net.
Katherine Grette, MD
Taryn Smith
obgynrp@mahec.net
Lauren Knowlson, MD
Marketa McAfee, MA
Brian Barrow, MD, MBA
Breanna Bolivar, MD, MPH
Lisa Carroll, MD, MPH
Amelia Cline, MD
Carol C. Coulson, MD, FACOG
Andrea Currens, MD, FACOG
Kathryn Davidson, MD
Beth England, MD
Rongrong Fan, MD
Lisa Foglia, MD, FACOG
Rob F. Malsby, III, DO
Erica Manogue, MD
Amy Marietta, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Nathan Mullins, MD
Patricia Overcarsh, MD, MPH
Kiran Sigmon, MD
Amy Willis, MD, MPH, FACOG
Amy Alexander, MD
Sarah Bradley, MD
Ashley Case, MD
C. Blair Harkness, MD, FACOG
Nancy Howden, MD
Timothy Vanderkwaak, MD, FACOG