Ob/Gyn Residency
We train compassionate, skilled, Ob/Gyn specialists to become self-regulated, lifelong learners who lead in advancing patient-centered and evidence-based care in their communities.
We are dedicated to training exceptional generalist physicians through a rigorous, innovative, and patient-centered curriculum that prioritizes interprofessional collaboration and lifelong learning. Rooted in our commitment to the patients of Western North Carolina, we serve a wide range of patients by providing comprehensive, evidence-based care. We are grounded in the strength of a generalist faculty backbone enriched by diverse sub-specialty expertise, ensuring our graduates are fully equipped to practice full-scope Ob/Gyn or seamlessly transition into fellowship training. Through high-volume clinical experience, advanced simulation, robust research support, and community and rural health opportunities, we prepare residents to deliver outstanding obstetric and gynecologic care in any setting and to become leaders in their communities and beyond.
To cultivate the next generation of compassionate, curious, driven, and highly skilled Ob/Gyn physicians who lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and advocate for the health and dignity of all our patients and community.
"There is a sense of community and whimsy in our program that made me feel immediately comforted by. Our attendings take their job seriously and deeply care about our community, but they’re also not afraid to laugh with us and have silly moments. We also get a significant amount of exposure to the gynecology oncology side of Ob/Gyn since we work one-on-one with our oncology attendings, both in surgery and on the floor."
— Dr. Olivia Spaulding, Class of 2029
"What makes MAHEC special is the combination of our unique rural patient population, incredible faculty, and the opportunity to explore our individual interests. We get the experience of caring for rural patients while also having access to research, accomplished faculty, and a strong academic environment. I love that you don’t have to choose between community-based and academic training—you get meaningful exposure to both, which prepares you whether you want to practice as a generalist or pursue fellowship. There is also so much support for residents who want to pursue even the most niche interests."
— Dr. Palak Patel, Class of 2027
"Absolutely! One of the things that stood out to me as a medical student was how many of our faculty were MAHEC graduates themselves, which really spoke to me when I was choosing a residency program. Now that I’ve experienced the program myself, I understand why so many people choose to stay connected to MAHEC. I’ve felt incredibly supported and have been given so many opportunities to grow both clinically and academically. Without hesitation, I would choose MAHEC again."
— Dr. Palak Patel, Class of 2027
"Absolutely! I love the warm/authentic culture and the beautiful mountain views make even the hard days better."
— Dr. Kaylee Deardorff, Class of 2030
"100% yes!"
— Dr. Anastasia Luna, Class of 2029
"Our attendings are always there for us, they make sure we get exactly what we need every day to meet our personal and professional goals."
— Dr. Anastasia Luna, Class of 2029
"The faculty and leadership are incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in helping residents succeed. I’ve always felt that they care about us not only as physicians, but also as people, and they encourage us to pursue our individual goals and interests. I’ve been fortunate to develop meaningful relationships with so many of my faculty and mentors. I know that no matter where I end up after residency, these are people I will stay in contact with and carry with me throughout my career."
— Dr. Olivia Spaulding, Class of 2029
"We have a 'Wellness Friday' every fifth Friday of the month in which our wellness chief plans team activities (e.g. pottery painting, pool parties, or assembling period boxes for shelters). We occasionally meet up at a local bar (most of the bars in town have great non-alcoholic drink options) to spontaneously hang out, and I usually attend most of the estate sale weekends."
— Dr. Palak Patel, Class of 2027
"There are so many social events happening at all times including trivia nights, fall festivals, ice cream socials, and bowling nights. There is something interesting happening every week!"
— Dr. Anastasia Luna, Class of 2029
"There is always something going on! My class does a lot of get-togethers, but I also love that residents across different classes and programs regularly spend time together. Someone might drop a message in the group chat about going to the Big Crafty, grabbing coffee, or studying at a coffee shop, and anyone is welcome to join. One of my favorite intern-year memories was getting together with the OB and FM interns outside of work. There is so much camaraderie throughout the MAHEC community, and it makes residency feel much more connected and fun."
— Dr. Olivia Spaulding, Class of 2029
"Dinner at each others' houses, craft night, hikes, going to local breweries, and movie theaters together."
— Dr. Kaylee Deardorff, Class of 2030
"We have a fantastic group of people who care a lot about resident learning and growth. Asheville is also such an interesting city to live in, and there’s always something fun to do in town—whether it be an estate sale weekend, concerts at local bars, or just random food festivals."
— Dr. Palak Patel, Class of 2027
"Practicing medicine at MAHEC does not feel like a job. We work with various populations and it feels like we make difference in patients' lives every day."
— Dr. Anastasia Luna, Class of 2029
"MAHEC is a great place to practice medicine because you can care for a largely rural population while still having access to a strong academic medical community. You have opportunities to learn from accomplished faculty, participate in research, and work alongside residents and physicians across different programs. There is a genuine sense of community and camaraderie throughout MAHEC, and I think that is one reason so many people choose to stay connected after training. And, of course, you get to practice medicine surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!"
— Dr. Olivia Spaulding, Class of 2029
"Perfect blend of community & academic program—lots of hands-on opportunities and institutional support, all with the focus on patient-centered care and advocacy."
— Dr. Kaylee Deardorff, Class of 2030
"Yes. MAHEC is a non-profit organization."
— Dr. Lauren Knowlson, Program Director
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