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Ernesto de la Torre, MD
MAHEC Health Center at Cullowhee
Western Carolina University
Health & Human Sciences Building
3971 Little Savannah Road
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 257-4719
Born and raised in NC, Dr. Ernesto de la Torre graduated from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 1998 and later completed a family medicine internship at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA. He is board-certified in Family Medicine and spent eight years as a physician on active duty in the U.S. Navy. He practiced in Western NC for 14 years before joining MAHEC in 2025. Dr. de la Torre provides full-scope family medicine services and strongly believes in shared decision-making with his patients, encouraging them to take an active role in their care. He provides care for all ages, from newborn and pediatric care to geriatric care.
Sandra Pratt, DNP, FNP-BC, ACHPN
MAHEC Health Center at Cullowhee
Western Carolina University
Health & Human Sciences Building
3971 Little Savannah Road
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 257-4719
Sandra Pratt, DNP, FNP-BC, ACHPN, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with experience caring for patients across the lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics. She studied zoology at the University of South Florida and University of Florida before later returning to study nursing, earning her ASN and BSN degrees from Santa Fe College and her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Chamberlain University.
Dr. Pratt has worked in primary care, hospital-based palliative care, chronic disease management, and preventive medicine. Originally from Florida and now rooted in Western North Carolina, she is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to rural Appalachian communities.
Her clinical interests include primary care—from newborn to geriatrics, preventive health, diabetes management, women’s health, hormone replacement therapy, mental health, and healthy aging. Before joining MAHEC, she worked in both primary care and palliative medicine, including caring for seriously ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also previously taught nursing students.
Dr. Pratt is active in professional leadership and advocacy through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and currently serves as the North Carolina State Liaison. She believes strong patient relationships are built through listening, education, and shared decision-making and is excited to serve the Cullowhee community by providing care for individuals and families at every stage of life.
