WMC-MAHEC Rural-Focused General Surgery Track
In addition to the core program training sites, residents in the Rural-Focused General Surgery Track will spend a significant portion of their time at UNC Health Appalachian Watauga Medical Center and related rural hospital training sites in Western North Carolina.
UNC Health Appalachian Watauga Medical Center in Boone, NC, is licensed as a 117-bed regional referral medical complex, offering both primary and secondary acute and specialty care. In 2024, it became the first in North Carolina to implement the da Vinci 5 surgical robot. Watauga Medical Center performs approximately 5,500 procedures annually and is comprised of many outpatient clinics as well as a diagnostics center. It has been recognized as an approved Community Cancer Care Center by the American College of Surgeon’s Committee on Cancer and has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.
“The heart of the High Country.” “The jewel of eastern America's highest mountains.” And of course, home to Appalachian State University, with a growing list of accolades that includes tops rankings from U.S. News & World Report: #2 in Top Public Schools in the South, #3 in Best Regional Universities of the South, and #4 in Most Innovative Schools in the South (not to mention a decorated athletic program).
All of these describe Boone—a mountain town to love, live, and learn in, whose vibrant culture, local arts, and award-winning wineries are all within easy reach of the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive.” Boone also offers plentiful hiking and biking trails, beautiful mountain overlooks, recreational lakes, and other outdoor adventures—plus it’s a doggone friendly destination for pups.
Venture down the road from Boone to the Blue Ridge Parkway’s biggest waterfall, located in neighboring Linville Falls. Check out 90-mile views and experience the mile-high swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain where the annual Highland Games draw visitors from around the world. And enjoy year-round activities at the area’s ski resort!
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