Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

10/23/2026

“Everything I do and everywhere I go, I intend to do and be my best self.”

For Ke’Andre, that philosophy has roots going back years.

Growing up, hiking trips with Ke’Andre’s godmother included more than exploring the outdoors. Ke’Andre was encouraged to ground, pray, meditate and journal, then approach the day in a composed, collected way.

Those experiences helped shape a perspective Ke’Andre still carries today.

Now more than nine years into a career as a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, Ke’Andre brings that intentional approach to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

When asked about the impact Ke’Andre hopes to have, the answer is personal:

“I hope to encourage them to get to know themselves, to take care of themselves and to be satisfied with the life they lead.”

That same curiosity and intentionality show up throughout Ke’Andre’s life, from hiking, traveling and fitness to writing, gaming and reading. So far in 2026, Ke’Andre has finished 19 books, including two textbooks. 📚

We’re proud to have Ke’Andre’s experience, perspective and commitment to others on our team.

10/21/2026

Cancer may have changed Melanie's role in healthcare, but it never changed her heart for helping others. 💗

After spending years caring for patients as a nurse, Melanie found herself facing a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis and becoming a patient herself. Through every step of her journey, she has found support, compassion and trusted guidance from her care team at Atrium Health, including her longtime oncologist, Dr. Emily Hughes Douglas.

The relationships she has built with her care team over the past six years have helped her navigate some of life's most difficult moments and inspired her to continue making a difference for others.

Today, Melanie is a dedicated advocate, mentor and founder of the Piedmont Triad METsters, a peer-support community for women living with metastatic breast cancer. Through education, mentorship and connection, she is helping ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

What began as her own search for support has grown into a powerful network of hope and encouragement for women across the Piedmont Triad and beyond.

While metastatic breast cancer changed the course of her life, it did not change her calling to care for others. We're honored to be part of Melanie's journey and grateful for the impact she continues to have on so many lives.

Read her inspiring story. https://bit.ly/487Fd5Z

10/19/2026

Paws up for the teams who always show up. 🐾

Therapy and facility dogs and their handlers have a special way of bringing comfort and connection to our medical center community.

The annual Blessing of the Therapy Dogs offers a moment to turn that care back toward them, recognizing the dedicated teams who show up for patients, families and teammates.

Because sometimes showing up is exactly what someone needs.

Join us in celebrating the teams on both ends of the leash.

10/16/2026

Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, hope and extraordinary odds.

After surgery for tongue cancer, a life-threatening infection led to septic shock, multiple organ failure and nearly a month in the ICU. Her critical care physician, Dr. Logan Carney, said she was one of the sickest patients he had ever treated, giving her about a 1% chance of surviving her first night in the hospital.

Against nearly impossible odds, Jennifer fought her way back.

Months later, the wife, mom, high school teacher and proud Appalachian State University alum returned to Kidd Brewer Stadium for a very different kind of gameday. This time, she wasn’t there as a student or a fan. She was there as an honoree.

As thousands of Mountaineers celebrated her Winning Moment, Jennifer was recognized for the resilience, hope and determination that carried her forward. Some victories don’t happen on the scoreboard. They happen one day at a time, surrounded by the people and community that make the moment mean even more.

10/14/2026

Recovery can look like this.

For some patients, recreational therapy is the moment a hospital stay starts to feel a little more human.

Heather, a recreational therapist in inpatient physical rehabilitation at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist J. Paul Sticht Center on Aging and Rehabilitation, helps patients work toward recovery through activities that feel familiar, meaningful and personal.

“So often patients express to me that playing a game, visiting the garden room or going on an on-campus outing is the first time they have felt ‘normal’ since being admitted to the hospital,” Heather says.

That feeling matters.

In one wellness group survey, a patient shared how much it meant that others made space for her to participate despite hearing challenges. When asked what she enjoyed most, she wrote, “being treated like a normal person.”

In those moments, patients can practice independence, rebuild confidence and reconnect with parts of themselves that can feel harder to reach during recovery.

Thank you, Heather, for helping patients feel seen as people first. 💙

10/08/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Julie A. Freischlag, who was recently recognized as an Icon in Surgery at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026!

The honor celebrates her 38-year career as a vascular surgeon, health care leader, mentor and former president of the ACS.

Dr. Freischlag retired at the end of 2025 as CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, chief academic officer of Advocate Health and executive vice president of health affairs at Wake Forest University, having previously served as dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and currently serves on several advisory boards in the healthcare and education space.

She was presented by Dr. Gabriela Velazquez, her mentee and director of the Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Watch highlights from the recognition video as Dr. Freischlag reflects on her path into surgery and her commitment to helping others grow as surgeons and leaders:

Julie A. Freischlag, MD, FACS, FRSCEd(Hon), DFSVS, MAMSEPresented ...

10/08/2026

Nancy’s wedding dress now carries a new kind of love.

For Nancy, that love is tied to a lifetime of memories at Atrium Health Wilkes Medical Center, where she and her two sisters were born.

Her family’s connection continued through her aunt Louise, who worked in the operating room, and through the care her parents received there later in life.

Now, the dress Nancy wore in Moravian Falls in 1985 has been transformed through The Angel Gowns Project into angel gowns and keepsake garments for families who experience the loss of a baby.

“I’m pleased to repurpose my dress in this special way,” Nancy said. “I hope it brings comfort to grieving families.”

What began as part of Nancy’s story now carries forward as a gift of comfort, care and love for families when they need it most.

10/05/2026

The smiles usually give her away. ❤️

Before you spot Palma in the hallway, you can often see the joy she's already left behind.

A child lights up. A conversation starts. A long day feels a little more manageable.

Palma, a facility dog provided by Canine Companions, works alongside Elizabeth, a child life specialist at Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital, to support children and families throughout their care journey.

Some days, that means offering a calm presence before a procedure. Other days, it means helping a child feel more comfortable, creating a welcome distraction or giving families a moment of connection during a challenging day.

Palma's journey to Brenner Children's was made possible by Canine Companions and the generosity of Triad-area Great Clips customers, employees and supporters.

Together, they’re helping bring more comfort, connection and joy to patients and families at Brenner.

10/03/2026

Physician, educator, singer and writer, Dr. Leah Snipe brings curiosity and creativity to everything she does. Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, she enjoys teaching residents and students while pursuing creative passions outside of work.

A singer, painter, sculptor and aspiring novelist, Dr. Snipe believes in continually challenging herself to grow and is rising to the challenge taking her talents to the Advocate Health Has Talent stage!

“I have always loved singing, and after getting voice lessons, I’m ready to show off my hard work.”

Watch Leah’s performance and vote for your favorite finalist.

Watch the performance ➡️ https://bit.ly/4de3omq

VOTE ➡️ https://bit.ly/4hcR4Ft

09/29/2026

Some teammates make care feel personal in ways patients and families never forget.

At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center, these awards celebrate teammates whose care reaches beyond their roles. They are the steady voices, helping hands and trusted guides who bring comfort to patients, families and each other when it matters most.

Beth, a registered nurse and lactation consultant, is the 2026 Nurse of the Year. For more than 20 years, she has been beside mothers, babies and families with gentle guidance, trusted education and support that continues well beyond the hospital walls.

Lori, a registered nurse, is the 2026 Nurse Leader of the Year. Through more than 25 years of service, she has become a calm and trusted resource for teammates, helping them feel supported as they provide safe, thoughtful care.

Chris, a paramedic, is the 2026 Stronger Together Award recipient. In the Emergency Department, he is known for showing up with steady teamwork, kindness and a willingness to help so patients, families and teammates feel cared for in difficult moments.

Please join us in congratulating Beth, Lori and Chris, and in thanking them for the care, compassion and steady support they share with our patients, families, teammates and community.