PINEHURST — FirstHealth of the Carolinas is pleased to announce the addition of Peter Dorton, M.D., to its primary care team in Pinehurst.
Dorton, who brings more than 20 years of medical experience, joins Brianne Evans, PA-C, and Nancy Smyth, FNP-C, at the newly named clinic FirstHealth Primary Care-Pinehurst. The clinic has been updated from internal medicine to primary care to better reflect the scope of services offered.
Dorton is stepping in for Ronald Walters, M.D., longtime internal medicine physician at the clinic who is retiring later this month.
A North Carolina native from Durham, Dorton’s passion for science and medicine began early. He first worked at Duke Hospital while attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergraduate studies. He went on to attend East Carolina University where he earned a master’s degree in biology and his medical degree.
“Initially, I was interested in studying disease and pathology while in medical school at East Carolina,” Dorton shared. “But after spending time with several remarkable family medicine physicians in the community, I was inspired to pursue this primary care specialty.”
In addition to providing acute care, chronic disease management, Dorton has developed a strong focus on preventive care and optimizing health through lifestyle changes.
“I’ve become increasingly interested in disease prevention and promoting overall health through healthy habits,” he said.
Dorton completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine under Dr. Andrew Weil at the University of Arizona School of Medicine. Integrative medicine blends conventional and alternative therapies to care for a patient’s physical, emotional, social, spiritual and environmental health.
During the fellowship, Dorton expanded his knowledge in areas such as nutrition, sleep hygiene, and mind and body medicine practices like breath work, relaxation techniques, meditation and yoga, all of which play a critical role in health and healing.
“I love working with patients to help empower them with ideas that promote health and healing,” Dorton said.
Before joining FirstHealth, Dorton spent 11 years as a primary care provider with Novant Health in Charlotte. He and his wife, who is also a physician and will join the FirstHealth Cancer Center team this fall, have owned a home in Pinehurst for several years. They are excited to now call Pinehurst their permanent residence and look forward to enjoying the many activities the area has to offer.
The couple has three grown children and a cat. Outside of work, Dorton enjoys outdoor activities, especially golf and pickleball. He also enjoys cooking and reading.
FirstHealth Primary Care-Pinehurst is located at 293 Olmstead Blvd, Suite 1 in the McCormick Building in Pinehurst. To make an appointment with Peter Dorton, M.D., Brianne Evans, PA-C, or Nancy Smyth, PA-C, call (910) 715-8541.
