SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – FirstHealth of the Carolinas is pleased to welcome Rachel Schultz, M.D., to FirstHealth Concierge Medicine, where she will provide personalized, patient-centered primary care with a focus on wellness, prevention and chronic disease management.
Becoming a doctor had always been Dr. Schultz’s dream, and she was determined to make it a reality. After beginning her career in corporate risk management, she followed her passion for health care, earning her undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry from Salem College and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. She went on to attend Wake Forest University School of Medicine before completing her medical degree at Xavier University School of Medicine in Woodbury, New York. Dr. Schultz then pursued her family medicine residency at East Carolina University School of Medicine in Greenville, N.C., where she trained in a comprehensive, hands-on program that emphasized full-scope family medicine.
Throughout her career, Dr. Schultz has been committed to providing thorough, high-quality care and ensuring her patients feel heard and valued. Recognizing that the traditional primary care model often limited the time she could spend with each patient, she considered starting her own private practice where she could offer a more personalized approach to care.
“It’s somewhat serendipitous how I found this opportunity with FirstHealth,” Dr. Schultz said. “I was considering starting my own practice because I wanted to ensure I had the time to give each patient the care they deserved. When a friend and colleague reached out about this role, I realized it offered exactly what I had been looking for—an opportunity to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. Concierge medicine allows me to truly focus on my patients the way I always envisioned.”
Dr. Schultz’s approach to patient care remains the same, but the concierge model allows her to build stronger, long-term relationships with her patients.
“My philosophy has always been to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel comfortable discussing anything,” she said. “Health care is a partnership, and being open and honest on both sides is key to achieving the best outcomes.”
Her practice will emphasize preventive care, wellness and chronic disease management, ensuring patients stay up to date on screenings and treatment plans tailored to their individual needs.
“Our patients prefer to keep everything in one place, and I believe in managing care comprehensively,” she said. “Whether it’s diabetes management, blood pressure monitoring or knowing when it’s time for a stress test, my goal is to be proactive and thorough.”
Outside of medicine, Dr. Schultz enjoys spending time with her daughter, exploring dance and art, and being with family and friends. She is excited to practice in the Sandhills area, where she looks forward to working alongside like-minded providers in a supportive environment.
“The attitudes of the administration and other providers at FirstHealth are incredibly refreshing,” she said. “I’m excited to be able to practice medicine the way I believe it should be practiced—without being rushed, and with a true focus on each patient’s well-being.”
Dr. Schultz is now accepting new patients at FirstHealth Concierge Medicine. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (910) 684-5499.
About FirstHealth Concierge Medicine
FirstHealth Concierge Medicine provides a highly personalized approach to primary care, offering enhanced access, extended appointment times and a strong emphasis on preventive health and wellness. The program is designed for patients who want a more individualized and comprehensive health care experience.