Healthcare Team
Doctors
Chad Smoker MD
Undergraduate
Goshen College 1992-96, BA Biology
Graduate
Indiana University School of Medicine 1996-2000, Doctor of Medicine
Post-graduate
Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program 2000-03
Professional experience
Chad Smoker MD PC- private practice, 2003-present
Other Activities & Interests
Boards Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, CareReach (vice president), Partners Aligned Toward Health (vice president), Toe Valley Soccer Association, Student Health Center Advisory Board (Medical Director)
Chief of Staff Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, January 2022-present
Sports Medicine Mitchell High School team physician 2003-2013
Youth Soccer Coach- US Soccer "E" License, US National Youth License
BBQ Master (self-proclaimed)
Meri Stella MD
Professional Care Team:
LPNs:
Tina Ledford LPN
Leann Ross LPN
Medical Assistants:
Cara Cook MA
Lisa Cooke MA
Heather Proffitt CMA
Addie Palmer CMA
Brooke Boone CMA
CNA:
Susan Higgins
Phlebotomist:
Jessica Biddix
Billing and Coding Specialist:
Penny Creasman CPC
Care Manager:
Christy Duncan RN
Practice Manager
Lynda Wiseman BSN RN
Advanced Practice Providers
Tabitha Fox, FNP-C
Undergraduate
Mayland Community College| ADN | 2014
Lees-McRae College | BSN | 2017 | Magna cum laude
Graduate
East Tennessee State University | MSN | 2020 | Cum laude
Professional Experience
RN: Long Term Acute Care | Labor & Delivery | Outpatient Services | Postpartum and Nursery Care | Outpatient Cardiac
FNP: Public Health at the Yancey County Health Department
Other Activities & Interests
I am a native of Burnsville who is married with two beautiful children and two dogs.
When my husband and I are not working, you can find us camping or spending time outside as a family.
Jonathan Polgar, PA-C
Undergraduate
Dickinson College, Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts, 1992
Graduate
Long Island University/Brooklyn Hospital, Bachelor in Physician Assistant, 2003
Professional Experience
Emergency Medical Technician, Manhattan, 1999-2003
Physician Assistant, Emergency Medicine, 2003-2006
Physician Assistant, Primary Care, 2005 to present
Other activities and experiences
I moved to the area in August 2018, having from Western Massachusetts with my wife, son and daughter.
I am a licensed skydiver and am on the leader track for the Mankind Project, a non-profit group facilitating men's work.
Rebekah Michelle Smith, NP-C
Undergraduate
Mayland Community College ADN 2000
Lees-McRae College BSN 2004
Graduate
East Tennessee State University DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner 2015
Professional Experience
RN - Blue Ridge Regional Hospital/Mission Hospital 2000-2015
WOCN (wound, ostomy, and continence nurse) - certification from Emory University (2005) and CWOCN at Mission Hospital/Blue Ridge Regional Hospital 2005-2015
NP Certification- AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) June 2015
Megan Vestal FNP-C
Undergraduate
Mayland Community College| ADN | 2014
Lees-McRae College | BSN | 2017
Graduate
South University of Georgia| MSN | 2022
Professional Experience
RN: Wound Care | MedSurg/Critical Care RN and House Supervisor at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital | Cardiac Progressive Care RN at Johnson City Medical Center | Hospice and Palliative Care | Clinical Instructor for Mayland Community College
NP Certification- AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) November 2022
Other Activities & Interests
I was born and raised in Burnsville where I still reside with my husband and two children. We are active in our church and enjoy serving others in the community. In our spare time you can find us camping or riding the trails in West Virginia.