EmergeOrtho Coastal Region held its 18th Annual Orthopedic Symposium on February 25, 2023, at the Burney Center at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. More than 146 healthcare professionals, including nurses, physical therapists, advanced practice providers and physicians, gathered to learn about the latest advancements in orthopedic medicine, with the goal of improving the care...

By Jeremy J. Hoff, DO As a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) with a specialty in physiatry, also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), I often find a little explanation of terminology is in order. How Is a D.O. different from an M.D.? Osteopathic physicians (DO) undergo similar training to allopathic physicians (MD), but...

Between sporting events, surfing sessions and just enjoying the weekend along the Carolina Coast, Saturday mornings are an especially active time in Wilmington—which means accidents and injuries are more likely. To meet those needs and to accommodate those who can’t take time off on weekdays, EmergeOrtho Orthopedic Urgent Care’s two Wilmington locations are now offering...

With 12 locations throughout southeastern North Carolina, EmergeOrtho’s Coastal Region serves hundreds of thousands of patients in our area—and at least one from the distant West Coast. Jean Hendricks, from Bethany, Oregon, was in Leland, NC, in mid-March of 2022, to attend her brother-in-law’s funeral. While visiting with people after the service, Jean struck up...

Now you can schedule an appointment with EmergeOrtho from the palm of your hand. Simply text APPOINTMENT, APPT or APT to 910.332.3800 and begin a secure, two-way conversation with a scheduler. No waiting on hold, and no log-in or app download required. It’s as easy as texting with a friend. “This gives our patients three...

An interventional pain management specialist with EmergeOrtho in Wilmington, Ruth Anderson, MD, wants people who suffer from chronic severe headaches to know that relief is not only possible, it’s highly probable—and without taking narcotics. “Pain management physicians bring a unique approach to treating migraine headaches,” explained Dr. Anderson. “Many times, migraine headaches can be treated...

Wilmington, NC – June 16, 2022 – EmergeOrtho’s Wilmington Region has announced a name change to EmergeOrtho Coastal Region, effective immediately. Shawn B. Hocker, MD, President of EmergeOrtho Coastal Region, said the change is important because the new name is more representative of the communities and patients EmergeOrtho serves throughout eastern North Carolina. “It recognizes...

EmergeOrtho Wilmington Appoints Zachary Welch as New Executive Director Wilmington, N.C. – April 28, 2022 – The Wilmington Region of EmergeOrtho has appointed Zachary Welch as the orthopedic medical practice’s new executive director. In this role, Welch will be responsible for leading EmergeOrtho Wilmington, the largest orthopedic and spine practice in the region, with 11...

Mind over matter. More than a catchy phrase, it’s the basis of a medical specialty known as clinical psychology. EmergeOrtho’s Wilmington region has always been committed to offering a wide variety of treatment options to our patients. In 2021, we expanded our services to include a clinical psychology department headed by Don L. Crowder, PhD,...

Walter W. Frueh, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with EmergeOrtho since completing fellowship in 2005 and active member of the Novant Health and Brunswick Surgery Center medical staffs, passed away suddenly on November 3, 2021. Our community has suffered a tremendous loss with the death of Dr. Frueh who was well known for his magnetic personality...