Central Carolina Physician Practices

09/12/2025

Meet Dr. Saurav Pokharel, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine with Central Carolina Pulmonary Care

Meet Saurav Pokharel, MD, specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine with Central Carolina Pulmonary Care

09/08/2025

The Birth Center at Central Carolina Hospital welcomed Baby Boy Chance into the world on Thursday, Sept. 4, weighing in at a healthy 6 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 19 inches long.

"My experience at CCH was great," said his Mom, Angel. "Thanks to all staff, and a special thank you to Dr. Eyra Agudu. And a special thanks to Dr. Hakeem Yusuf! You guys are awesome!"

We think so, too, Angel! Nearly 400 babies are born at CCH each year. We have made those deliveries special occasions for literally thousands of Lee County families, with memories that last a lifetime!

09/05/2025

Dr. Saurav Pokharel, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, has joined Central Carolina Pulmonary Care, a new practice located in the Medical Arts building at 1139 Carthage Street adjacent to Central Carolina Hospital, as of Sept. 2.

Dr. Pokharel has practiced previously at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory and the Heart & Lung Clinic at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, ND, where he also served as the Medical Director of the Pulmonary Function Testing laboratory.

He has also served previously as a preceptor for the Physician Assistant program at Lenior Rhyne University from 2019 to 2023. He served on Lenoir Rhyne’s PA Advisory Board and as a member of the Clinical Advisory Board at Athena Health from 2022 to 2023.

A native of Nepal, Dr. Pokharel received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the Institute of Medicine at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2004. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, where he also served as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine.

He completed his pulmonary disease fellowship at Interfaith Medical Center, followed by a critical care medicine fellowship at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH. He is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic Society, and is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Pokharel will treat adult patients of all ages. His areas of specialization include lung nodules and lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, chronic cough, hypoxemia and unexplained shortness of breath. He also has extensive experience in bronchoscopy and lung biopsy and plans to bring robotic and navigation bronchoscopy services to our area.

“Dr. Pokharel is a welcome addition to the medical staff at Central Carolina Hospital,” said Dave Santoemma, CEO of CCH. “His expertise in lung diseases and critical care medicine will be invaluable in the care of Sanford area patients.”

09/01/2025

Regular screenings can help catch prostate cancer early—when it's most treatable. If you're unsure whether it’s time for your exam, talk to your healthcare provider.

Early detection saves lives. Visit centralcarolinaphysicians.com to find a provider and learn more about your risks for prostate cancer and preventative steps you can take today.

08/22/2025

Healthy Back-to-School Habits: Preparing for a Successful School Year

By Cheri Folk, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner
Central Carolina Family Care South

As summer break comes to an end, there’s a lot to accomplish in preparation for the new school year. The two most important things to do may seem fairly routine, but that doesn’t make them any less of a priority: schedule annual physicals for you and your family and get up to date on immunizations. Routine wellness checks are essential to your family’s ongoing health and are an integral part of children’s healthcare. In fact, visiting a provider for regular preventive care is one of the best ways to help identify and treat health issues before they become serious.

This includes visiting your dermatologist annually to check for any skin health issues, including any suspicious or unusual spots that could be cancerous, as well as any other skin health problems that you may think are harmless. After a long, hot summer, there’s no better time to ensure you’re doing your part to help your skin stay healthy.

When scheduling check-ups, don’t overlook vision screenings and mental health screenings, including depression screenings for 12 years and up. Eye health and mental health are both vital components of overall health for both children and adults.

Annual physical exams also allow your child’s pediatrician to confirm their vaccinations are up-to-date and answer any questions you may have about your child’s health. Staying up to date on vaccinations and health concerns is not just vital for children, though. Vaccines for adults are recommended based on several factors, so you should ask your primary care provider which vaccines you may need. Be sure to ask your family’s provider about vaccines for illnesses like flu, meningococcus and human papillomavirus (HPV) and others. And bring up any health-related issues you may be currently experiencing personally as well.

Here are a few more tips you can use to get your family ready for a healthy and successful school term.

Eat well and stay active. Healthy students are better learners. That’s why it’s crucial for children to eat nutritious meals and maintain a healthy weight. In addition to getting the nutrients their bodies need, experts recommend children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day to help reduce stress and increase focus.

Make sleep a priority. A lack of sleep can lead to a variety of health issues for both students and parents, including memory problems, difficulty focusing, weakening of the immune system, common heart problems, depression and even obesity. Healthy sleep hygiene can contribute to better weight management, improved mood and increased productivity.

Regularly wash your hands and prevent the spread of germs. It’s well-known that the school year can introduce an assortment of colds, stomach bugs and other transmittable illnesses. One of the most effective ways to defend against germs is handwashing, so always wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Don’t smoke. E-cigarettes are the most used to***co product among youth in the U.S. The ni****ne found in these popular smoking devices – like ni****ne found in other to***co products – can harm the developing adolescent brain – specifically areas of the brain that are responsible for learning, memory and attention.

To reach their full potential in the classroom, students need to be as healthy as possible – both physically and mentally. By following simple tips like those outlined above, you can better prepare your family for the months ahead and make this school year one for the books.

08/21/2025

Unfortunately, there could only be four winners of the FABULOUS door prizes provided by Central Carolina Hospital's Birth Center and Central Carolina Women's Health Center at today's 2nd annual Lee County Breastfeeding Health Fair & Community Baby Shower, held at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center.

Congratulations to the winners of four very luxurious gift baskets: Brandi Bell, New Mom Basket; Lorin Vaughan, Baby Girl Basket; Maya Spencer, Gender Neutral Basket; and Avieanna, Baby Boy Basket.

And thanks to all who attended the event!

08/21/2025

The line was out the door today at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center, as more than 120 women attended the 2nd annual Lee County Breastfeeding Health Fair and Community Baby Shower. And we were there for it!

We were very well represented, in fact, by the Birth Center at Central Carolina Hospital and the Central Carolina Women's Health Center. Four beautiful gift baskets went to four VERY lucky winners, courtesy of Central Carolina. But the free flow of information and education was the real order of the day!

Central Carolina delivers nearly 400 babies at the Birth Center each year. It's where so many families across Sanford, Lee County and beyond trace their beginnings.

Special thanks to Holly Drake, MSN, CNM, IBCLC, Certified Nurse Midwife with Central Carolina Women's Health Center, for participating in today's event!

08/18/2025

Did you know different age groups have different health risks and needs? Take proactive steps towards prioritizing your health and well-being by understanding the screenings recommended for your age group. Learn what screenings are right for you at centralcarolinaphysicians.com/screenings

08/15/2025

Reminder: Hope to see you next week at the 2nd annual Lee County Breastfeeding Health Fair and Community Baby Shower!

Central Carolina Women's Health Center and the Birth Center at Central Carolina Hospital are pleased to be among the exhibitors at the 2nd annual Lee County Breastfeeding Health Fair and Community Baby Shower on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center.

Learn more about breastfeeding, Infant Sleep Safety & other local resources available for you and your baby! Free gifts & items will be provided for new & expecting parents.

Pre-register here: https://compyle.clearimpact.com/ #/public/survey/8F727BA3-F1DD-4504-82D3-1DF498C4B606 ”

08/11/2025

Back-to-school prep isn’t just about supplies. It's about health, too! Kick off the year with a visit to your child’s pediatrician to make sure they’re feeling their best—mind and body. A healthy start sets the tone for a confident, focused school year!

08/06/2025

Micahla Kitchen, PA-C, with Central Carolina Sports & Orthopedic Medicine, spoke to a highly engaged group of more than 30 seniors at the Lee County Enrichment Center today on a very popular topic: "Arthritis: All You Need to Know." Micahla gave an overview of symptoms, causes and treatments for arthritis, and she answered lots of questions! Thanks to everyone who attended!

08/04/2025

Central Carolina Women's Health Center and the Birth Center at Central Carolina Hospital are pleased to be among the exhibitors at the 2nd annual Lee County Breastfeeding Health Fair and Community Baby Shower on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center.

Learn more about breastfeeding, Infant Sleep Safety & other local resources available for you and your baby! Free gifts & items will be provided for new & expecting parents.

Pre-register here: https://compyle.clearimpact.com/ #/public/survey/8F727BA3-F1DD-4504-82D3-1DF498C4B606 ”