Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

02/18/2026

Advocate Health's strong partnerships with the military and longstanding support for its veteran teammates have benefitted the health system, the military and ultimately patients.

A new white paper, entitled “Bedside to Battlefield: Advocate Health’s National Strategy for Serving Country and Community,” details the health system’s existing work on this front.

“From my experience of growing up on military bases, I witnessed firsthand the discipline, unity and shared purpose that define our armed forces,” said Eugene A. Woods, CEO of Advocate Health, wrote in the report’s foreword. “Those experiences shaped me deeply. They instilled a lifelong respect for the sacrifices our service members make — and has fueled my personal commitment to ensuring they receive the very best care, both in uniform and as veterans.”

Read the full report at AdvocateHealth.org/VeteranCare.

02/18/2026

When atrial fibrillation (AFib) strikes, misfiring electrical signals disrupt your heart’s natural rhythm.

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is a newer approach designed to treat AFib with less invasiveness and faster recovery. Instead of heat or freezing, PFA uses short, targeted electrical pulses to treat only the heart cells causing AFib—while protecting surrounding tissue.

For many people, PFA means better control of AFib and a faster return to life, family and the things they love.

Explore advanced care at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist by visiting: https://bit.ly/4jid0NI

02/14/2026

Powered by heart, driven by care.

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist teammates across our communities are wearing red to raise awareness about heart disease. Small steps can add up to something powerful, especially when we take them together.

Explore heart health resources and care options: https://bit.ly/4jid0NI

02/13/2026

After finishing her first year at Wake Forest Law, Emily’s path took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump during a self-exam. Rather than spending the summer working in Charlotte as planned, she went back to her hometown of Myrtle Beach to prioritize her treatment plan and navigate key decisions with the support of her family and medical team.

When Emily went back for her second year in Winston-Salem, she carefully balanced law school with her ongoing care. Frequent visits to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center amidst rigorous schoolwork was tough, but Emily stayed committed to her studies. She kept herself grounded through exercise, creativity, and strong connections with others—including meeting her future fiancé at WFU, a bright spot in her care journey.

Now in her final semester, Emily’s health continues to improve and she looks forward with optimism. Her strength and compassion have shone through in her academic work and beyond.

Emily’s journey was highlighted at the Wake Forest Women's Basketball PINK game where she was honored alongside other survivors. Her story shows how perseverance, support, and care can inspire hope for survivors and their communities.

Learn more about our breast cancer care: https://bit.ly/3JvOaNO

02/12/2026

What if you could catch the earliest signs of heart disease long before symptoms appear? Our team is making that possible. ❤️

Dr. Michael Shapiro, director of preventive cardiology, explains the truth about heart health — from fighting misinformation to understanding your real risk, even when you feel fine. He also highlights how tools such as coronary artery calcium scoring can detect early signs of heart disease long before symptoms appear and why simple steps like daily walks can make a major difference.

Preventing heart attacks is possible — and it starts with knowing your risk.

Half of people who have a heart attack don’t have symptoms first. Learn to minimize your risk.

02/09/2026

Pink filled the arena as Wake Forest Women's Basketball and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist came together to rally for breast cancer survivors, those impacted and to raise awareness. 💗

Setting the tone for a game rooted in compassion and connection, the team visited the Comprehensive Cancer Center to drop-off thoughtfully curated goodie baskets for patients and have meaningful conversations with the care team. On game day, survivors and their families were welcomed to the arena, fans showed their support with pink pom-poms and the cancer care team connected with the community on the concourse.

Kicking off a series of powerful on-court moments, Cara, teammate and breast cancer survivor, sang the National Anthem. An inspiring moment in the first half honored breast cancer warrior, Emily, and was followed by a moving Survivors Walk at halftime, celebrating the strength and resilience of dozens of others who have battled breast cancer and the expert care team who support them along the way that makes moments like these possible. We are honored to celebrate all whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer, their compassionate care teams, and the people in their lives who provide them with unwavering support.

To everyone who’s lives have been touched by breast cancer, we walk with you, we stand with you and we celebrate you.

02/08/2026

Our care goes beyond medicine. See how young patients found joy, confidence and the chance to just be kids through unforgettable sports moments: https://bit.ly/3NZs606

02/03/2026

For patients with severe tricuspid valve disease, everyday life can slowly become smaller. Walking across the room can leave them short of breath. Swelling in the legs makes simple activities exhausting. Many are told open-heart surgery isn’t an option — and that there’s little else that can be done.

Now, that’s changing.

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has completed the first minimally invasive tricuspid valve replacement in the Triad, using a catheter-based approach that restores proper blood flow and helps patients feel the difference quickly.

“When the valve begins working the way it should, patients often regain energy, mobility and a sense of independence they may have lost,” said Dr. David Zhao, chair of cardiovascular medicine at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

This milestone — a first in the Triad — reflects a new chapter for patients who once had limited choices and the team committed to giving them more.

Learn what this first‑of‑its‑kind procedure could mean for patients and families: https://bit.ly/3NCMNij

02/01/2026

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) causes the heart’s upper chambers to beat irregularly, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure and blood clots. Some people feel symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath while others don’t feel a thing.

If you suspect you have AFib, speak with your health care provider. Learn more about heart care: https://bit.ly/4jid0NI

01/31/2026

Due to weather conditions, some of our locations may have modified hours or temporary closures. We are working to minimize disruptions while ensuring patients get the care they need while maintaining safety for everyone.

UPDATE - February 2:
- All ambulatory offices are closed on Feb. 2.
- All Urgent Care locations opened with a delayed start (10 am), except Urgent Care Palladium, which is closed Feb. 2.
- Most locations will open at 10 am on February 3, with Rheumatology and Infusion Westchester opening at normal hours at 8 am. Urgent Care Westchester will be open at 8 am.

UPDATE - FEBRUARY 1: All urgent care locations are closed. And ALL ambulatory surgical sites will be closed tomorrow. Impacted patients will be contacted directly.

Saturday, Jan. 31: All urgent care locations are closed today (Saturday, Jan. 31), except for Kernersville and Friendly Center. Both will remain open until 4 p.m.

Hospital-based emergency departments remain open 24/7. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

For non-emergent minor conditions and illnesses, we offer 24/7 urgent care video visits. Start a visit here: https://bit.ly/3Z2plgL

View our comments below for additional updates on closures and clinic hour updates as they arise. ⬇️

01/27/2026

After years of living with constant, debilitating back pain and multiple spinal surgeries, Tim, a devoted father and husband almost gave up on his dream of traveling to Italy with his family. The idea of exploring ancient streets and sharing new adventures with his wife, son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law seemed out of reach—until he began working with Dr. Enrique Galang. Through Dr. Galang’s thoughtful, personalized pain management plan, gentle encouragement and hands-on guidance, he regained strength and hope, slowly reclaiming his mobility and confidence.

With family by his side, he finally made the journey, savoring every moment; especially an unforgettable Papal Audience in Rome, where they were unexpectedly seated beside Pope Leo XIV. Overwhelmed with emotion, the family described it as profoundly spiritual and life affirming—a moment filled with gratitude, awe and tears of joy as years of struggle gave way to togetherness and faith.

Upon returning home, Tim and his family reflected on the trip as the most memorable experience they had ever shared. What once seemed unattainable became a defining family memory marked by healing, faith and togetherness. They expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Galang’s role in managing Tim’s pain and coordinating his care, crediting his dedication and compassion with making possible not just a journey to Italy, but an unforgettable experience that restored hope and created a lifelong cherished memory.

01/25/2026

We are closely monitoring the weather and have emergency management plans in place to ensure patients get the care they need while maintaining safety for our patients, visitors and teammates.

More updates here: https://bit.ly/4tdIB90

View the comments below for real-time updates on closures or hour changes. ⬇️