Special to IFN
Piedmont HealthCare is proud to welcome Dr. Dhrupa Changela, who will continue the tradition of exceptional patient-centered care established by Dr. Perry Bartelt at Bartelt Family Medicine. With the retirement of Dr. Bartelt, the practice will move forward under the new name PHC Health & Wellness.
After more than 20 years of service, Bartelt retired on September 30. During his career, he built lasting relationships with his patients and became a trusted and beloved physician in the community. His dedication, compassion, and commitment to quality healthcare have left a lasting legacy at Piedmont HealthCare.
To celebrate his retirement and to welcome Dr. Changela, Piedmont HealthCare hosted an open house at Dr. Bartelt’s office on August 28. The event gave patients, families, and staff the opportunity to thank Bartelt for his years of service and meet Changela as she begins this new chapter with PHC Health & Wellness.
Bartelt reflected on his decision to entrust Changela with continuing his legacy.
“Dr. Changela has a wonderful combination of knowledge and kindness. Many of her questions about my practice and PHC revolved around her concern for delivering excellent patient care that would ensure a seamless transition and build long-lasting patient relationships that are collaborative,” he shared.
Changela began seeing patients at PHC Health & Wellness on Monday.
With more than a decade of experience as a family physician in Florida, Changela brings both expertise and passion to her new role. She earned her medical degree from St. Matthews University School of Medicine in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, completed her residency at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Ga., where she earned the intern of the year award, and is now actively pursuing advanced training through a fellowship in Anti-Aging, Metabolic, and Functional Medicine. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine.
“My core areas of interest are preventative health and the longitudinal management of chronic disease,” she said. “What truly drives my practice is the opportunity to move beyond treating acute concerns and focus on the enduring value of prevention. It is deeply rewarding to watch patients take ownership of their health and thrive over the long term.”
Her philosophy of care for her patients is driven by a commitment to proactive care and the timeless principle that prevention is the most effective medicine.
“My approach is relational, and I believe the most effective care begins with an informed partnership,” Changela explained. “I prioritize clear communication and patient education to ensure that every individual feels empowered to co-author their treatment plan. By aligning my clinical recommendations with the patient’s personal values and goals, we can make healthcare decisions together that truly foster long-term wellness.”
Outside of medicine, Changela enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young daughters. Together, they love attending community events, exploring nature, watching Formula 1 racing and football, traveling, and exploring local restaurants.
LEARN MORE
PHC Health & Wellness is located at 276 Old Mocksville Road, Suite 400, in Statesville. Schedule an appointment by calling 704 878-6592 or learn more at https://piedmonthealthcare.com/location/phc-bartelt-family-medicine/.
About Piedmont HealthCare
Piedmont HealthCare is one of the largest physician-owned and led, multi-specialty groups in North Carolina. With more than 70 convenient locations and over 210 providers across multiple specialties, PHC is committed to providing excellent and innovative patient-centered care. Visit https://www.piedmonthealthcare.com.