New services are now being provided at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Orthopaedics – West Park, located at 1917 W. Park Dr. in North Wilkesboro.
Dottie Shepherd, nurse practitioner and fracture prevention specialist, has joined the office. She is a certificate holder from the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation and specializes in adult, women’s and children’s health. In 2022, she was recognized as a Nurse of Distinction by the Greensboro News & Record for her exceptional advocacy, care and support of her patients.
The fracture prevention program works with patients to design a preventive plan to foster bone health in older adults, to help reduce the risk of fragility fractures, and help prevent new fractures from occurring.
“We are thrilled to bring our fracture prevention program to the Wilkes County community,” said Dr. Cynthia Emory, professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and an orthopaedic surgeon at Wake Forest Baptist. “Dottie brings unique osteoporosis expertise to our patients, so they can receive high-quality care and remain conveniently closer to home.”
Wake Forest Baptist’s fracture prevention program was the first in the country to receive The Joint Commission Gold Seal for Osteoporosis and holds a Star Performer designation from the American Orthopaedic Association, recognizing clinical outcomes and improved care, as well as the ability to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers.
The fracture prevention service is available for patients who are 45 years of age or older with low bone mass, a history of fractures, those with a history of medical conditions affecting bone quality, or a history of fracture-contributing medical conditions or medications known to affect bone quality. Appointments can be made by calling 336-903-7845 or through the myWakeHealth patient portal.
Media contacts:
Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu
Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu