PINEHURST– Amanda Dow, D.O., is joining the FirstHealth Physician Group in Pinehurst. She is the newest addition to a team of neurohospitalists, including Melanie Blacker, M.D.; Steven Lewis, M.D.; and Sarah Uffindell, M.D.
Dr. Dow graduated from Boston University School of Medicine with an M.A. in Anatomy and Neurobiology. She earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, New York. Prior to joining FirstHealth, she worked as the Neurology Division Chief at Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, providing both inpatient and outpatient care.
“I most enjoyed taking care patients in the hospital with acute neurological conditions,” she said. “I’m happy to be able to provide this service here at FirstHealth.”
During her residency at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, she was elected Chief Neurology Resident. In addition, she participated in the Penry Epilepsy MiniFellowship in June of 2016, and has years of research and teaching experience.
“From a young age, I was fascinated by how the brain works. When I finished medical school, I could not see myself choosing any other specialty, and the same basic curiosities drive me today,” she said. “I enjoy that the field is constantly evolving as we learn more about how best to take care of members in our community that suffer from neurological conditions.”
She said she is excited to join an expanding neurology program at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital (MRH). In addition to MRH’s primary stroke center status, the neurohospitalist program supports outside campuses through tele-stroke and tele-neurology consultations.
“We feel that Dr. Dow will be a great addition to our team and allow us to provide consistent coverage 365 days a year for our growing neuro-consult service,” President of FirstHealth Physician Group, Dan Barnes, D.O., said. “Dr. Dow also has expertise reading EEG’s that will add value to the program.”
FirstHealth, in addition to preparing for its Primary Stroke Center recertification at Moore Regional Hospital, is also advancing stroke care capabilities at all campuses. “With the field’s ever-evolving nature, FirstHealth campuses continue to strive for excellence in stroke care and participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines quality improvement program,” Dr. Blacker said.
“The array of potential stroke treatments that are available has increased dramatically over the past five years,” she said. “Our neurohospitalist team plays a vital role in this continued quality improvement process, and we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dow.”
Aside from work, Dr. Dow enjoys crafting and traveling with her husband, Michael. The pair have backpacked and hiked around the world, from Norway and France to Banff and Patagonia. Most recently, they camper vanned throughout New Zealand. She “looks forward to exploring more of the parks North Carolina has to offer.”
