Investing in the Future of Family Medicine: NCAFP Student Week in Boone

The first week of June 2026,  MAHEC Boone had the privilege of hosting medical students from across North Carolina as part of the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians (NCAFP) Student Week.

Students from medical schools throughout the state—including the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Duke University School of Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and Campbell University's Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine—joined us in the High Country to learn more about family medicine, rural healthcare, and residency training.

Throughout the week, students experienced firsthand what makes rural family medicine such a rewarding career. They spent time in our continuity clinics, participated in inpatient rounds, engaged with residents and faculty, and explored the unique opportunities available through training in a rural community. They also had the chance to experience the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle that make Boone such a special place to live and train.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Student Week is the opportunity to connect with those who are passionate about serving their communities. The students learned how family medicine plays a vital role in improving access to healthcare across North Carolina, particularly in rural areas where broad-spectrum training and strong patient relationships are essential.

We are grateful to the NCAFP for their continued commitment to supporting medical students and promoting family medicine throughout the state. Programs like Student Week provide invaluable exposure to the specialty and help inspire the next generation of family physicians.

Thank you to all of the students who spent the week with us. We enjoyed sharing our program, our community, and our passion for rural family medicine. We look forward to following your journeys and hope to welcome you back to Boone in the future.

Interested in learning more about training at MAHEC Boone Rural Family Medicine Residency? Explore our program and discover what makes training in the High Country a unique and rewarding experience.

Match Day 2026!

After a competitive and successful interview season, we are proud to welcome six new faces the MAHEC Boone — Rural Family Medicine Residency. They join a program rooted in a clear mission: to train exceptional family physicians who provide high-quality, compassionate care in rural communities. Their selection reflects not just academic accomplishment, but the grit, curiosity, and the commitment this work requires.

Welcome to MAHEC Boone. See you in July.

Why Training Rural Matters: From Residency to Community Impact

Choosing where to train is one of the most important decisions a physician will make. It shapes not only clinical skills, but also perspective, confidence, and long-term career direction. Rural training at its core is deeply rooted in community need and the story of Seven Peaks Family Medicine illustrates why rural training matters.

Founded by graduates of the MAHEC Boone Rural Family Medicine Residency (Drs. Knox and Stevens class of 2024, Dr. Karimy class of 2025) Seven Peaks represents the natural extension of practicing where you train. Their practice in West Jefferson, North Carolina, reflects the same values emphasized during residency: comprehensive care, continuity, and a commitment to meeting patients where they are. By choosing to stay in the region where they trained, these physicians are helping address rural workforce shortages while strengthening access to high-quality family medicine in Ashe County. Here at MAHEC Boone we are proud to have been a part of their training and are excited to watch their practice grow and see the lasting impacts in the High Country. Read more here about the Trailblazers of NC 2025.

From left (Dr. Knox, Dr. Karimy, Dr. Stevens) graduates of MAHEC Boone Rural Residency

Application Season is Here!

Fall has arrived and we’re thrilled to welcome a new season of applicants to the MAHEC Boone Rural Family Medicine Residency Program!

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has applied to interview with us. We’re excited to meet each of you — and to share what makes training in the High Country such a special experience.

During your visit, we hope you’ll see why rural training matters — and how it shapes compassionate, capable physicians ready to serve communities everywhere. We also hope you’ll take a little time to enjoy what Boone has to offer: crisp fall hikes, mountain views, local coffee shops, and the welcoming energy that defines our town.

We’re also excited to share our brand-new website, built to give you an inside look at who we are — from the incredible training opportunities across our clinics and hospitals to the residents and faculty who make this program feel like family.

We can’t wait to meet you and show you firsthand why Boone is such a great place to learn, live, and grow as a family physician.

Warmly,

The MAHEC Boone Family Medicine Residents and Faculty

Welcome..

We’re glad you’re here!

This space is your window into the life, learning, and community impact of our rural family medicine residency in the heart of Boone, North Carolina. Whether you’re a prospective student, a current resident, a healthcare professional, or simply someone passionate about rural medicine, our blog is designed to connect you with the people, places, and stories that shape our program.

What You’ll Find Here

Student & Resident Education – Insights from our classrooms, simulation labs, and bedside teaching. From procedural tips to point-of-care ultrasound techniques, we’ll share the skills and strategies that prepare physicians for full-scope rural practice.

Resident & Community Engagement – Stories of how our residents partner with local organizations, lead community health projects, and bring high-quality care to patients in both clinic and hospital settings.

The Rural Healthcare Perspective – Conversations about the unique challenges, rewards, and innovations in delivering care to rural populations.

Why We’re Doing This

We believe rural healthcare thrives when people share knowledge, experiences, and inspiration. This blog is our way of opening the doors to our residency’s day-to-day reality—celebrating successes, reflecting on challenges, and highlighting the incredible work being done in our community.

Welcome to the journey.