I was born and raised in Mount Airy, North Carolina. I attended Campbell University for both college and medical school. After completing my rotations at a small community hospital in Smithfield NC, I matched into the Boone Residency Program. I have broad interests within Family Medicine, but I especially enjoy treating older patients, mental health issues, and women’s health. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, road-biking, playing disc golf, trying new coffees, and watching Carolina Hurricanes games. This program also holds a special place for me as it is where my brother, Mitchell Brown trained. I am very excited to be returning to the western part of the state, and I feel blessed to serve patients of the high country.

My name is Eliza Filene, and I am excited to be joining the AppFamily team. I am from Carrboro, North Carolina and went to UNC for undergraduate and medical school (GO HEELS!!). Before medical school, I worked in public health in Colorado for three years. I am excited to be moving to Boone with my husband and our one-year-old daughter. My clinical and research interests focus on mental and behavioral health, but I love taking care of all patients and ages. I value building long-term relationships with patients and supporting individuals and families across different stages of life. 

 I earned my medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan where I studied Biochemistry and History of Art. I’m originally from Michigan and have lived both in the city and in the rural Upper Peninsula near the Great Lakes. I’m excited to be in the mountains and to be part of such a welcoming and wonderful community here in Boone. I’m passionate about building long-term relationships with my patients, listening thoughtfully, and supporting whole-person health, including the connection between mind and body. Outside of medicine, I’m a nature and animal lover who enjoys being outdoors, practicing yoga and meditation, caring for plants, and cooking and baking for loved ones. 

 I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where I spent a lot of time during my childhood. I spent my summers visiting family in West Virginia, where my love for the outdoors, science, and exploration continued to grow. I attended Ohio State University to study neuroscience, where I developed a deep appreciation for the science behind our brains and behavior. After college, I returned to West Virginia for medical school at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg. Through my education and clinical rotations, I developed special interests in rural medicine, addiction medicine, lifestyle and sports medicine, and osteopathic manipulative medicine. During my time in West Virginia, I enjoyed being part of the community through hiking, farmers markets, music, and local events. My passion for rural medicine and Appalachia deepened as I gained a strong sense of pride in its people and culture. Family medicine became an easy choice after seeing how essential primary care is in this region. I am honored to receive my residency training in Boone, where I can continue serving this population and explore the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy expressing my creativity through painting, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, embroidery, and photography. My other hobbies include hiking, skiing, baking, reading, and live bluegrass music.

I am excited to begin working with the amazing MAHEC Boone team and look forward to learning everything I can about Western North Carolina!

 I was born and raised in Connecticut but ventured west for my studies! I went to Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio for undergrad, majoring in Biophysics.  From there I went to The University of Notre Dame for a Master’s through their ESTEEM program.  After completing this, I went to Vermont to attend Medical School at UVM!

If my last name didn’t give it away, I am a proud first generation Polish-American and love to stay true to my roots and keep up with Polish traditions and cuisine!  I love all sports, but particularly follow Xavier Basketball, Notre Dame Football, and Boston Red Sox Baseball!  I love all things music, playing piano since I was in elementary school and now learning guitar.  If I am not inside, you can catch me outside hiking or fishing! 

I am beyond blessed to be training in Boone and cannot wait to meet you.  Although I love all things Family Medicine has to offer, I particularly love Sports Medicine and Lifestyle medicine, assisting my future patients to not only stay healthy, but to stay moving!

Hello! I am originally from Wilkesboro, N.C. and traveled up the mountain to complete my undergraduate degree in biology at Appalachian State University. After college, I spent time working as a certified nurse aide in a skilled nursing facility and as a substitute teacher in my hometown. These experiences allowed me to build meaningful connections and develop a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives from all walks of life.

I attended medical school at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, S.C. where I was fortunate to be guided by incredible mentors and quickly fell in love with the broad scope and variety that family medicine offers. My training in rural and underserved primary care settings further strengthened my passion for this field and deepened my commitment to advocating for communities like the one I was raised in.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, playing various instruments, traveling, and spending time with family – which often includes cheering on the Mountaineers on the weekends!

I am thrilled to be joining MAHEC Boone and feel grateful for the opportunity to return to the mountains I call home while caring for a community that means so much to me.