Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

10/15/2026

🌟Employee Spotlight🌟
on Sarah Zupcic, MBA
ARMA Quality Manager

For the past 6.5 years, Sarah Zupcic has been a part of the Appalachian Regional Medical Associates (ARMA) team. As Quality Manager, she works closely with our outpatient practices to identify opportunities for improvement and help ensure we deliver high-quality care and an exceptional patient experience.

From analyzing data and monitoring quality metrics to collaborating with clinic teams on closing care gaps and improving workflows, Sarah plays a key role in supporting continuous improvement across our practices.

“I work closely with clinic quality champions to integrate Primary Care Improvement Collaborative (PCIC) principles into daily workflows and foster a culture of continuous improvement,” Sarah shared.

Sarah says she “loves partnering with different clinics on a variety of projects and quality improvement initiatives. It is especially rewarding to see the time and effort invested in a measure or project lead to meaningful results and achievement of our goals. While I enjoy the work itself, the people I work alongside are what make my role special. UNC Health Appalachian is a great place to work, and I am thankful for the supportive team and colleagues who make each day rewarding.”

Sarah is a Boone native and proud graduate of Watauga High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Appalachian State University and her Master of Business Administration from UNC Wilmington.

She and her husband, Drake, who works at Appalachian State University, share their home with their beloved 6-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, Rey.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys cooking, baking, reading, gardening, playing volleyball, golfing and horseback riding. This year, she also began volunteering at a local therapeutic riding center, combining her love of horses with a meaningful way to give back to the community.

“I’ve always loved horses, and it is inspiring to witness the positive impact they can have on people’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being,” Sarah shared.

10/14/2026

Perimenopause doesn't always come with hot flashes. It can look like restless nights, brain fog, anxiety, mood changes, unexplained weight gain or simply feeling like you don't feel like yourself anymore.

Dr. Kacy Stille, gynecologist with Women's Health in Boone, shared what women need to know about this often-overlooked stage of life—and why you don't have to just tough it out.

💗 Learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatment options for perimenopause in this Health Talk.

Think brain fog, poor sleep, anxiety or weight gain are just aging? Learn the signs of perimenopause, treatment options, and when to talk to your provider.

10/13/2026

This week, we’re celebrating the dedicated Sterile Processing team members who play a vital role in keeping our patients safe. From carefully cleaning and sterilizing instruments to ensuring everything is ready for procedures, their attention to detail and commitment to quality help make exceptional patient care possible.

Although much of their work happens behind the scenes, their impact is felt throughout our health system every day.

10/12/2026

🤧 Flu season is here!

Feeling under the weather? AppInternal Medicine’s Same-Day Clinic in Boone or Baker Center for Primary Care's Same-Day Clinic in Linville can help you get the care you need without waiting for a traditional appointment.

Whether you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms or another unexpected illness, our Same-Day Clinics offer convenient, affordable care.

💙 The best part? You don’t have to be an established patient to be seen! Our Same-Day Clinics are available to help when you need care today.

📍 AppInternal Medicine | Boone
Call 828-386-2222 to learn more about same-day appointments and availability.

📍Baker Center for Primary Care | Linville
Call 828-737-7711 to learn more about same-day appointments and availability.

Or visit the link in the comments to schedule same-day appointments through MyUNCChart

10/09/2026

We’re thrilled to recognize three outstanding members of our Heart & Vascular Center team who were recently honored with a STAR Award and a generous donation in recognition of their exceptional care and dedication. ⭐

Congratulations to:
👏 Jasdeep Dalawari, MD
👏 Billie Jo Rapol
👏 Brooklyn Shepherd

Thank you for going above and beyond each day to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

The STAR Award is a meaningful way to recognize and thank a dedicated UNC Health Appalachian team member. A financial gift to the Appalachian Healthcare Foundation can be made in their honor, with the donation also eligible to support a specified area of UNC Health Appalachian.

Want to recognize a UNCHA team member with a STAR Award? Visit the link in the comments to learn more.
https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/patients-visitors/recognize-a-unc-health-appalachian-caregiver/

10/07/2026

It’s Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week, and we’re celebrating the incredible team members who help nourish our patients, visitors, and coworkers every day!

From preparing nutritious meals to accommodating special dietary needs and delivering meals with a friendly smile, our Food Services team plays an important role in the care experience. Their work helps make sure patients receive the nourishment they need while they’re with us.

Thank you to our Food Services team for all you do to keep our hospitals fueled, cared for, and running smoothly.

10/06/2026

Stress can motivate us, but when we don't have time to recover, it can lead to burnout. Ella Markland, PMHNP, explains the difference between healthy stress, distress, and burnout—and shares simple ways to help quiet our body's alarm system.

💙 “Well-being is not the absence of stress. It is the ability to navigate through it.”

Read the full Health Talk for tips on recognizing the signs of burnout and ways to refuel:
👉

Stress and burnout affect both mind and body. Learn how to recognize the warning signs, manage stress, prevent burnout, and improve your wellbeing.

10/05/2026

This week, we’re celebrating our midwives who provide compassionate, personalized care to women and families throughout the High Country.

Midwives do so much more than deliver babies. They support patients throughout pregnancy, labor and birth, postpartum recovery and beyond—providing education, advocacy and care that honors each person’s unique needs and experience.

Our midwifery team is proud to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.

Read more about our Certified Nurse Midwives at Women's Health through the link in the comments.

10/02/2026

This week, Dr. Anne-Corrine Beaver made a special STAR Award gift in honor of several incredible team members at Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center. We were thrilled to recognize:

⭐ Susan Allison
⭐ Jennifer Becker
⭐ Angie Del Nero
⭐ Amy Freeman
⭐ Amy Isaacs
⭐ Bettz Mize
⭐ Joe Sinford

The STAR Award is a meaningful way to recognize and thank a dedicated UNC Health Appalachian team member. A financial gift to the Appalachian Healthcare Foundation can be made in their honor, with the donation also eligible to support a specified area of UNC Health Appalachian.

Want to recognize a UNCHA team member with a STAR Award? Visit the link in the comments to learn more.

10/01/2026

🌟Employee Spotlight 🌟
on Audrey Gurkin
Director of Marketing

Audrey Gurkin has worked for UNC Health Appalachian for the past five years as the Director of Marketing. Audrey says what she loves most about her job is that “no two days are the same, and I get to work with incredibly talented team members who are genuinely committed to making a difference. I also love that my work allows us to tell the stories of our patients, providers, and team members while helping people understand the healthcare resources available right here in the High Country. I love being able to take an idea, turn it into something meaningful, and see how it can ultimately make a difference in our community.”

When she’s not at work, Audrey enjoys spending time outdoors or reading a good book. She and her husband, Brent, have a daughter who works in probate law, and one of their favorite things to do together is travel to the coast.