Three Providers Join FryeCare Physicians Network

FryeCare Physicians Network is pleased to welcome three new providers to its medical staff: obstetrician-gynecologist Oriena Mensah, MD, family nurse practitioner Jennifer Kerley, DNP, and physician assistant Alexander Patrone, PA-C. The addition of these providers helps increase appointment availability and supports FryeCare Physicians Network’s commitment to expanding access to women’s services, primary care and cardiovascular care close to home.

Oriena Mensah, MD, joins FryeCare Women’s Services

Dr. Mensah is now seeing adolescents and adults at FryeCare Women’s Services, located at 1781 Tate Blvd., Suite 201, in Hickory. She provides obstetric and gynecologic care with an emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered treatment. Dr. Mensah speaks English, French and Akan (Twi).

Her services include preventive care, routine and high-risk pregnancy care, treatment of gynecologic conditions, contraception counseling and minimally invasive surgery. Her clinical interests include the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery, endometrial ablation, hysterectomy and pelvic floor prolapse surgery.

Dr. Mensah earned her Doctor of Medicine from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Cupecoy, St. Maarten, and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria, Illinois. During her residency, she developed clinical interests in high-risk obstetrics, gynecologic care and medical education.

“My goal is to create a welcoming environment where every patient feels informed, supported and confident in her care,” said Dr. Mensah. “I look forward to building lasting relationships with women and their families while providing personalized care through every stage of life.”

Same-week appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, call 828.328.2901 or FryeCarePhysicians.com/find-a-doctor.

FryeCare Physicians Network continues to grow its team of physicians and advanced practice providers to meet the health care needs of patients throughout the region. Kerley’s addition expands access to comprehensive primary care for individuals and families across the region.

Jennifer Kerley, DNP, joins FryeCare Family Physicians

Kerley is now seeing infants to adults at FryeCare Family Physicians, located at 915 Tate Blvd. SE, Suite 186 in Hickory. She brings extensive experience in family medicine, preventive care and chronic disease management.

Kerley is a certified family nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of nursing experience, including the past three years providing primary care. She cares for children, adolescents and adults, with services including preventive care, women’s and men’s health, chronic disease management, obesity management, behavioral and mental health integration, dermatologic primary care and treatment of low-acuity urgent health concerns.

“Primary care gives me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients and partner with them throughout the different stages of their lives,” Kerley said. “I want my patients to feel heard, supported and actively involved in decisions about their health. My goal is to provide evidence-based, compassionate care that helps each patient achieve their best possible health and wellness.”

Kerley brings extensive clinical and leadership experience spanning primary care, cardiology, behavioral health, patient safety, nursing education, home health and public health. Her approach emphasizes preventive care, patient education and coordination of care while recognizing the connection between physical and emotional well-being.

Kerley earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a family nurse practitioner concentration from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory. She is a certified family nurse practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners certification program.

Same-week appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, call 828.449.8458 or FryeCarePhysicians.com/find-a-doctor.

Patrone’s arrival strengthens Frye Regional’s cardiovascular team and gives area patients greater access to heart care close to home.

Alexander Patrone, PA-C, joins FryeCare Cardiology

Patrone, a board-certified physician assistant, is now seeing patients at FryeCare Cardiology, located at 2660 Tate Blvd. SE in Hickory. He brings experience caring for patients with a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.

At FryeCare Cardiology, he provides general cardiology care with clinical interests including hypertension, high cholesterol, heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia and other heart rhythm disorders.

Prior to joining FryeCare Cardiology, Patrone served as a hospitalist physician assistant at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. His experience includes evaluating and managing hospitalized patients, coordinating care with specialists and interpreting EKGs, laboratory results and diagnostic imaging. He previously served as a hospitalist physician assistant at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory.

“Cardiovascular health can have a tremendous impact on a person’s overall health and quality of life,” Patrone said. “I look forward to building relationships with patients, helping them understand their heart health and working alongside them to manage risk factors and cardiovascular conditions. My goal is to make sure patients feel informed and involved in their care.”

Patrone earned his master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Bethel University in Paris, Tennessee, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in health and human services from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem.

He is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and maintains certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support. He is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates.

Same-week appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, call 828.261.0009 or visit FryeCarePhysicians.com/find-a-doctor.

The addition of Dr. Mensah, Kerley and Patrone reflects FryeCare Physicians Network’s continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality health care close to home. Through continued growth in primary and specialty care services, FryeCare is helping patients throughout the region access the care they need in the communities where they live and work. To learn more about FryeCare providers or schedule an appointment, visit FryeCarePhysicians.com/find-a-doctor.

###