History
Cheers to 40 years!
In 2018 The Family Health Centers celebrated forty years as an independent medical practice serving the families of Western North Carolina. The practice enjoyed a lunch buffet, awards, and the unforgettable annual medical directors’ skit at the beautiful Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa. Many of our founders mixed with new providers and employees while dancing to music from the year of our founding, 1978. We thank our patients, providers and staff for supporting our forty years of success!
Bruce Elliston, MD
Founder, The Family Health Centers of Asheville, Arden & Hominy Valley
1946 – 2020
It is with great sadness that The Family Health Centers shares the loss of our founding Medical Doctor, Bruce Elliston, MD, of Asheville. Dr. Elliston established Asheville Family Health Center in 1978. He was an innovator and visionary in family practice and was one of the initial attending physicians in the new specialty of Family Practice at the MAHEC Residency Program in 1976. Through three decades of pursuing Dr. Elliston’s vision for primary care, The Family Health Centers of Asheville, Arden & Hominy Valley has grown into the thriving practice it is today. “Dr. Elliston’s impact on patient care in our community will be felt for generations to come. I will remember him as a cherished mentor and friend.”–Dr. Rob Steward, President Read Obituary
The Family Health Centers of Asheville, Arden & Hominy Valley announced the retirement of James H. McMillan, MD on January 31, 2017. A founding member of the practice, Dr. “Jim” McMillan cared for patients of The Family Health Centers for more than 35 years. He was one of the first MAHEC Family Medicine residents in the late 1970s. During the 1980s, Dr. McMillan improved obstetrical care for women seeking alternatives to traditional hospital births in the Asheville area. He was among the first physicians in this era to provide assistance with natural childbirth and home births. Dr. McMillan is an advocate for Managed Care and its focus on the prevention of illness and disease. He is also a strong believer in the advantages of care delivered by independent medical practices like The Family Health Centers. The Family Health Centers thanks Dr. McMillan for his roles as mentor and friend.