Dr. Julie Schopps to retire after 32 years in Pediatrics. After 32 years of dedicated service to children and families in Statesville, Dr. Julie Schopps, MD has announced her retirement from Piedmont HealthCare Pediatrics. Dr. Schopps is a founding Piedmont HealthCare physician and has spent her entire career at PHC Pediatrics, helping shape the practice and the organization from its earliest days. Throughout her career, Dr. Schopps has been a trusted and compassionate pediatrician to generations of families in the community. Her commitment to providing exceptional care, building lasting relationships with patients and parents, and mentoring colleagues has made a profound and lasting impact on both Piedmont HealthCare and the Statesville community. As Dr. Schopps transitions into retirement, Piedmont HealthCare Pediatrics remains committed to providing high-quality pediatric care to the community. Patients will continue to have access to an experienced team of pediatric providers dedicated to caring for children from infancy through adolescence. Piedmont Healthcare is excited to welcome Dr. Meghan Holzmacher, who will continue Dr. Schopps' patient first approach at PHC Pediatrics. Dr. Schopps' final day of seeing patients will be Friday, July 31, 2026. For appointments or inquiries, please contact the office at 704-838-8245.

Bell appointed director of Value-Based Care for Piedmont HealthCare. Special to IFN Kellyn Bell has returned to Piedmont HealthCare as director of Value-Based Care. She brings more than a decade of experience with PHC and a deep understanding of care coordination, population health, and clinical operations to her new position. Bell previously served with PHC for 11 years, most recently as director of Clinical Services and prior to that as manager of Population Health. Throughout her tenure, she also oversaw PHC's care coordination department, helping shape a more connected and patient-centered approach to care delivery. In her new role, Bell will lead PHC's value-based care strategy, overseeing teams and initiatives focused on quality outcomes, care coordination, and performance across payer partnerships. She will work closely with physician leadership, health plans, and internal teams to strengthen operational processes, support growth, and advance innovative care models that improve patient outcomes while managing cost of care. "Kellyn brings a rare combination of clinical insight, operational experience, and genuine care for our patients and providers," said Joy Durham, chief operating officer of Piedmont HealthCare. "She understands this organization, our community, and the direction we are headed. We are confident in her ability to lead our value-based care efforts and continue building on the strong foundation already in place." A registered nurse for 17 years, Bell has built her career around improving how patients experience care and how teams work together to support them. Her leadership in population health and clinical services has shaped a practical, patient-focused approach to value-based care. "Working in population health and clinical services at PHC gave me experience seeing what patients need and how care comes together," Bell explained. "That taught me the value of coordinating care and building strong community connections, which are lessons I carry into value-based care to support patients across every step of their health journey." A long-time Iredell County resident, Bell said her connection to the community is a driving force behind her work. "Iredell County has always been home to me, and being close to family is what makes it so special," she said. "Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and our 10-year-old daughter, making the most of those simple, meaningful moments together." Looking ahead, Bell is focused on strengthening the support system around both patients and providers. "I hope this work helps patients feel supported every step of the way, that providers have what they need to give the best coordinated care, and that our patients are healthier because they are connected to the right care and resources," she said. About Piedmont HealthCare. Piedmont HealthCare is a physician owned, multi-specialty medical group and one of the largest of its kind in the region. For 30 years, the organization has cared for patients and families across Iredell County and the surrounding communities. With more than 215 physicians and providers across over 60 locations, Piedmont HealthCare delivers coordinated care across a wide range of specialties while remaining deeply connected to the communities it serves. Visit www.piedmonthealthcare.com to learn more.

PHC Piedmont Urology recognized as UroLift Center of Excellence. Special to IFN PHC Piedmont Urology is proud to announce that Dr. Tao Cui has been recognized as a UroLift Center of Excellence, a distinction awarded to physicians who demonstrate a high level of experience and commitment to delivering outstanding patient outcomes with the UroLift procedure. The designation recognizes providers who have achieved significant procedural experience and consistently deliver quality care for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. Dr. Cui and the team at PHC Piedmont Urology offer the UroLift procedure as a minimally invasive treatment option designed to relieve urinary symptoms caused by BPH without major surgery. The procedure works by lifting and holding the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra, helping patients experience improved urinary flow and relief from symptoms. "The improvement in UroLift technology allows us to treat men with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms without the need for invasive surgery," Cui said. "Most patients see improvement in urinary symptoms in the first few days and can stop long-term medications." PHC Piedmont Urology serves patients across Iredell County and the surrounding region, offering comprehensive urologic care including treatment for prostate conditions, kidney stones, urinary disorders, and men's health concerns. Patients interested in learning more about the UroLift procedure or scheduling a consultation can contact PHC Piedmont Urology in Statesville at 704-838-8200 or learn more by visiting www.piedmonthealthcare.com/location/piedmont-urology. About PHC. Piedmont HealthCare is a physician owned, multi-specialty medical group and one of the largest of its kind in the region. For 30 years, the organization has cared for patients and families across Iredell County and the surrounding communities. With more than 215 physicians and providers across over 60 locations, Piedmont HealthCare delivers coordinated care across a wide range of specialties while remaining deeply connected to the communities it serves. Visit www.piedmonthealthcare.com.