Caroline R. Summers, DO, MS

As a registered nurse, I started my nursing career in the Behavioral Health unit at Vident Medical Center in Greenville, NC. In nursing school I was drawn to women’s health and, after the birth of my first child with a midwife, I knew where I should be. I pursued my passion in Florida as a labor and delivery nurse. There, I honed my skills caring for women at one of their most vulnerable times. In 2016, my family relocated to Holly Springs. I continued work in labor and delivery in Cary, and then at the new Rex Hospital in Holly Springs. Once back in North Carolina and inspired by the amazing midwives I have worked with over the years, I decided to go back to school for my master’s degree. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, including my four wonderful children. I also enjoy reading, wake-surfing and traveling.

I have had so many experiences as a child and young adult that led me to realize that I wanted to dedicate my life to educating, empowering and mentoring women to become the best versions of themselves. This passion was born out of admiration for my mother’s strength and ability to uplift and encourage everyone around her. My devotion to the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology is solidified daily, as I cherish the unique relationships that I develop with my patients. Being a wife, mother, sister, and friend has made me more aware of the many hats women wear daily; as well as how these various roles can impact our spiritual, physical, and mental health. I thus strive to ensure that I take the time to understand my patient’s needs, provide education and address any concerns they may have. I firmly believe in providing patient-centered care and developing treatment plans based on shared decision making. My aim is to continually create a safe space for women to feel empowered to make well informed decisions that will allow them to achieve optimal health and wellness. I enjoy providing the full scope of OBGYN care which includes low and high-risk obstetric care, preventative medicine, treatment of menstrual disorders and other benign gynecologic conditions. I also have a special interest in minimally invasive surgery and family planning. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, dancing, and cooking. I also enjoy event planning and interior decorating.

I chose to become a physician due to a positive experience with a physician when I was 15 years old. I had an accident which resulted in the need for orthopedic care. The emergency room (ER) physician who cared for me was sensitive to my being frightened and alone (my parents were both working and it took a while for them to get to the hospital). The ER doc was kind and explained things to me as they happened. He even took the time to tell me what he was looking for on X-ray and how my treatment would proceed. Being from a small town, I had never interacted with a physician on more than a very superficial level. His kindness and skill left me in awe. It was in that moment that I decided I would become a physician. I very much believe in a partnering approach to patient care. I will always provide the patient with options to manage a condition. I firmly believe that patients have the best outcomes when they are empowered in their medical care. Safe treatments and alternatives should always be discussed, and questions answered plainly and frankly. I believe that there is never a bad question. I like to connect with my patients on a personal level-I see them as friends more than acquaintances. I am at the point in my career where I often treat young women that I delivered as babies for gynecologic issues. It is highly gratifying knowing that I have developed a level of trust that continues through generations of women. I enjoy all aspects of obstetric and gynecologic care. I offer obstetric care and delivery for most patients including twins and patients with conditions such as hypertension and gestational diabetes. I also offer a full range of medical and surgical options for treatment of heavy menstrual cycles, fibroids and ovarian cysts. Outside of work, I am an avid sports fan, particularly of college football. I love to read and listen to music. I can often be found working in my yard with my earbuds in on the weekends.