Kevin Elmore, PA-C

In my small Ohio hometown, I worked for the town physician while I was in high school, which led to my interest in medicine. He invited me to join the local rescue squad as a student member, and I eventually became an EMT. Later, I trained to be a medical assistant. I've been in and around medicine since I was 15 and can't imagine another career. \n A physician told my PA class that 90% of our job is to listen and ask the right questions. That idea helped form the foundation of my approach to medicine. \n I believe you can best measure a person's health not by the number of pills they take, but by the number of stairs they can climb. I do everything I can to keep patients off medications. That said, if we can't fix a problem through lifestyle changes, then I'm committed to finding the right medicine at the right dose to achieve the best outcomes. \n My role is not to tell a patient what to do, but to serve as a guide. When possible, I strive to "teach you to fish," as the saying goes. It doesn't do a patient any good to be prescribed medicine they won't take. I believe in mutual medical decision-making and work to ensure patients understand the "why" behind their care plan. \n My weight was a life-long struggle until 2023 when I was confronted with my own health shortcomings and embraced healthy eating, exercising and being outdoors. Since then, I've participated in obstacle course races, 5Ks and marathons. I'm fostering a love of movement and the outdoors in my son and daughter, too. If I'm not out exercising myself, I'm probably cheering them on in races and swim meets. \n Because of what living healthfully has done for me, I place a strong emphasis on health and wellness in my practice. That means proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, of course, but it also encompasses mental, emotional and, if appropriate, spiritual health - in whatever form that takes. \n At my church, I'm involved with the children's ministry, counseling ministry and outreach. I volunteer at my kids' school, and I'm an avid member of F3 (a men's group that stands for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith). \n Winston-Salem has been my off-and-on home since coming to Wake Forest for my undergrad degree in 2005. It's been my permanent home since 2014. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, and our family's favorite vacation spots are the beach and mountains since both allow plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. \n I'm not one to sit still unless I'm reading (I love science fiction and fantasy) or watching a movie. My favorites are Marvel movies, Star Wars and Disney/Pixar productions. I love home renovation projects, working on my car, techy gizmos and gadgets and cooking - especially on my grill or smoker.

Caring for people is a family business for me. I grew up in my father's chiropractic office in Lexington, North Carolina, where both my parents and grandparents took care of patients. In middle school, medical care became even more personal for me when my mother received a cancer diagnosis. After various treatments, she passed away when I was in high school. \n Watching my mother depend on new treatments and clinical trials strengthened my interest in science. In college, working in research and volunteering in medical settings eventually led me to medicine. I decided on family medicine because I was impressed with how family physicians can care for patients at every stage of life and can have a personal impact on entire communities and public health. \n I work to stay up to date on medical research so my patients' care is informed by the best medical evidence. My patients can also benefit from my background in genomic medicine; I enjoy making sense of genetic information and family histories that can inform primary and preventive care. I also earned a degree from Duke Divinity School; that experience helps me think holistically about health and community, and to appreciate the unique stories and experiences of my patients. \n Outside of work, keeping up with my young family keeps me more than busy. When I do get some time to myself, I enjoy reading or playing music. I have family between Davidson County and Stokes County, so I am fortunate to have found a fulfilling career close to people and places I love.

After attending PA School and Wake Forest University, my career began in emergency medicine for over a decade. In the emergency setting, I was able to help patients with both acute medical needs and chronic conditions. I saw how many patients would benefit from management of some of those conditions, so they would not need as many emergency services.\n At Maplewood, I am now happy to help people stay healthy to prevent emergent situations whenever possible. Family medicine also allows me to have long-term relationships with my patients. I appreciate being able to follow their health over the course of their lives, which provides a continuity of care as each person moves through life's stages. \n Outside of work, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my wife and our three young children. You can also find me with friends cheering for the NC State Wolfpack, my alma mater.