Stephen Peterson, MD

Medicine is such a rewarding field. I get to build long-lasting and strong relationships with patients; I love to be part of their lives, both to celebrate their successes and to help them when something goes wrong. All topics of medicine are a wonderful challenge, and it is so interesting to study and continue to learn throughout my career. \n In addition to primary care, I very much enjoy sports medicine and am fortunate to help both professional athletes as well as those simply having fun and staying active. I currently serve as the medical director for United Soccer League's North Carolina FC, the head team physician for Wakefield High School, and I am one of the company physicians for the Carolina Ballet. I also used to be the head team physician for the Buies Creek Astros Class A Carolina League team. These roles have allowed me to give back to my community while providing remarkable medical care. \n My wife, Dr. Lily Harris, is a pediatrician. We met in medical school and now have two amazing daughters who make us very proud. When I am not spending time with family, I enjoy listening to live music and playing my guitar. Golf, tennis and hiking keep me active. Sports have always been a passion of mine, especially pulling for the Wolfpack!

I love to meet my patients where they are, whether that's training for an ultramarathon, optimizing their mental health or just finding the next right step on their health journey. So, I focus on wellness and preventive care with my patients. \n I use my prevent rather than treat philosophy often in my dual practices of family and sports medicine. I believe our bodies were designed to move, and, in our ever-expanding sedentary environments, it's becoming harder and harder to find ways to be active. I find great joy in helping patients move - sometimes, for the first time in a long time - and keeping them moving in the ways they prefer. \n To do that, I listen closely to patients' goals, struggles and experiences that inform where they are today and where they hope to go in the future. I want to walk alongside them through all the various stages of life and provide support, guidance and clarity in the areas I can as we pursue, together, their journey to optimal health and wellness. \n My honors include being named a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and receiving the Resident Educator Award and Chief Resident Leadership Award from the department of family and community medicine at the University of Wisconsin. \n My incredible wife, Dr. Samantha Cordum, and I share an amazing son and two lovable pups. Sam works as a newborn hospitalist in Raleigh. You can often find all five of us out for neighborhood walks, attending sporting events, trying new restaurants or planning our next family getaway. \n As a former soccer player, I have had my fair share of injuries. It's been a while since I've played, but I stay active with weightlifting, indoor cycling and, given the opportunity, just about any recreational sport you can think of. I look forward to the opportunity to join you on your health journey.