BLUFFTON, S.C. – Residents across the Lowcountry will now have expanded access to premier vascular care with the opening of Novant Health Heart & Vascular located at 111 Persimmon Street, featuring renowned surgeon Christopher Wixon, MD.
Dr. Wixon, who has served the Lowcountry for two decades, began welcoming patients at the new Novant Health clinic on March 9. The clinic offers specialized care for a broad range of conditions including:
- Aneurysms
- Carotid artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Venous disorders
- Vascular access
A legacy of excellence
Dr. Wixon’s expertise has already made a significant impact on local healthcare standards. Under his care, Novant Health Hilton Head Medical Center was recently recognized as one of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery in 2026.
“With Dr. Wixon and his team joining Novant Health, our patients are gaining a tremendous resource – access to the full spectrum of high-quality vascular care close to home,” said Joel Taylor, president of the Hilton Head area for Novant Health. “He is known for his ability to carefully listen to his patients, diagnose the problem, and deliver the best personalized care. Dr. Wixon brings trusted experience that supports our efforts to build a healthier future.”
Dr. Wixon’s clinical foundation is built on diverse experience. Prior to arriving in the Lowcountry, he completed extensive training at medical universities in the U.S. and Europe. He is also recognized for his leadership roles as a teacher, administrator and researcher, having published on a variety of medical topics.
“Becoming part of the Novant Health system marks a new milestone in our efforts to provide exceptional, patient-centered care for communities in this region,” Wixon said. “This collaboration enables us to provide expert vascular care while gaining new resources and technology as part of Novant Health. We are fully committed to building a vascular program that continues to be recognized as a top performer in the nation. Together, we can now do even more to support the health and well-being of our patients.”
Family nurse practitioner, Melissa Brown, will join Wixon at the new vascular clinic in Bluffton. In addition to having deep experience in vascular care, she has additional experience in intensive critical care. She received her master’s degree in nursing from Columbus State University in Georgia and is certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Brown and Wixon have worked closely together for several years.
For more information about Novant Health Heart & Vascular at 111 Persimmon Street, visit NovantHealth.org/HVIPersimmon; or call 854-235-2810.
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of nearly 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our more than 41,000 team members along with more than 8,600 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2024, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
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