WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute is expanding access to advanced cardiovascular care across the Triad through new specialists, innovative procedures and additional services in Elkin, Kernersville, King and Yadkinville. This expansion is part of Novant Health’s broader strategy to meet the region’s growing cardiovascular needs by strengthening specialty care in Winston-Salem and surrounding rural communities.
“These investments reflect our long-term commitment to building a stronger, more comprehensive network of expert cardiology care across the Triad,” said Alisha Sexton, senior director of the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute in the Triad region. “By adding specialists, expanding procedures and growing services, we are creating more opportunities for patients to access the exceptional care they need in the communities where they live.”
New specialists
Five experienced physicians recently joined the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute, increasing patient access to specialized cardiovascular care across the region.
Dr. Luke Peters, a board-certified cardiologist with more than 15 years of experience, recently joined Novant Health Cardiology in Mount Airy. He specializes in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology procedures. Peters earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Colorado Denver.
Dr. Ross Hansen, a triple board-certified cardiologist, recently joined Novant Health Cardiology in Winston-Salem. He specializes in electrophysiology, helping patients with heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation. Hansen earned his master’s degree from Duke University and his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed cardiovascular medicine and electrophysiology training at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Dr. Lucas Hunter, a double board-certified vascular surgeon, recently joined Novant Health Vascular Specialists in Winston-Salem. He provides comprehensive care for vascular conditions, from diagnosis and treatment planning to surgical intervention when needed. Hunter earned his medical degree from East Carolina University School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Dr. Nathaniel Elsner, a board-certified cardiologist, recently joined Novant Health Cardiology in Kernersville. He specializes in general cardiology and helps patients diagnose and manage heart conditions. Elsner earned his medical degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his internal medicine residency at Indiana University School of Medicine and completed a cardiovascular disease fellowship at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.
Dr. Kent Beam, a double board-certified cardiologist with more than seven years of experience, recently joined Novant Health Cardiology in Winston-Salem. He specializes in minimally invasive interventional cardiology, helping patients access advanced heart care. Beam earned his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine, completed his residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte and completed fellowships in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
New heart procedures
Novant Health is also expanding access to advanced cardiovascular procedures across the Triad, allowing more patients to benefit from leading-edge treatment options within their communities.
Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center is now offering renal denervation, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to lower blood pressure in patients whose hypertension remains difficult to control despite taking multiple medications. The procedure, which is also available at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, can help reduce hypertension and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center recently performed its first transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement using the Edwards EVOQUE system. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to treat tricuspid regurgitation without the need for open-heart surgery.
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center also offers the latest in implantable devices, including advanced wireless pacemakers and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).
New clinics
To further improve access, Novant Health continues to expand specialty heart and vascular services across the region.
Novant Health is enhancing access to specialized heart care for infants, children and young adults with the addition of two new pediatric cardiology clinics in Kernersville and King. Both clinics provide care for cardiac conditions, including high blood pressure, heart murmurs, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies and acquired heart diseases.
Novant Health Cardiology Elkin recently expanded to offer two new specialty-trained clinicians, twice the number of exam rooms and new on-site diagnostic screening technology. The expansion increases access to specialty cardiology services for patients in Surry County and surrounding communities.
Later this year, the clinic will begin providing cardiology services one day a week at Novant Health Yadkin Medical Associates, expanding access to specialty heart care in Yadkin County.
Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute in High Point has begun offering nuclear stress testing, expanding access to cardiovascular diagnostic services in an outpatient setting.
The Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute is home to 50 physicians, 45 advanced practice providers and 16 outpatient clinic locations across the Triad region.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit NovantHealth.org/heart.
###
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 900 locations, including 21 hospitals, nearly 800 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 nearly 44,000 team members along with more than 9,100 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2025, Novant Health provided more than $2.1 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
Subscribe
