Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

A Triad man’s extraordinary comeback is a testament to resilience—and the power of compassionate, expert care. 💙

After an advanced cancer diagnosis, James Rufty endured 35 radiation treatments and eight weeks of chemotherapy, leaving him bedridden for weeks and on a liquid diet for months. But through it all, he never lost his determination and he always had the support from his Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center care team.

James credits his team as his “bright light in very dark days,” walking alongside him every step of the way and continuing to stay connected even after treatment. Just nine months after finishing therapy, James achieved the unimaginable—completing both the Blue Ridge Relay and the Augusta Half Ironman in the same month. An incredible milestone he dedicated to the family, friends and care team who helped him get there. Today, he’s still training, still pushing forward—and still inspiring us all.

At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, stories like James’ remind us what’s possible when expert care meets unwavering support. Read his full story: https://bit.ly/43Cu9M2

06/01/2026

We’re proud to recognize our newest BEE Award winner, a nursing assistant in the intensive care unit at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center—Linda!

If you’ve worked with Linda, you’ve seen it—she shows up for her patients in a real, consistent way. She listens, pays attention to the small things and makes sure people feel cared for, not just treated. Whether it’s taking an extra minute to calm someone who’s nervous or speaking up for what a patient needs, she doesn’t overlook those moments.

And it’s not just her patients who count on her. Linda is the teammate who steps in without being asked, notices when something’s off and helps keep things moving on even the toughest shifts.

One nomination shared it simply: “Her patients trust her, and it’s evident in the gratitude and respect they show her.”

That steady presence, for patients and for her team, is exactly what this recognition is all about.

05/29/2026

05/27/2026

We’re proud to recognize Mary, our latest DAISY Award winner at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center.

Those who work alongside Mary see it every day—her compassion, respect and unwavering commitment to her patients. But one moment stands out as a powerful example of care that goes beyond the bedside.

When a long-term patient learned his father was critically ill—and later that he had passed—Mary stepped in without hesitation. On her own time, she made sure he could visit his father, offering comfort during what would become their final moments together.

“I will remember how she helped me for the rest of my life,” the patient shared.

Mary reflects the heart of nursing in every sense: “Nursing is in my heart… a part of who I am.”

Grateful for teammates like Mary—showing up with compassion, going the extra mile and making moments that truly matter.

05/22/2026

Some journeys come full circle. 💛

Temple’s path—from student completing clinicals to Director of Nursing—has been shaped by more than two decades of growth at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

A photo taken years ago atop parking deck B now stands as a reminder of transformation—as that same space evolved into the Julie Freischlag Care Tower, where care continues today.

“For the past 21 years, I’ve had the honor of learning and growing amongst the most compassionate nurses and healthcare providers," says Temple.

It’s that spirit of mentorship, trust and lifting one another up that continues to guide Temple’s leadership and the care her teams bring to every patient, every day.

05/20/2026

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has 8 orthopaedic urgent cares across the region with locations in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Salisbury, North Wilkesboro, Davie County and High Point that all offer walk-in care for sprains, strains, fractures, sports injuries and more, without the long ER wait.

Treating ages 8+. On-site X-ray and casting.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4uLiMNA

05/19/2026

“Time is brain!” Dr. Stacey Wolfe, chief of neurosurgery at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, shares what happens in the first 10 minutes of a stroke and why you need to act quickly.

Take our stroke risk assessment to understand your risk: https://bit.ly/48x65x0

05/16/2026

05/15/2026

It started with one flight in 1986—transporting an injured child from Patrick County, Virginia to care in Winston-Salem.

In the decades since, AirCare Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has provided lifesaving transport for more than 38,000 critically ill and injured patients of all ages.

For 40 years, AirCare has brought critical care where it’s needed most. What began with one aircraft has grown into a regional lifeline, with helicopters and a growing fleet of critical care ambulances helping lifesaving care reach more patients, faster.

Innovation has shaped the journey, too—from becoming the first air medical service in North Carolina and Virginia to carry whole blood during transport, giving crews the ability to start that critical intervention before a patient ever reaches the hospital, to continuing to expand the tools and capabilities that support better care in the most urgent moments.

Powered by expert pilots, paramedics and flight nurses—and supported by dedicated teammates behind the scenes—every mission is a team effort.

Here’s to the skill, compassion and progress behind every flight—and 40 years of lifesaving care. 💙