Clay Ballantine, MD

"Dr. Clay Ballantine is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has practiced in Asheville, NC since 1997. Specializing in general internal medicine and hospital medicine, he has gained extensive experience in managing diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders and other general medical disorders. He also has a keen interest in cardiovascular disease risk factor control, preventive health care, fitness and wellness. Formerly a hospitalist at Mission Health System, Dr Ballantine continues to show special expertise in coordinating care among subspecialists and navigating the diagnostic and treatment components of the regional health care system on behalf of his patients.

Dr. Ballantine grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. He received his B.A. degree in zoology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1984. His medical degree was earned at University of Louisville School of Medicine where he was elected class president every year except his sophomore year when he served as overall student body president. He also worked at the national level to improve medical education as the National Chairman of the Association of American Medical Colleges' Organization of Student Representatives. As chosen by his classmates in medical school, he received the Pressley F. Martin Award as the class member who most embodied the characteristics of an ideal physician.

After completing his residency in internal medicine at the University of North Carolina-affiliated program at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC, he was selected as Chief Resident. He was then a founding member of the Asheville Hospitalist Group, participating in the growth of that group to be one of the best in the region. Demonstrating his commitment to medical education, Dr. Ballantine has served as an Associate Clinical Faculty member with the University of North Carolina's AHEC program teaching medical students and residents. The Mountain AHEC Family Medicine Residency graduating class of 2006 awarded him with their Outstanding Community Faculty Award.

He actively enjoys the outdoors in the North Carolina mountains. After a prior career working on sailboats in the Atlantic and Caribbean, he now pursues mountain biking, swimming, hiking and camping with his wife and family. Deeply involved in the local community, he gives his time and energy to numerous neighborhood, community and charitable organizations."

"Blue Ridge Premier Medicine is a unique, limited, concierge, internal medicine practice serving Asheville, NC and the surrounding region with personalized health care from physicians dedicated to optimizing your health and wellness.

Each patient has a readily available personal physician who takes a proactive approach to their healthcare, focusing extensive time on early disease detection, risk reduction, diet, fitness and other wellness needs. Concierge medicine is an entirely different approach to medical care today. By limiting the number of patients, your personal physician is able to give you the close, thorough, timely attention you need to maximize your health. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your doctor is readily accessible and has taken the time to thoroughly evaluate your condition is invaluable.

Eliminate the fear of medicine. Let us help you take control of your health, rather than allowing your health to take control of you. We are eager to embrace your vitality, elevate your medical care to a new level, and work on your behalf to make you as healthy as you can be. Through the convenience of around the clock direct access to your personal physician, a comprehensive annual physical exam and full array of diagnostic tests, exceptional continuity care, on-time appointments, and attention to detail, your healthcare experience will be unlike any other you have ever had. This is primary care internal medicine at its finest."