Articles From July/August 2025

There are more than 135 medical specialties that physicians can pursue.

Training Future Surgeons

The Carilion Clinic program continues mission of teaching innovative advances in orthopaedic surgery.
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After Night in Jail, A New Start

FarmBurguesa’s Kat Pascal will serve her community as a real estate agent and school administrator after closing her popular restaurants.
Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare

Tackling Gambling Addiction

A Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare initiative aims to reduce problem gambling throughout the Roanoke Valley.
Drs. Ryan Evans, Matt Mathew and Dennis Hu

Comprehensive Kidney Care in Southwest Virginia

Three top nephrologists share a unified commitment to comprehensive kidney care while bringing their own unique experiences and perspectives to the practice.
Becky Pollard ringing the bell at Blue Ridge Cancer Care after her last cancer treatment.

A Legacy of Compassion

When cancer made transportation a barrier to treatment, Becky Pollard turned pain into purpose — and now her son carries on the mission to get patients to care, one ride at a time.
Dr. Alicia Hollis

Rooted in Whole-Person Healing

Guided by both science and empathy, Dr. Alicia Hollis blends integrative and conventional approaches to treat the whole person — mind, body and spirit.
Dr. Neil MacDonald

At the Intersection of Precision & Compassion

Dr. Neil Macdonald discusses the reach of his specialty, the honor of being named a Top Doc and why Roanoke still feels like home.
Dr. James Farmer

Keeping Roanoke on Its Feet

With expertise in sports medicine and joint care, Dr. James Farmer combines advanced surgical techniques and noninvasive therapies to help patients regain strength, mobility and long-term wellness.
The Holy Diver, A Tropical Cocktail Created by Bar Manager Teer Willow.

Giddy Up

Locals are lining up at Show Pony, where inventive plates and punchy cocktails come with a side of unapologetic personality.
The Burton Center for Arts and Technology robotics camp is run by the school’s FTC robotics team.

Engineering Tomorrow’s Leaders

Hands-on learning and fun collide as local STEM camps fuel kids’ curiosity and confidence for the future.

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