James R. Powell, MD - Internal Medicine, Ahoskie Primary Care

James R. Powell, MD, shares 5,500 patients with two nurse practitioners. Ahoskie's need for a specialist in internal medicine is obvious - and Dr. Powell committed himself to the daunting volume without hesitation.

"There is enough work (in the area) to handle two more physicians. We're doing the best we can to meet the needs," Dr. Powell said. "I'm used to having family conferences in Wal-Mart. I expect to be stopped wherever I'm needed; here I am a physician 24 hours a day."

Dr. Powell studied at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va. He completed his residency training and was co-chief resident of Internal Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. He was named intern of the year for ECU Internal Medicine in 2000 and received the Banting and Best Award for Excellence in Endocrinology the same year. He received the ECU Section of General Medicine Award for Excellence in General Internal Medicine in 2001 and was named Outstanding Senior Resident in Internal Medicine with the Eugene Furth Award in 2002.

Dr. Powell hopes to stay in the area even after his CPP commitment is complete. He has relatives in the area and Ahoskie caters to both hunting and fishing - passions he entertains when he isn't work or enjoying his family.

"This is a great opportunity. Will I stay in the area? I hope so," he says. "We have very good patients who appreciate our work."