Pediatrics
Childhood is a time of constant change and learning. We are here to care for your child from their first newborn exam, through adolescence and into adulthood. We provide wellness visits, sports physicals, and acute care for unexpected illnesses and injuries.
For children with behavioral or mental health concerns, our pediatric counselors are available to provide comprehensive care through our school-based behavioral health program.
In an effort to ensure our kids are all growing with bright, healthy smiles, our dental team visits the schools throughout the year to provide comprehensive dental exams, essential to lifelong wellness.
Dr. Gretchen Banks' Bio:
I was born at Spruce Pine (now Blue Ridge Regional) Hospital and grew up in Burnsville. My mother and father were physicians locally and growing up I saw first-hand how their work was meaningful and enjoyable for them.
I attended Wheaton College in Illinois, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Music and ultimately decided to become pre-med. While at Wake Forest University School of Medicine (where I became a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society), I decided to become a pediatrician. I completed residency at Wake Forest, Brenner Children's Hospital, then worked at Wake Forest for two years on the faculty, where I enjoyed helping train medical students and residents.
In 2013 my family moved back to Yancey County, and I have worked since then at Mission Children's Hospital in Asheville.
I have continued to enjoy working with family medicine residents and medical students learning about pediatrics, and the opportunity to be a pediatric resource for providers in western North Carolina. It is such a joy to have children of all ages as my patients and to help them to thrive.
I am married to Seth Banks, and we have three sons - David, Luke, and Garrett.