Statesville, NC, October 6, 2025 – Piedmont HealthCare has announced that Dr. Dhrupa Changela, MD, has joined the practice to continue the tradition of patient-centered care established by Dr. Perry Bartelt at Bartelt Family Medicine. Following Dr. Bartelt’s retirement, the practice will move forward under the new name PHC Health & Wellness.
After more than 20 years of service, Dr. Bartelt’s last day was September 30, 2025. Over the course of his career, he built strong relationships with patients and became a trusted and well-respected physician within the community. His compassion and commitment to high-quality care have left a lasting mark on Piedmont HealthCare.
To celebrate his retirement and welcome Dr. Changela, Piedmont HealthCare hosted an open house at Dr. Bartelt’s office on August 28, 2025. Patients, families, and staff gathered to honor Dr. Bartelt’s years of service and to meet Dr. Changela as she begins her role with PHC Health & Wellness.
Reflecting on the transition, Dr. Bartelt said that Dr. Changela brings both skill and empathy to her new position. “Dr. Changela has a wonderful combination of knowledge and kindness,” he said. “Many of her questions about my practice and PHC revolved around her concern for delivering excellent patient care that would ensure a seamless transition and build long-lasting relationships.”
Dr. Changela began seeing patients at PHC Health & Wellness on October 6, 2025.
With more than a decade of experience as a family physician in Florida, Dr. Changela brings a deep passion for preventive medicine and long-term wellness. She earned her medical degree from St. Matthews University School of Medicine in Grand Cayman, completed her residency at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia—where she received the Intern of the Year award—and is currently pursuing advanced training through a fellowship in Anti-Aging, Metabolic, and Functional Medicine. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine.
“My core areas of interest are preventative health and the longitudinal management of chronic disease,” Dr. Changela said. “What truly drives my practice is moving beyond treating acute concerns and focusing on prevention. It is deeply rewarding to watch patients take ownership of their health and thrive over the long term.”
Her approach emphasizes proactive, collaborative care. “I believe the most effective care begins with an informed partnership,” she said. “I prioritize clear communication and patient education so that every individual feels empowered to co-author their treatment plan. By aligning my clinical recommendations with a patient’s values and goals, we can make decisions that foster true wellness.”
Outside of medicine, Dr. Changela enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young daughters. The family loves attending community events, exploring nature, traveling, watching Formula 1 racing and football, and discovering local restaurants.
Piedmont HealthCare welcomes Dr. Changela to North Carolina and looks forward to the compassionate care she will continue to provide to the Statesville community.
PHC Health & Wellness is located at 276 Old Mocksville Road, Suite 400, Statesville, NC 28625. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 704-878-6592 or by visiting https://piedmonthealthcare.com/location/phc-bartelt-family-medicine/.
