Swain Community Hospital is pleased to welcome primary care provider Nelonna Branham, MMS, PA-C, to its medical staff. Branham will begin seeing patients at Swain Family Care beginning December 1. 

Branham brings extensive training in primary care, with a background in family medicine, pediatrics, and women’s health. She recently completed her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Lincoln Memorial University, where she provided full-spectrum outpatient care for patients of all ages. 

Her clinical experience includes managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, COPD, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, anxiety, and depression, as well as providing preventive care through Medicare wellness visits, annual physicals, well-woman exams, and pediatric well-child checks. 

Branham is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a minor in Appalachian Studies, work that deepened her understanding of the unique needs of rural communities. Her clinical rotations also included emergency medicine and orthopedics, further strengthening her ability to evaluate acute concerns, interpret diagnostic studies, perform procedures such as laceration repair and splinting, and support continuity of care for patients with musculoskeletal needs. 

“We are proud to welcome Nelonna to Swain Community Hospital as she begins her primary care practice,” said chief executive officer Ashley Hindman. “Her commitment to patient education, her ability to care for individuals across all stages of life, and her passion for Appalachian communities make her an ideal fit for Swain Family Care. We are excited for our patients to benefit from her compassionate approach to primary care.” 

Branham is known for her adaptability, teamwork, and clear, patient-centered communication, consistently earning positive feedback for the way she partners with individuals to support informed, proactive health decisions. She is especially passionate about helping patients feel heard, informed, and supported in their health journeys, and she looks forward to offering evidence-based care paired with the personal connection that is central to primary care.