Patricia Hart, MD

Hospitalist Medicine
Asheville Hospitalist Group

Dr. Hart is originally from St. Paul, MN. She joined the Asheville Hospitalist Group in 2009. Prior to that, she worked for five years on a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Educational Grant to develop an Integrative Medicine curriculum, including online learning modules. She was also involved with self-care initiatives for medical school and residency programs. She lives in Flat Rock, NC.

Specialties: Internal Medicine, Nephrology

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

Residency: McGaw Medical Center

Fellowships: Bush Medical Fellow 1998-2001, Complementary Medicine with an emphasis on Meditation and Energy Healing; University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, Nephrology

Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, 1985; American Board of Internal Medicine, Nephrology, 1998

What do you find most rewarding about your area of practice? Medicine gives me the opportunity to explore the profound significance of individual lives and the wisdom of each life unfolding. I have the privilege of listening to life stories and sharing incredible conversations with patients and their families as we explore how a health crisis becomes an opportunity for greater healing.

Why did you decide to specialize in your specialty? I chose to practice internal medicine in the rehab setting because the pace slows down and allows me to focus more on the psychosocial and spiritual aspects of healing. I spent 20 years as a nephrologist and intensivist, helping patients deal with acute life-threatening illness and the extremes of chronic illness. A mid-career fellowship allowed me to explore complementary approaches to healing, dramatically shifting my experience and understanding of the world. From this new perspective, illness takes on an entirely new meaning and requires much deeper listening and intuitive skills.

What do you like most about practicing at Mission Health System? I appreciate my lovely patients and colleagues.

Personal Interests: Dr. Hart delights in watching her two daughters grow up into unique, self-sufficient and creative young adults. She has a long-standing meditation practice and studies anthroposophic medicine. She also has a passion for vibrant food and is developing a model for a sustainable community.