UNC Physicians Network opens family medicine practice in Princeton

Princeton residents now have access to preventive health care in their hometown.

UNC Physicians Network, an affiliate of UNC Health, has opened a primary care clinic at 213 Barden St. Called UNC Health Family Medicine at Princeton, the practice saw its first patients on Feb. 6.

“We’re excited to be here,” says practice manager Patricia Batts, who also oversees UNC Primary Care in Kenly. “Our first week went smoothly, and our team is coming together nicely.”

A provider from the Kenly clinic will see patients until the permanent provider, Ron Reese, a physician assistant, is ready to take over on Feb. 19. He and his wife relocated from Omaha, Nebraska, and are living in Smithfield while their new home is being built in Pine Level.

“We’re already enjoying the warmer weather and the friendly reception from the community,” Reese says. “I look forward to taking care of patients and getting to know their families.”

No one may be more excited about the new clinic than landlord Don Rains, formerly the mayor of Princeton. Since buying the building a year ago, he’s been working to bring a medical provider back to town.

“It’s a dream come true,” Rains says. “Our town has had a nearly 100-year-history of community physicians, including Dr. Donnie H. Jones Jr., who practiced 60 years before retiring in 1995. Our main thoroughfare is named after him.”

A picture of Dr. Jones now hangs next to the check-in window.

Horizon Family Medicine had a practice in the Barden Street building for several years before closing in 2017. Afterward, one of the two physicians, Dr. Donna Capps, went to work at UNC Primary Care at Kenly, and is still there.

Batts says excitement about the clinic has been building. At Princeton’s Fall Festival this past October, she shared news about the coming opening. “So many people said they couldn’t wait until we got a provider here,” she says. “We’re happy to be in Princeton and look forward to seeing the practice grow.”

Pictured: UNC Health Family Medicine at Princeton is now seeing patients. Members of the care team are: seated, left and right, Ron Reese, physician assistant; and Patricia Batts, practice manager; and standing, left to right, Karen Webb, RN, clinical coordinator; and Tonya Stroud, medical office assistant. Don Rains and his wife, Vicky, own the building.