Best Primary Care Physicians and Family Medicine Doctors in Raleigh, NC

Dr. Stephen Peterson, MD is a Family Practitioner who practices in Raleigh, NC. He is 55 years old and has been practicing for 29 years. Dr. Stephen Peterson, MD is affiliated with Novant Chapel Hill NC.

I knew from an early age that I wanted to become a doctor. I grew up in a rural town in Maryland and, as a high school student with an interest in medicine, I used to shadow rural family medicine doctors on their rounds and thought their work looked incredibly rewarding. \n As a life-long athlete (I was a runner in high school and played rugby in college), I have a strong personal interest in sports and physical activity. I wanted to be able to treat athletes of all skill levels in my daily practice, so I pursued a sports medicine fellowship and worked in Division I sports for nine years prior to relocating to North Carolina in 2019. \n My goal is always to provide the best possible care through active listening and understanding each patient's individual challenges and goals. Education and shared decision-making are crucial elements of my patient-centered approach. I strive to help patients - and communities - achieve an active and healthy lifestyle. \n I "practice what I preach" and enjoy walking, running and strength training. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, son and dog. We love going to the beach and have recently started taking family trips to national parks, which we plan to make an annual tradition.

I love to meet my patients where they are, whether that's training for an ultramarathon, optimizing their mental health or just finding the next right step on their health journey. So, I focus on wellness and preventive care with my patients. \n I use my "prevent rather than treat" philosophy often in my dual practices of family and sports medicine. I believe our bodies were designed to move, and, in our ever-expanding sedentary environments, it's becoming harder and harder to find ways to be active. I find great joy in helping patients move - sometimes, for the first time in a long time - and keeping them moving in the ways they prefer. \n To do that, I listen closely to patients' goals, struggles and experiences that inform where they are today and where they hope to go in the future. I want to walk alongside them through all the various stages of life and provide support, guidance and clarity in the areas I can as we pursue, together, their journey to optimal health and wellness. \n My honors include being named a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and receiving the Resident Educator Award and Chief Resident Leadership Award from the department of family and community medicine at the University of Wisconsin. \n My incredible wife, Dr. Samantha Cordum, and I share an amazing son and two lovable pups. Sam works as a newborn hospitalist in Raleigh. You can often find all five of us out for neighborhood walks, attending sporting events, trying new restaurants or planning our next family getaway. \n As a former soccer player, I have had my fair share of injuries. It's been a while since I've played, but I stay active with weightlifting, indoor cycling and, given the opportunity, just about any recreational sport you can think of. I look forward to the opportunity to join you on your health journey.