“Prior to medical school, I worked at a clinic specializing in diabetic care and found preventative
and lifestyle medicine to be very rewarding,” she said. “My job is never boring, and every patient
presents differently, even those with the same diagnosis. I am often surprised and challenged by
the range of pathologies that we get to see and treat in primary care.”
Dr. Parker grew up in Goldsboro, NC and is excited to be closer to Eastern North Carolina with
her family: her husband, Alex, and her son, Owen. They also have furry members in their family:
An ornery orange cat named Samson and a dog named Copper. She decided to specialize in
family medicine/internal medicine because of the wide range of conditions she treats.
Before her residency, she worked with local refugee families, helping them establish container
gardens so they could grow healthy food for their families.
“Now that I’m a mother, I especially can’t imagine the hardships of moving with your family to a
place that is foreign geographically, culturally, and with complex systems to navigate–such as our
healthcare system!” she said. “I really respect the courage and fortitude of these families and
appreciate all I can learn from them.”
She is inspired by those who care for their neighbors and community for years without seeking
awards or recognition.
“I believe communities can be deeply impacted for the better by these individuals, and I want to
be similarly embedded in my community here in the Triangle,” she said.
While growing up in Goldsboro, Dr. Parker’s family worked in a small business where they
provided seeds to farmers and grew plants and flowers in greenhouses. This fostered her love of
working with her hands and being active.
“I’ve also enjoyed listening to others’ stories and learning from their life experiences,” she said.
“Medicine brings these interests together so satisfyingly while allowing me to help patients
achieve their goals and live a whole and healthy life.”
Her hobbies include: running, reading (fantasy, nonfiction, theology, “beach reads” and
everything in between), and enjoying good food with family and friends. Don’t be surprised if you see her at the farmer’s market, Marbles Kids Museum, or enjoying the local parks. She’s also
an active member of her church.
