Meridian Internal Medicine

Dr. Caroline Prochnau has built her medical practice, Meridian Internal Medicine, around providing quality healthcare to her patients in a positive and caring environment. An approach that promotes a partnership with the patient to the treatment and prevention of illnesses. Dr. Prochnau is a native of North Carolina and grew up in Winston Salem. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from UNC-Charlotte in 1994 and received her Doctor of Medicine degree from UNC School of Medicine in 1998. She completed her internal medicine residency at the University of

Tennessee Knoxville Medical Center in 2001. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and her professional memberships include the North Carolina Medical Society and the American College of Physicians.

When she returned to North Carolina, she chose to settle down in Asheboro to be closer to her family. She joined another practice, where she worked for several years before opening her own office on North Cox Street.

She chose the name Meridian for two reasons: opening her own office was the highest point in her career at that time, and in ancient China, the Meridians were discovered to be the pathways of the positive and negative energy in the body.

Dr. Prochnau took the time to plan every detail of her office décor to promote a soothing, calm atmosphere for everyone who walks in the front door. She took it one step further and declared the office a “perfume & fragrance free” zone for the well being of her patients and staff.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone who works or visits the office is required to wear a mask for the safety of others and all social distancing COVID-19 protocols are followed to give patients the peace of mind of in person visits. Each stafff member has a daily temperature check and rapid testing if they are not feeling well and exhibiting any symptoms. If a patient is having respiratory symptoms, they are seen outside the office.

Dr. Prochnau’s practice is helping men and women over the age of 18 maintain their general wellness through regular check-ups for preventative self-care. In addition, Meridian Internal Medicine offers patients a full range of care for high blood pressure maintenance, thyroid issues, diabetes management and other general internal

medicine issues. They have an in-house lab through LabCorp so people can have their lab work done right at the office during their scheduled visit instead of making an additional appointment at a collection site.

Patient records are completely electronic, and they offer a secure portal so their patients have access to their personal files at any time, including doctor visits, lab results, x-rays and more.

Cathy Campbell has been with Dr. Prochnau as her office manager since the beginning. Sandra Barrett, patient care coordinator and Yolanda Scotton, certified medical assistant have also been with her since she opened the practice. Her practice has grown to include additional certified medical assistants Linda Morgan and Savannah Smith. Amy Watson was hired as an assistant office manager to help Cathy with the growing needs of the practice. Brittini McMasters is a phlebotomist with LabCorp and available onsite.

Sharon Heyn, FNP-C joined the staff at Meridian in February 2018. Sharon graduated with an Associate’s degree in nursing from Randolph Community College in 2003, and received her Bachelor of Science nursing degree from WinstonSalem State University in 2014. She completed her Master of Science nursing degree from WinstonSalem State University in 2016. She is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). In addition, Sharon completed a Doctorate of Nurse Practice program through UNC-G, with a focus on antibiotic stewardship.

Sharon is from Asheboro and enjoys working in her hometown and seeing lots of familiar faces. She fits in well with the practice as she and Dr. Prochnau have very similar philosophies when it comes to their patients, taking a team approach to provide quality compassionate healthcare.

Dr. Prochnau feels very fortunate that her staff has been with her a long time and work so well together. She promotes this through team building activities throughout the year.

Dr. Prochnau is married and has two children. Meghan is high school and Joshua is in 8th grade. Her husband Ken is a mechanical engineer. Sharon is married with two grown children. Her daughter lives in Knoxville, TN and her son lives in

Washington, DC.

Starting in 2022 Meridian are partnering with UpStream Healthcare and will have a clinical pharmacist practitioner on-site part-time working with patients to improve health outcomes.

Meridian Internal Medicine is a member of the Triad Healthcare Network, an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) where health care providers who share common goals of improving patient care can work together more effectively. Providers work together to integrate care, so their patients are ensured they get the right care, at the right place, at the right time.

If you are looking for a caring healthcare provider, call the office today to make an appointment, 336.633.3073. Meridian Internal Medicine is located at 306 N Cox Street, in Asheboro and you can view their website at www. merdianinternalmed.com. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 7 am to 4 pm, and Friday 7 am to 1 pm.