Mills becomes Loris Healthcare's first two-time Top Doctor

By: Michael Smith, Editor

The Loris Scene

Dr. Chuck Mills was as surprised today as he was 10 years ago. Both times, the Loris doctor had no idea he'd been selected as Loris Healthcare System's physician of the year. Mills was already in the room just before the announcement was made. But it didn't become apparent to Mills he was Loris' top doctor until his family surreptitiously entered through the side door.

In a surprise presentation, about 50 family, friends and colleagues crammed into the private dining room at Loris Community Hospital for the ceremony. Mills' wife Kim, and daughters Macon, 11, and Brinkley, 9, joined their father for the celebration. Words nominees used to describe Mills included "knowledgeable" and "compassionate." "This physician has been known to open the office on the weekends," said Tim Browne, president and CEO of Loris Healthcare System. "This physician is considered to be a friend to the community."

Loris Healthcare has been handing out physician of the year awards since 1997. Other past winners include: James Craigie, Christopher Po, John Thomas, Jr., Gavin Leask, John J. Daly, Mark Pelstring Donald Ludlow and Keith Harkins. Incidentally, Dr. Mills won the award in its inaugural year. He's also the first and only physician within the healthcare system to win the award more than once, said Loris Healthcare spokeswoman Celeste Bondurant-Bell.

Dr. Mills said he was extremely honored to be selected, but was quick to extend the credit to his associates. "I'm floored. I almost didn't even come," he said. "There's a lot of physicians that deserve this award as much as I do. All I try to do is be available and do the best I can."
The physician of the year award is considered Loris Healthcare's most prestigious recognition bestowed to local doctors.

Anyone within the healthcare system can nominate a candidate, but the actual selection process is performed by an outside agency to ensure impartiality. Nominees were then whittled down to a final cut list, from which the physician of the year is chosen. There were 10 finalists for this year's award, Browne said. Loris Healthcare typically announces its physician of the year to coincide with National Doctor's Day, which was Thursday. Doctor's Day is a national celebration that recognizes the contributions made by physicians.

A Tabor City, N.C. native, Dr. Mills is a general practitioner at Southern Medical Associates in Loris. He graduated from Elon College, and received his medical degree from East Carolina University Medical School.  He completed his residency at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, N.C., and is board certified in family medicine.

In addition to his group practice, Dr. Mills is the current medical director for Loris Extended Care Center. Dr. Mills has been in practice with Southern Medical Associates since 1989.
Dr. Mills is also active in civic participation. He presently serves on the advisory board for Loris Elementary School, and recently joined the board of directors for BB&T.