McDowell Internal Medicine is joining Mission Health. The practice has served patients in the Marion area since 1985. McDowell Internal Medicine's physician team includes: Mark W. Burton, MD and Edward L. St. Bernard, MD. In addition, the practice comprises Joe Head, Physician Assistant, Betty White, Nurse Practitioner, and Deanna MacLaren, Nurse Practitioner.

"We are delighted to welcome the addition of McDowell Internal Medicine to the McDowell/Mission Physician Network," said Lynn Boggs, President and CEO, McDowell Hospital. "Drs. Burton and St. Bernard are exemplary physicians and committed community stewards with whom we are honored to work. We look forward to planning and building a great future for Mission healthcare services in McDowell County with their leadership."

Patients may call 828-652-7776 to schedule an appointment or visit McDowell Internal Medicine's new location at 1633 Sugar Hill Road in Marion. The practice will begin seeing patients in their new location on November 5.

Dr. Mark Burton will also be assuming medical director leadership of the Hospitalist team for McDowell Hospital. The Hospitalist team today provides 24/7 care for some of the patients admitted to the hospital. Dr. Burton will be working with these physicians to plan an integrated model that provides care for all admitted patients, other than OB/GYN.