Welcome to our Practice
Family 1st Healthcare Associates is accepting new patients!
Call 828-239-9400 to schedule today.
Flu and Covid Shots
are available for all our established patients. No appointment necessary.
We are excited to share that Ashley McDowell, FNP-C, will be joining Family 1st Healthcare and will be transitioning into the role of caring for Karen Clarke’s patients.
As many of you know, Karen Clarke will be retiring at the end of October after years of dedicated service. We are deeply grateful for the compassionate care she has provided to our patients and community.
Ashley brings a passion for patient-centered care. We are confident that she will continue the same high level of commitment and compassion that Karen has shown throughout her career.
Please join us in welcoming Ashley McDowell and in celebrating Karen Clarke’s retirement!
Meet Ashley
Ashley McDowell is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama after completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Morris.
Ashley brings over 10 years of nursing experience to her practice, with the majority of her career spent in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. She also worked as a travel nurse for four years before transitioning into radiology. These diverse experiences allowed her to care for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions and develop a strong foundation in critical care. Ashley discovered a special interest in women’s health and primary care during her clinical training as a nurse practitioner.
Her philosophy is to partner with patients in optimizing their quality of life and helping them achieve their vision of health. She values building strong, trusting relationships and empowering patients to take an active role in their care.
Originally from Vermont and raised in Wisconsin, Ashley moved to North Carolina with her husband in 2022. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the outdoors. She shares her home with three dogs, three rats, and a small flock of chickens. During her time as a travel nurse, Ashley and her husband lived in an RV, allowing them to explore much of the country—a spirit of adventure she still carries with her today.
Introducing our newest Provider Ashley McDowell
Now accepting new patients
Logan McDowell
Logan McDowell, DNP, FNP-BC is a family nurse practitioner with more than a decade of nursing experience in emergency and critical care. Logan began his nursing career in the emergency department and intensive care unit at Catawba Valley Medical Center, where he developed a strong foundation in acute care and patient advocacy. He then spent over eight years as a flight nurse with MedCenter Air, providing emergency and critical care during air medical transports. These experiences shaped his calm, focused approach and deepened his passion for delivering timely, effective care. Logan earned his undergraduate degrees from Gardner-Webb University. While completing his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Lenoir-Rhyne University, Logan completed two of his clinical rotations with Family 1st Healthcare with Dr.Kelli Kelley as his preceptor.
Logan is a native of the area, born and raised in Burke County. Outside of the clinic, Logan enjoys spending time with his wife and son and is an avid golfer. He is dedicated to delivering personalized, evidence-based care and is currently accepting patients of all ages.
What makes us special?
Utilizes Family Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
Our providers not only diagnosis problems and treat those problems, but they also incorporate that treatment and that response into their family, their culture, their daily lives and their community.
Unaffiliated from hospital systems
Provides the ability to have high quality and personalized care in Western North Carolina without the pressure of industrialized medicine/conveyor belt approach.
Local Business
We are able to provide health care for our local community while giving back to our community through school sponsorships, sport sponsorships, scholarships, donations, resources, etc.
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Meet Garth
Garth is a vital part of our staff providing tail wagging, comfort to our patients. A service trained lab/retriever mix who knows over 40 commands, Garth loves to show off.
Our Patient Reviews
"Not just high quality, but personalized"
Family 1st Healthcare Associates offers a wide range of services by highly trained and experienced medical professionals with extensive backgrounds and certifications. We believe in educating and advising our patients and their family members every step of the way. It’s an approach that keeps our patients happier and healthier. Please see some of the services we offer below, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
