Haywood Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome obstetrician-gynecologist Jessica Preslar, MD, PhD to its medical staff. Dr. Preslar is now seeing patients at Haywood Women’s Medical Center, located at 35 Facility Drive in Clyde.

Dr. Preslar completed both her medical degree and a doctorate in epidemiology at Emory University, where she also trained in obstetrics and gynecology. During residency, she developed expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures.

Her scholarly work includes multiple peer-reviewed publications on maternal health, health equity, and outcomes in women’s care, with research recognized nationally and internationally.

A recipient of Emory University’s Golden Apple Teaching Award and the Fogarty Global Health Fellowship, Dr. Preslar has balanced clinical practice with teaching and research. She has served in global health settings, including Sierra Leone, where she helped advance maternal and child health initiatives.

Originally from Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Dr. Preslar was inspired to practice medicine by her parents, both physicians who served their local community. She says she was drawn to obstetrics and gynecology for its breadth and continuity of care: “I love the breadth of obstetrics and gynecology, from delivering babies to performing gynecologic surgery. You develop meaningful relationships with your patients and take part in some of the most important moments of their lives.”

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Preslar and her family enjoy an active lifestyle that includes cycling, mountain biking, running, hiking, skiing, and rock climbing. She looks forward to calling western North Carolina home after years of visiting the Appalachian mountains and building lasting ties through outdoor adventures.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Preslar to our team,” said Sue Shugart, FACHE, CPPS, chief executive officer of Haywood Regional Medical Center. “Her clinical expertise, research experience, and deep commitment to women’s health will strengthen our ability to serve women across every stage of life and ensure high-quality, compassionate care for families in our community.”