Tanner Hendricks, PA-C brings local roots, cardiac care experience to Haywood Regional cardiology team

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) is pleased to welcome Tanner Hendricks, PA-C to its medical staff and the team at Western Carolina Cardiology. Hendricks will begin seeing patients Oct. 1 at the practice, located at 32 Physician Drive in Clyde.

A Waynesville native and Tuscola High School graduate, Hendricks previously worked at Haywood Regional Medical Center as an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehabilitation. That experience exposed him to a wide range of cardiovascular conditions and helped lead him to pursue a career in cardiology.

During his time in cardiac rehabilitation, Hendricks worked with patients recovering from procedures including coronary interventions, bypass surgery, and valve replacements. Seeing patients progress through recovery sparked his interest in the long-term management of cardiovascular disease and in helping patients reduce their risk for future cardiac events.

Hendricks earned his Bachelor of Science in exercise science from Gardner-Webb University, where he also completed his physician assistant training. His clinical interests include cardiovascular disease prevention, exercise, and lifestyle modification. His approach to care focuses on treating the whole patient and helping individuals make practical, sustainable changes that support cardiovascular health and quality of life.

“We are especially pleased to welcome Tanner back to HRMC in this new role,” said Sue Shugart, FACHE, CPPS, CEO of Haywood Regional Medical Center. “His connection to this community, combined with his previous experience with our cardiac rehabilitation program and his passion for cardiovascular health, will be a tremendous asset to our patients and our cardiology team. It is always meaningful to see someone who grew up here choose to build their career serving the community they call home.”

For Hendricks, returning to Haywood County was an easy decision. His family, church, and roots are all in the area, and he has long hoped to build his career close to home.

“My family is here, my church is here, and I believe there are not many places on the planet that are as beautiful as our mountains,” Hendricks said. “Haywood Regional is involved in the community and has always been a place where patients can get wonderful care. I could not think of an organization I would rather work for.”

At Western Carolina Cardiology, Hendricks will practice alongside David Peterson, MD; Steven Gore, MD; Michael Miller, MD; Paul Albert, ARNP; and Kathy Hefner, NP-C.

Outside of work, Hendricks enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking, and playing soccer, as well as spending time outdoors in the mountains he calls home.