Gary Wilson, DO

Commitment to family has shaped everything that I have done throughout my career.  While in medical school at the New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine, I wanted to become a cardiologist.  However, as an extern at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va., I completed a rotation in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), and my plans quickly changed. I became passionate about the specialty, as it allowed me to part of a wonderful family event. 

Birth is an exciting time for a family, and I am privileged to have shared this experience with many mothers, fathers and grandparents. To date, I have delivered more than 5,000 babies and even delivered my youngest daughter, Kate. It is rewarding to be part of the delivery process. A healthy baby is the result of a team effort. It begins before conception when we meet with a prospective mother and outline a plan with her. It continues with her antepartum care in the office and then in the birthing center when she arrives to have her baby.

Becoming an OB Hospitalist at WakeMed North
After spending 25 years working within a general OB/GYN practice in Leominster, Mass., I joined WakeMed North Family Health & Women’s Hospital, not only because my wife and I wanted to live closer to our girls (one resides in Washington, D.C., and the other in Holly Springs, N.C.), but also to be part of an OB hospitalist program at a family-centered hospital that is committed to quality and patient safety.

Because OB hospitalists work full time at the hospital, we are immediately available with the skill, knowledge and experience necessary to handle any number of pregnancy-related emergency issues. I believe this greatly improves patient safety as well as outcomes for mothers and babies. We also play a supportive role for community physicians.

I believe that the OB hospitalist role is a natural progression that mirrors the change in how medicine is being practiced today. It allows physicians to find balance between work and family. Happiness at home certainly promotes a healthier and more enjoyable professional life. For me, this translates into better patient care.

My Relationships with Patients & the Care Team
Ninety-nine percent of my patients know all about my family, and I make it a point to learn about theirs. I think my patients would describe me as a balanced family man who truly cares about others and their unique, personal needs. I am impressed with the way in which everyone at WakeMed enthusiastically embraces this same idea. In fact, I was drawn to WakeMed because of the way in which this organization’s mission, vision, goals and values correspond with my core values. WakeMed’s pledge to provide patients with the best and most compassionate care really attracted me. 

My peers and colleagues would probably say that I am a good teacher who is dedicated to my patients. My experience allows me to be confident even in very difficult situations. Most importantly, I am a team player. I believe that we all bring something to the table and that everyone’s opinion counts.

Birth Experience
I view the birth experience as a time to celebrate a wonderful life event in a safe, secure and inviting environment. To me, birth is a natural process that should be an exceptional experience for a woman and the family members with whom she chooses to share it.

I see my role as helping a woman understand her choices and make informed decisions when it comes to the birth of her child. Always treating my patients with dignity and respect, I acknowledge their beliefs as well as their social, physical and emotional needs.

Outside of Medicine
When I am not seeing patients or delivering babies, one might find me playing the bagpipes, another great passion in my life. I play for enjoyment and as part of the Scots Highland Pipes and Drums. I look forward to joining a band here in Raleigh as well.  My other hobbies include hiking with my two golden retrievers, skiing and spending time at the lake. However, I love nothing more than spending time with my wife Karen, my two daughters and their husbands.