UNC Health Blue Ridge physicians earn prestigious recognitions

PHYSICIANS HAMM, MOELLER AWARDED FAAFP DESIGNATION

Only select family medicine doctors are bestowed with the Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP), a designation given to those who signify their strong commitment beyond the basic practice.

Two UNC Health Blue Ridge physicians have been awarded the FAAFP designation: Shawn Hamm, DO, and William Moeller, DO.

The recognition reflects their sustained commitment to patient care, community service, clinical excellence, and lifelong professional development.

The FAAFP designation recognizes AAFP members who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues and communities through service to family medicine, advancement of health care for the public, and active engagement in continuing medical education and research. Candidates must demonstrate a record of achievement across areas such as lifelong learning, practice quality improvement, volunteer teaching, public service, publishing and research, and service to the specialty.

“Drs. Hamm and Moeller have distinguished themselves as leaders in advancing health care for our communities,” said Drew Thomas, chief operating officer at UNC Health Blue Ridge.

Hamm joined UNC Health Blue Ridge and Valdese Medical Associates in 2021. He is a graduate of Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Ascension St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla.

Moeller works at McDowell Medical Associates in Marion. He is a graduate of A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Medical School and completed his residency at East Tennessee State University/Quillen College of Medicine.

STEPHANIE ALM EARNS STATEWIDE AWARD

Stephanie Alm, MD, was awarded the 2025 Community Teaching Award by the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians (NCAFP).

The Community Teaching Award recognizes physicians who demonstrate exceptional dedication to educating future health professionals in community-based settings.

Alm has served as a clinical instructor and preceptor for medical students and nurse practitioner students from institutions including Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Duke University, and Lenoir-Rhyne University. She also provides rotation opportunities for athletic training students from Appalachian State University, fostering hands-on learning and mentorship in rural North Carolina.

“Dr. Alm has been generous with her time in shaping tomorrow’s providers,” Thomas said.

Alm works at Lenoir Family Medicine. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and completed her residency at Moses Cone Health System Family Medicine Residency Program in Greensboro.

Hamm, Moeller, and Alm were recognized during the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians (NCAFP) Winter Family Physicians Weekend, held Dec. 4–7, at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville.