Headshot of male physician in suit jacket and tie.

Family medicine physician returns to rural roots

Dr. Donald Huffman found his true calling later in life, and now he’s making the most of the opportunity.

In December 2023, Dr. Huffman joined the team at Mount Jefferson Family Medicine, offering additional primary care services to the Ashe County community.

“Mount Jefferson Family Medicine is a well-established practice with great folks,” Dr. Huffman said. “When I visited the clinic, it checked all of the boxes for me. It’s a good fit.”

After spending time serving in the United States Air Force and working as a general contractor, Dr. Huffman decided to pursue a career in medicine. The idea of going to medical school was something he had considered previously, and when the opportunity presented itself, Dr. Huffman opted to go for it.

A native of Whitetop, Va., Dr. Huffman obtained his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Harrogate, Tenn., in 2020. He then went on to complete a Family Medicine Residency at East Tennessee State University, in Bristol, Tenn., in 2023, where he served as co-chief resident.

“Family medicine gives you the training to treat everything from the cradle to the grave,” Dr. Huffman said. “I like having that broad scope, the ability to treat almost anything that comes through the door and the relationships that you’re able to form with your patients.”

When he’s not busing working, Dr. Huffman enjoys building and remodeling, hiking and fly fishing.