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Hospitalist finds fulfillment in supporting patients through life’s most challenging times

Dr. Kateland Bennett may not always know what the day will hold for her patients, but she knows that no matter what challenges they may face, from the moment they are admitted until they are discharged, the support she provides will have a lasting impact.

Whether she’s watching a patient overcome a debilitating illness and return to a healthy life or helping a family navigate the pain of losing a loved one, Dr. Bennett feels fortunate to be a part of her patients’ stories.

“I enjoy the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others and the ability to be a support for patients and families during what are often very challenging times,” Dr. Bennett says. “A lot of the time you deal with people on the worst day of their life, but by providing good service you can make their situation a little better. That’s very rewarding for me.”

A native of Goldsboro, N.C., Dr. Bennett joined the hospitalist team at Ashe Memorial Hospital in August 2023 after spending 10 years working in Raleigh. Prior to moving to Ashe County, Dr. Bennett worked as a family medicine practitioner, focusing primarily on women’s health procedures, for Sampson Medical Group of Newton Grove and as a hospitalist for Sampson Regional Medical Center.

In her role as a hospitalist for Ashe Memorial Hospital, Dr. Bennett, who typically completes a monthly 24/7 rotating shift, treats acute medical problems that require hospitalization. Unlike a primary care provider, she doesn’t typically address patient’s chronic, stable medical problems.

Dr. Bennett began her career in healthcare in high school while working as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home. It was there that she realized how she wanted to further her education and serve in the medical field.
She earned Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2013. In 2018, Dr. Bennett earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Campbell University School of Medicine. She went on to complete a Family Medicine Residency at Sampson Regional Medical Center in 2021.

Dr. Bennett has been fortunate throughout her career to have been touched by many patients. During her residency, she had the privilege of delivering a healthy baby girl shortly after midnight on New Year’s Eve to a mom who had previously suffered the loss of several pregnancies. And while not every patient’s story has a happy ending, for Dr. Bennett, the hardest part of her job often carries the most weight.

“The most difficult part of my job is also the most rewarding,” Dr. Bennett says. “Helping patients and their families with end-of-life care is a privilege and an honor.”

When she’s not busy taking care of others, Dr. Bennett enjoys spending time with her husband, Derick Poindexter, PhD, a botanist, and stepsons Ashton and Carter. She also loves hiking and spending time outdoors, making pottery and playing with her three cats.