BLUFFTON, S.C. – Novant Health is expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered care in the Lowcountry with the opening of its new Novant Health Buckwalter Place Medical Park in Bluffton. Community leaders and team members gathered alongside the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce May 26 to celebrate the new location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The site is home to primary care, orthopedic expertise and an imaging center.
“Bluffton is one of the fastest-growing communities in South Carolina, and we’re committed to growing alongside it,” said Joel Taylor, president of Novant Health’s Hilton Head area. “This new location reflects our focus on making healthcare more accessible and convenient in Beaufort and Jasper counties, while continuing to invest in the people and communities we serve.”
Novant Health Buckwalter Place Primary Care opened last week with eight exam rooms. Led by internal medicine physician Karen Henrichsen, DO, alongside Mandy Strickland, AGACNP-BC, the clinic offers comprehensive care for adult patients, from preventive services to chronic condition management.
“My goal is to build lasting relationships with my patients and be a trusted partner in their health,” said Dr. Henrichsen. “Having a convenient, welcoming primary care space like this allows us to better meet patients where they live to support their long-term wellness.”
Novant Health Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – Buckwalter Place relocated to the new location and boasts 26 exam rooms, X-ray capabilities, a specialized casting room and dedicated procedure rooms. 20 Novant Health orthopedic specialists will rotate through the clinic, expanding access to specialized musculoskeletal care for patients across the Bluffton area.
“We’re excited to bring orthopedic care even closer to where patients live and work,” said Novant Health orthopedic surgeon Jason Norcross, MD, who specializes in hip and knee pain. “Whether it’s helping someone recover from an injury or improving their mobility and quality of life, this new space allows us to deliver that care in a more accessible and coordinated way.”
“Staying active is such an important part of life here in the Lowcountry,” said Philip Mulieri, MD, Novant Health orthopedic surgeon specializing in elbow and shoulder care. “Our goal is to help people prevent injuries when possible and provide the right treatment to get them back to doing what they love — whether that’s sports, exercise or everyday activities.”
Novant Health’s new Imaging Center at Buckwalter Place will open in July with the latest radiology equipment, including X-ray, mammography, CT scan and MRI capabilities. Located alongside primary and orthopedic clinics, the imaging center will help streamline care and reduce the need for patients to travel between locations.
As a not-for-profit health system, Novant Health is committed to investing in its teams, technology, and community, bringing expanded services and new care options to the Lowcountry.
This latest location complements Novant Health’s Washington Square campus just minutes away—featuring an emergency department and medical office building—set to open in July 2026, as well as the future Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center, expected to open in 2028.
Together, these facilities will create a connected network of care in one of the fastest-growing communities in the region, making it easier for patients to access the services they need close to home.
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