Dr. Virginia Wright is a force.

In addition to working with stroke, heart and COPD patients as a physician at Frye Regional Medical Center, Wright also assists with end-of-life medicine for Carolina Caring. When she’s not practicing medicine, Wright may be teaching students at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s physician assistant school where she instructs courses on geriatric medicine, evidence based medicine and environmental health as an associate professor. Or Wright may be at Mount Zion Baptist Church where she is an associate minister and Christian education director. Soon, she’ll have her master’s degree in divinity from Regent University. Despite her schedule, Wright gets through her busy days with a smile and still finds time to sing, rap, travel and write poetry and short stories.

The Pittsburgh native moved to Hickory in 2012 but has lived in North Carolina since 2008. Wright has degrees from Shaw University and Howard University College of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at Mercer University and was a geriatric fellow at Duke University. Wright is also a minister and professor in Hickory. Here in Hickory, she serves as the secretary for the Hickory Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the vice president for the board of directors for the Hickory Music Factory and a board member for the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Interacting with patients and families and in treating the whole patient, as well as working with the staff that we have at Frye that brings a family spirit.

What is the most challenging part of your job?
Telling people what they do not want to hear - whether it is a diagnosis, prognosis or new restrictions in the plan of care.

What motivates you?
My relationship with God and the desire to meet the needs of others.

When are you the happiest?
When life is in balance.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received and who gave the advice?
“Get all you can.” My grandfather. He was talking about knowledge and understanding.

What is something you wish people knew about you?
I tend to tell people not to let their expectation determine their impression. I am just as human as anyone else: Striving for the same goals and pressing toward the same mark