Henry Van Pala, MD. RPH.

Dr. Henry J. Van Pala, Yale University trained and board certified Internal Medicine physician and board certified Gastroenterologist, serves as the Medical Director for North Hills Internal & Integrative Medicine and also the Medical Director for the Assure Wellness Group. Prior to attending medical school, Dr. Van Pala earned a degree in Pharmacy from St. John’s University School of Pharmacy in New York, New York in 1974. Dr. Van Pala practiced as a registered Pharmacist for two years, specializing in compounding pharmacy. In 1980, Dr. Van Pala graduated from Michigan State College of Human Medicine and proceeded to train for five years in the Yale University School of Medicine residency and fellowship program from 1980 to 1985. Dr. Van Pala first became licensed to practice medicine in 1983 and is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Dr. Van Pala perfected his desire to achieve medical excellence by passing the challenging Internal Medicine Maintenance of Certification Exam in 2010 and the rigorous Full Certification Exam in Gastroenterology in 2013, a remarkable feat considering Dr. Van Pala first became licensed to practice medicine over thirty years ago. Over the years, Dr. Van Pala has maintained his expertise by completing 2,500 hours in Category 1 Continuing Medical Education.

From 2012 to 2013, Dr. Van Pala spent an additional year in advanced Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology training at Georgia Regents University, formerly known as Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta Georgia, which afforded him the opportunity to interact with research and medicine at a level only a leading academic institution can provide. At Georgia Regents University, Dr. Van Pala trained to master the most modern medical technologies and treatment systems and received additional, comprehensive training in the fields of gastroenterology, cardiology, pulmonology, infectious disease, endocrinology, nephrology, rheumatology, general internal medicine, critical care medicine, and geriatrics. Dr. Van Pala recently completed a difficult restorative medicine course and became a fellow-candidate among an elite group of physicians in a program entitled A4M, the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.

Dr. Van Pala has also become an expert in men and women’s wellness, hormonal therapy, nutrition balance assistance, and, most notably, creative, integrative, and highly personal weight loss solutions. Dr. Van Pala’s philosophy is that in order to understand and treat the patient as a whole, he must not only innately understand the complexities of modern medicine, but also must address deficiencies in the individual and diagnose and correct the underlying problem. Dr. Van Pala is uniquely qualified to diagnose and care for the complete patient in an integrative manner, utilizing modern treatments to help patients lose weight and become hormonally balanced, helping them restore their stamina and sexual vitality, and enabling them to live more rewarding and satisfying lives. Because of his academic, internal medicine, and gastroenterology training and specialization, as well as his passion for proving a holistic treatment approach for each of his patients that few doctors possess, combined with his years of intense clinical and real-life experience, Dr. Van Pala is well qualified to treat today’s most complicated medical problems in an integrative manner, his patients’ overall health and wellness his primary focus.

Dr. Van Pala is licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.

Educational Background:

  • St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY–Bachelor of Sciences in Pharmacy
  • Michigan State College of Human Medicine, MI–Medical Doctorate

Residency, Fellowship & Training:

  • Affiliated Yale School of Medicine, Bridgeport Hospital, CT–Gastroenterology Fellowship
  • Yale School of Medicine, Danbury Hospital, CT–Internal Medicine Residency

Certifications & Affiliations:

  • Passed all 4 parts of American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine and Primary Care
  • Current CME-Category 1-over 2,500 hours. NEJM CME Program–Minimum 100 hours, annually
  • Member, A4M and Fellow-Candidate. Attend CME conferences annually.
  • Proficient: EMR, Cerna Power Net, E-Clinical, Practice Fusion, Athena, Springchart
  • Recertified American Board of Internal Medicine–Current in Maintenance of Certification
  • Passed American Board of Internal Medicine

Jessica Allyn, N.P.

Jessica is a graduate of the Duke University Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program. Prior to entering the field as a NP Jessica worked for over 10 years as a Registered Nurse in the inpatient setting. A majority of her nursing career was spent in Duke’s level 1 surgical/trauma ICU caring for patients with complex medical and surgical problems.

Although I have an extensive background in acute care, I decided to become a Nurse Practitioner in order to develop a more proactive and holistic approach to health.  During my training as a Nurse Practitioner  I was profoundly disappointed with the modern medical approach to primary care and preventative medicine.  I found patients were rushed through their visit, not afforded the opportunity to delve into their complaints, and most importantly given very little education.  Perhaps my critical care background was responsible for my drive to dig deeper and investigate the cause of a complaint or symptom instead of just prescribing more medication.  My residency at  North Hills Internal & Integrative Medicine was a breath of fresh air.  I was happy to find a practice that not only allowed me to spend time with my patients, but encouraged this “detective-like” approach to medicine.  I am committed to providing excellent, evidence-based, proactive,  comprehensive, and individualized care to my patients. I strive to get to know my patients on a personal level so they are comfortable discussing their concerns.  My vision is to utilize my role as a Nurse Practitioner as an opportunity to connect with my clients and share with them the positive effect that truly holistic care can have on their health, personal, and professional life. My years of experience as a bedside nurse in conjunction with and excellent education, has given me the tools to provide my clients with first-class care.

Jessica

In addition to management of common medical conditions, Jessica is passionate about prevention of chronic health conditions. It is for this reason that Jessica became a member of the Obesity Medicine Association. She has completed training and become well-versed in managing obesity through diet, medication management, and weight loss medicine.  She also is trained in BioTe bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and strives to help her patients to achieve the best quality of life possible.

On a personal note, Jessica grew up in Saratoga, NY  moved to NC in 2011.  She enjoys spending time with her husband, son and 2 dogs. During her spare time she enjoys hiking, yoga, art and home improvement projects.

Henry M Van Pala, BS, BSN, MSN

Henry Matthew is a local citizen of Raleigh. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Wake Forest University majoring in Health and Exercise Science with double minor in biology and studio arts. During his time in Winston-Salem, he had the chance to gain extensive bedside experience through his volunteer at a local hospital and nursing home. The experience at the nursing home motivated Henry Matthew to further pursue a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Duke University so that he can gain deeper knowledge of how to take care of elder patients.

After his graduation from Duke University, he worked at the Duke Hospital general medicine stepdown medical surgical in-patient unit as a Registered Nurse. He was intrigued by the complexity of human diseases and treatments, which inspired him to pursue a career as Nurse Practitioner so that he can holistically examine and treat his patients. Henry Matthew graduated from Duke University Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program in 2018 with additional 9 years of patient care experience since 2009. His patient praised him as a sympathetic, highly-competent and respectful healthcare provider.

Henry Matthew strives to provide the best care solutions to his patients and manages their conditions holistically. He provides nutrition, dietary consultation and weight loss medicine. He is also trained and certified to provide aesthetic care through Coolsculpting (a non-surgical alternative to liposuction).

During his leisure time, Henry Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife and his cats. He is also well-versed in electronics repair and maintenance. Fun fact: Henry Matthew maintains all the computer system here at NHIIM.

Educational Background:

Wake Forest University – B.S. in Health and Exercise Science

Duke University – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Duke University – Master of  Nursing Science

Deborah Van Pala, R.N.

Mrs. Deborah Van Pala has more than 30 years of extensive health care experience as a registered nurse. At North Hills Internal and Integrative Medicine she serves as the case manager providing initial check in and patient followup to ensure their healthcare needs are met. She works closely with the providers at NHIIM and provides administrative support.

4 Replies to “Care Team”

  1. Hello i’m interested in your cornerstone wellness, does it require a physical visit or can it be done with telehealth

    1. Hello! Thank you for your interest. Please give us a call at 919-977-1675 and we can help you triage your needs.

  2. I have seen Dr. Van Pala Sr., And Jr. On ahandful of occasions now, referred by my cardiovascular team at REX. I am absolutely speechless at their levels of expertise and ability to make one comfortable from the onset. Mine are not average issues but neither are the doctors. Both seem to thrive on a more complex matter and yet their wisdom and recommendation are always right on. Love them both. They are practicing and living far beyond their Hippocratic Oath. Both highly learned and accomplished. My only choice for heart and health care.

  3. Hi, my name is Kathleen Boyle and I was referred to Ms. Allyn by Mary Affee with Horizon Integrated Wellness. I am looking to make an appointment. The best number to reach me at is 919-244-5031.
    Thanks so much!

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