BURKE COUNTY, NC
828-879-1601

Our Physicians

 

Providing the best quality of life possible is the goal of a Hospice or Palliative Care physician. These special doctors are the keystones of our Care Teams. They seek to understand the patient's present, past and future — what illness or treatment came before, what the patient's wishes are for their healthcare now, and what goals they hope to reach.

Our physicians coordinate with the patient's personal doctor or specialists to fulfill those wishes and calm crises whenever possible. They can also act as the patient's primary care physician if requested.

 

Dr. Leon Goudas

DR. LEON GOUDAS

Vice President of Medical Services & CMO

Dr. Leon Goudas is Burke Hospice & Palliative Care’s Medical Director. He was born in Minneapolis, MN and grew up in Rochester, MN. He attended Williams College in Williamstown, MA and graduated magna cum laude with a major in Chemistry. He then attended Dartmouth Medical School and graduated with honors. He completed a six-year general surgery residency at Bassett Healthcare. Dr. Goudas was a private practice general surgeon for four years in Lenoir, NC prior to becoming the full time medical director with Burke Hospice and Palliative Care.

In his spare time, Dr. Goudas enjoys gardening and spending time with his three children.
   
Dr. Greg Jones

DR. GREG JONES

Associate Medical Director

Dr. Greg Jones was our sole Medical Director from 1991-2008 and currently serves as our Associate Medical Director. Dr. Jones is Board Certified in Palliative Medicine. He is a Radiation Oncologist at the Valdese Cancer Center. Since 1991, Dr. Jones has developed a unique approach to communicate with patients and family members about the benefits of hospice care. Learn more about Dr. Jones in this short video from Blue Ridge Health Care's YouTube channel!
   

DR. BRIAN GUTHRIE

Associate Medical Director

Dr. Brian Guthrie comes to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care from Saskatchewan, Canada. He obtained his medical degree in 1971 and practiced family medicine in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from 1972 til 1994. He moved to the United States in 1994, working in family practice and emergency medicine in Princeton, KY. In 2004, he became Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and worked as a hospice physician in Sarasota, FL, before moving to Morganton and joining Burke Hospice & Palliative Care in 2012.

Dr. Guthrie is a member of the Burke Sunrise Rotary Club. He enjoys reading, fishing, and spending time with his three children and three grandchildren.