PINEHURST — FirstHealth of the Carolinas is pleased to welcome Blaine Buchanan, PA-C, to the FirstHealth Cardiovascular and Thoracic Center located in the Reid Heart Center on Moore Regional’s Pinehurst campus. Buchanan brings nearly a decade of experience in cardiothoracic surgery, having worked in large practices in North and South Carolina.
A Pennsylvania native, Buchanan earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham University in Pittsburgh after completing his undergraduate degree at Allegheny College. His passion for surgery was sparked during his time shadowing surgeons and surgical physician assistants in the operating room. He was quickly drawn to the technical precision and problem-solving aspects of surgery, particularly in the field of cardiothoracic care.
“Cardiothoracic surgery PAs play a vital role throughout the entire continuum of care — from initial consultations to surgery and postoperative management,” Buchanan explained. “Having worked in cardiothoracic surgery for nine years, I know how important a strong, collaborative team is, and that’s exactly what we have here at FirstHealth.”
Buchanan’s experience includes roles as a cardiothoracic surgery physician assistant at Asheville Heart/Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., and Spartanburg Medical Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He initially joined FirstHealth on a travel contract in August 2024 but decided to stay after he and his wife welcomed their first child in September.
“We fell in love with the town and it’s positive energy,” he said. “With family just a few hours away, it felt like the perfect place to put down roots.”
Outside of work, Buchanan enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly bow hunting, hiking and camping. He’s also an avid golfer and enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Located in the state-of-the-art Reid Heart Center, the award-winning FirstHealth Cardiovascular & Thoracic Center is home to FirstHealth’s cardiothoracic team. The providers offer comprehensive care in the surgical treatment of diseases affecting the chest, including the heart, blood vessels, lungs and esophagus. Since 2020, the FirstHealth Cardiovascular and Thoracic center has earned the highest 3-star quality rating for open-heart surgery from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).
