Physicians - Carolina Arthritis

Dr. Harris jointed the practice in 2004 and remains actively involved in multiple clinical research studies as part of the Carolina Arthritis Associates Clinical research division. This facet of the practice involves all forms of rheumatic diseases, with emphasis on rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to his work in clinical research, Dr. Harris has co-authored several publications covering various areas of rheumatology. Dr. Harris’ clinical practice covers all areas of rheumatology with a special interest in rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Dr. Harris has served as the president of the North Carolina Rheumatology Association, and on advisory boards for the Arthritis Foundation and Lupus Foundation of America. Dr. Harris is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending his leisure time with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs.

He attended medical school at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences via the Air Force Health Profession Scholarship Program. He completed his internal medicine internship, residency, and rheumatology fellowship at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He served as a major at David Grant USAF MC (Travis Air Force Base, California) and was the sole practicing military rheumatologist in the region during his service.

He is board certified in both Rheumatology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Rheumatology. His clinical interests include all areas of rheumatology, with a particular interest in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, spondyloarthropathy, and crystalline arthritis.

Prior to joining Carolina Arthritis, Dr. Borstad practiced at a large multispecialty clinic in central Oregon (Bend Memorial Clinic) where he was director of rheumatology infusion services and had also served on the Board of Directors. He has served in various leadership roles throughout his career. He has active interests in clinical research and was the lead author of a landmark study related to the management of gouty arthritis.

Dr. Borstad moved to Wilmington to join Carolina Arthritis in 2014. He was drawn to Carolina Arthritis by the opportunity to practice rheumatology in a cutting edge, yet patient-centered environment. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, fishing, riding jet skis on the Intracoastal waterway, and being a sports dad.

Dr. DeLo continued training with an internship at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital, affiliated with the University of South Carolina, in Columbia, SC. He finished Internal Medicine residency training at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. He then completed his training with a Rheumatology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in Pittsburgh, PA. Subsequently, Dr. DeLo continued on staff at the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology at UPMC as a clinical professor of medicine for 8 years. While there, he served as an outpatient clinical site director as well as a medical director for UPMC East Hospital. His time in Pittsburgh offered him the opportunity to care for patients with a wide range of rheumatologic ailments.

Dr. DeLo is comfortable treating various types of rheumatologic disease but has particular interest in inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. He strives to obtain proper diagnoses, formulate sensible treatment options, and provide high quality rheumatologic care. He also enjoys building long-term relationships which can often occur in the field of rheumatology.

Dr. DeLo moved to the Wilmington area in 2017 with his wife (an Ob/Gyn physician) and two sons. He enjoys playing drums, basketball, golfing, exercise, and spending time with family and friends.

She is board certified with the National Commission of Physician Assistants. She completed 2 years in Internal Medicine, 6 years in Allergy and Immunology which led to her passion of evaluating and managing patients in the field of Rheumatology with the rheumatologists at Carolina Arthritis for 24 years. She has interests in all disease states of rheumatology with ISCD training in osteoporosis and is a Sub-Investigator in clinical trials at Carolina Arthritis.

Wendy was named a distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants for exemplary achievement in service to her profession in the advancement of health care for all people and dedication to the community. She is passionate about education, serving as the president of the North Carolina Academy Coastal Society of Physician Assistants. She is on the Board of Directors for Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers, a national organization educating PA’s, NP’s, and Pharm D’s practicing in Rheumatology. She contributed to the Association of Women in Rheumatology publication guide to onboarding PA’s and NP’s into the rheumatology practice.

She continues active community involvement on the UNCW College of Health and Human Sciences Deans Advancement Council and was appointed to UNCW’s Board of Visitors. She enjoys travel, paddle boarding, and cooking.

CAROLINA ARTHRITIS PHYSICIANS

Mark D. Harris, MD

Gregory C. Borstad, MD

Dr. Borstad was raised in Staples, Minnesota and is a distinguished graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Daniel L. DeLo, MD

Dr. Daniel DeLo was raised in Morgantown, West Virginia. He obtained an undergraduate degree with honors from West Virginia University. He then obtained a medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine.

Wendy Wright Simmons, PA

Wendy Wright Simmons, PA-C is a native of Oakville Ontario. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and graduated from Wake Forest School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program.

John Herion, D.O

We are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. John Herion!