John Holly, MD

Dr. John Holly is board certified in Internal Medicine. His special clinical interests include sports medicine, preventive medicine, and the treatment of chronic medical diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol. He also serves as the executive medical director for primary care and urgent care for WakeMed Physician Practices.

The former high school teacher knows that activity is key to good health, and he sets a great example with his own enjoyment of trail running, soccer, mountain biking and fishing. He and his wife also stay busy raising their four children.

Training and Education

Dr. Holly received his medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine in Richmond, VA, and completed his residency at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Duke University in Durham, NC.

Before earning his medical degree, Dr. Holly was a high school Biology and Environmental Science teacher. Prior to starting his practice at Brier Creek, he worked as a hospitalist at the WakeMed Raleigh Campus where he also served on the medicine teaching service as a clinical assistant professor of medicine for the UNC School of Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Physicians.

Internal Medicine

As an internist, Dr. Holly is dedicated to learning about and educating patients about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. You may visit Dr. Holly for an annual wellness visit. He enjoys getting to know his patients well over the years, so he is able to manage common illnesses in adults, and the more complex problems of people as they age and their bodies change.

You may visit Dr. Holly for a routine physical examination, which allows him to track your health. Or, you may visit because you feel ill. Depending on your symptoms, he may refer you for special tests or to a specialist, as needed. Many medical specialties have formed to provide extensive care to patients who have specific diseases, like cancer (oncologists), bladder and kidney problems (urologists), or sinus or hearing problems (ear, nose and throat physicians), just to name a few.

What happens in a physical examination?

A physical exam is a clinical process that allows your primary care doctor to check your vital signs and look for any indications of disease. Typically, your exam will include getting weighed, having your temperature, pulse and blood pressure checked, and possibly having blood and urine samples sent to the lab for testing. All of this becomes part of your medical history, and goes into your medical record.

In giving you a complete physical examination, your primary care doctor will evaluate your general appearance and specific organ systems. He or she will listen to your lungs, and check your eyes, ears, and reflexes. If you need updates to vaccinations, like a tetanus booster, or an annual flu shot, this is a good time to get them.

While completing a routine physical examination, you can count on Dr. Holly to take the time to educate you about changes you can expect at different stages of life, and how to stay as healthy as possible, no matter what your age.