About Us
Who We Are
Our Story
Wilmington Medical Care was founded to bridge the gap between psychiatric and primary care in Wilmington, NC. Led by Dr. Virmarie Diaz Fernandez, a board-certified psychiatrist and Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, our practice has served the community for years, focusing on underserved individuals and families. We believe that healing requires both medical and mental health support, and we are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care under one roof.
Our team includes nurse practitioners and medical professionals dedicated to addressing complex medical and psychiatric needs. We collaborate with inpatient facilities, mobile crisis response teams, and community partners to ensure continuity of care for individuals transitioning from detox or psychiatric admissions, as well as those facing challenges such as suicidality, trauma, or substance use disorders.
Our Mission
To deliver accessible, integrated, and evidence-based medical and psychiatric care to every patient, supporting their journey to wellness with compassion, expertise, and respect.
Our Values
Patient-Centered Care
We listen, respect, and tailor our approach to each individual's needs.
Collaboration
We partner with community resources, specialists, and agencies to ensure comprehensive support.
Integrity
We follow best practices, FDA and DEA regulations, and uphold the highest ethical standards.
Innovation
We incorporate state-of-the-art treatments, educational tools, and integrative approaches.
Empowerment
We help patients and families understand their health, fostering self-advocacy and recovery.
Our Views
We believe that health is holistic. Mental health, physical health, and social support are interconnected, and addressing all aspects of wellbeing is essential for lasting recovery. We recognize the importance of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and patient autonomy, meeting individuals where they are and supporting their unique paths to healing.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is rooted in evidence-based practice, compassion, and respect. We treat each patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. By integrating medical and psychiatric care, we strive to make healing accessible, humane, and effective, especially for those who face barriers to care.
Meet Our Leadership
Dr. Virmarie Diaz Fernandez, MD, FAPA, FABPN
Board Certified Psychiatrist | Director, President & CEO
(She/Her/Hers)
Dr. Fernandez brings over 8 years of clinical and leadership experience to Wilmington Medical Care. She completed her Psychiatry residency at the University of Central Florida/HCA GME Consortium and is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Fernandez has led telepsychiatry programs for Eleanor Health, served as a clinical advisor for multiple telehealth platforms, and is deeply engaged in community outreach and volunteer initiatives.
Her expertise includes telepsychiatry, integrative mental health care, and mindfulness-based interventions. She is licensed in North Carolina and is committed to advancing mental health care in the region. Dr. Fernandez is the incorporator, Director, President, and CEO of Wilmington Medical Care P.C., established November 5, 2025, at 3825 Market St, Ste 6, Wilmington, NC.
Brooke Maple, FNP
Internal Medicine & OBGYN
Brooke Maple is a Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in internal medicine with a strong background in OBGYN. Brooke provides comprehensive primary care, medication management, and preventive services, integrating medical expertise with a patient-centered approach.
Ariel Watson, FNP
Psychiatric Care
Ariel Watson is a Family Nurse Practitioner with specialized experience in psychiatric care, including schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Ariel is dedicated to supporting patients with complex mental health needs, emphasizing integrative and trauma-informed care.
Integrated Services & Partnerships
Psychiatric & Medical Care: We treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, opioid use disorder, and more.
Spravato® (Esketamine) Therapy: For treatment-resistant depression.
TMS Coordination: In partnership with Dr. Anand Joshi for advanced depression treatment.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and integrative behavioral care.
Trauma Care: Specialized support via Wilmington Trauma Center.
Behavioral Health Integration: Collaboration with Wilmington Mental Health for therapy and psychiatric consultation.
Court & Community Collaboration: We work with law enforcement, attorneys, DOT, veterans affairs, disability departments, and DSS to support patients facing legal, social, and health challenges.
Laboratory Services: In-house blood draws, drug screens, and urinalysis through Carolina Diagnostics.
Our Commitment
We follow FDA and DEA regulations, offering medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and MAT. Our goal is to support recovery with dignity, reducing barriers to care, and empowering patients to thrive. We integrate medical and psychiatric care, educational tools, and best practices to help individuals and families achieve lasting wellness.