Welcoming Our New Doctor, Dr. Ellie Fella — A New Chapter at Blue Ridge Integrative Health

Dear Patients and Friends,

I have some good news — and even better news.

After 25 years in private practice, including 23 years serving the High Country, I have decided to retire from private practice. This new chapter will allow me to spend more quality time with my family, who have supported me through countless long days and late evenings. As you can imagine, it’s not easy stepping away from the meaningful work of helping so many of you improve your health and transform your lives. It has truly been one of my greatest honors.

You may be wondering what comes next for me. Beyond time with my family, my plans are continuing to unfold. I may explore teaching, consulting with other natural medicine practices, or finally finishing my book. Whatever path I follow, I remain deeply committed to the mission of natural, science-based healthcare.

Now for the even better news: we have found an exceptional doctor to continue the work we’ve started.

Meet Dr. Ellie Fella, DC

I am thrilled to introduce Dr. Ellie Fella, who brings more than 25 years of experience in Functional Medicine and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Recently relocated to the High Country from the Charlotte area, Dr. Ellie is eager to meet each of you and continue providing the high level of care you expect from Blue Ridge Integrative Health.

Over the next four weeks, I’ll be assisting Dr. Ellie during the transition—reviewing charts, collaborating on patient cases, and ensuring she has everything she needs to become fully acquainted with your health journeys. I feel confident entrusting her with the community we have built together.

What You Can Expect Moving Forward

While the doctor is changing, the heart of our clinic is not.
Here are a few important things to know:

Nothing else is changing. Our team, our formulas, and our approach to care remain the same.
Laboratory-based science will continue to guide our treatment plans.
Prevention and patient education will remain central to our mission.
Personalized, attentive care will continue under Dr. Ellie’s leadership, with our exceptional practice manager, Tab, by her side.

As the area’s only Functional Medicine clinic, we are truly fortunate to welcome someone with Dr. Ellie’s depth of expertise. Her leadership ensures that Blue Ridge Integrative Health will continue serving our community for many years to come.

For our new patients, please know that I will be collaborating closely with Dr. Ellie as we review your cases and design your individualized care plans.

A Heartfelt Thank You

My wife, Lisa—who has served as our director—and I want to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated team. Their belief in our purpose and their commitment to helping others get well and stay well through natural medicine have been the backbone of our practice.

I also want to acknowledge my medical mentors—Dr. Ye, Dr. Kharrazian, and Dr. Qui—for the guidance and wisdom they’ve offered over the years.

Most of all, thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your health, for your support over the past 23 years, and for welcoming Dr. Ellie with the same warmth you’ve always shown our clinic.

With gratitude and warm regards,
Dr. Salvatore Gorla