Dr. Rudy Nelson Lea, a Raleigh native, officially became the county's new medical director June 1.

He temporarily assumed the position in August 2008 formerly held by Dr. Lynn Hernandez, who left in April 2008.

After finishing his undergraduate work at University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill in 1992, he completed East Carolina University School of Medicine in 1996. He did his family medicine residency at Ohio State University in 1999.

He met his wife and fellow Tar Heel, Jayanthi, during his time at Chapel Hill. The couple married in 1993 and now have two children. She is a gynecologic oncologist at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

In 2000 the pair moved to Texas, where he had a private practice. He also worked at Parkland Hospital for five years.

They lived there until this past August. They moved when his wife was recruited for her current position.

Dr. Francis Kateh, the Anson County public health director, said in looking for a replacement for Hernandez, he examined the demographics of Anson. The fact Lea was from North Carolina and went to school in the state was a benefit.

"I think that makes him a perfect match," Kateh said.

Kateh believes Lea's familiarity with the region will better serve the residents of the county. He approached the decision holistically.

Kateh encouraged county employees to seek Lea's services.

"I've been really happy with the patients' responses, and the community's," Lea said.

Both men want the county to know more about the services available to them at the health department, which are open to patients of all ages.

Lea is working to ensure all major insurance plans are accepted.

"I pretty much provide all primary services," he said, just like any doctor with a private practice.

"If you don't have a job or you don't have insurance, I can treat you," he said. The department accepts cash.

"We have a sliding fee scale," Kateh said, which is based on income.

"We don't turn anyone away," he added.

Citizens interested in learning more about services offered by the health department, or their potential costs, should call the department at 704-694-5188 or visit the office at 110 Ashe St. in Wadesboro.

Lea can be reached at the department from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The department is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday while services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

More information is available online at www.co.anson.nc.us/health/index.html.