About
Rick Arwood, MD grew up in Georgia and moved to Asheville with his family in 1998. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Emory University, graduating Cum Laude and earning GTE Academic All-American honors while serving as captain of the varsity swim team his junior and senior years. He went on to earn his medical degree at Emory with Cum Laude honors and completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Virginia.
Dr. Arwood practiced general internal medicine in Asheville for five years before transitioning to Mission Hospital, where he held several leadership roles: Associate Director of Asheville Hospitalist Group, Chief Medical Information Officer for Mission Health, and Medical Director for Utilization and Clinical Documentation Improvement. He chaired and participated in numerous hospital committees focused on care pathways and quality improvement. He also served as an educator for medical staff training on communication in healthcare. With more than twenty years living and practicing in Asheville, he brings deep roots to his patient relationships. Outside of medicine, he enjoys hiking, mountain biking, traveling, and open water endurance swimming.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Emory University, Biology (Cum Laude)
Medical School
Emory University School of Medicine (Cum Laude)
Residency
Internal Medicine, University of Virginia
Who is Dr. Arwood right for?
Dr. Arwood is well-suited for adults who value a physician with deep Asheville roots and extensive experience navigating both outpatient and hospital medicine. Patients managing chronic illness alongside a commitment to wellness will find his balanced approach effective. His leadership background in care quality and clinical communication makes him a strong partner for patients who want a physician who thinks systematically about their health. He works well with patients who appreciate a long-term, relationship-centered model of care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Arwood has practiced internal medicine in Asheville for more than twenty years. He spent time in outpatient internal medicine before transitioning to Mission Hospital, where he served as Associate Director of the Asheville Hospitalist Group, Chief Medical Information Officer for Mission Health, and Medical Director for Utilization and Clinical Documentation Improvement.
Dr. Arwood earned both his undergraduate Biology degree and his medical degree at Emory University, graduating Cum Laude in medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Virginia.
Dr. Arwood emphasizes relationships as the foundation of good medicine. He focuses on knowing patients and their families well, supporting both wellness and prevention, and providing thorough care for acute and chronic illness. His broad exposure to hospital leadership and clinical quality work shapes how he approaches complex medical situations.
Yes. Dr. Arwood served as an educator for medical staff training focused on communication in healthcare during his time at Mission Hospital. He also participated in and chaired multiple hospital committees centered on improving care quality and clinical pathways.
Dr. Arwood moved to Asheville in 1998 and has practiced here ever since. He began in outpatient internal medicine, then spent years in hospital-based roles at Mission before joining Blue Ridge Premier Medicine. His ties to the Asheville medical community run deep.
Yes. Dr. Arwood serves as an attending physician at Mission Hospital. He visits patients daily when they are hospitalized, coordinates specialist consultants, and manages all aspects of their inpatient care.
Doctor profile last updated April 3, 2026