About
William J. Phelan, MD earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Towson University in 1981. He then completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Maryland in Baltimore in 1986. He trained through his internship and Family Medicine residency at Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia, finishing in 1989.
Dr. Phelan has practiced family medicine in Carlisle, Pennsylvania for over 30 years. He holds licensure in Pennsylvania and brings deep roots in the local community to every patient relationship. He takes a proactive, individualized approach to care. His clinical focus includes disease prevention, wellness, and the management of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Dr. Phelan makes himself available by phone after hours and on weekends. He treats every patient as he would a member of his own family.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Towson University, Towson, MD – Bachelor of Science, Biology, 1981
Medical School
University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD – Doctorate of Medicine, 1986
Residency
Family Medicine, Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling, WV, 1987-1989
Additional Training
Internship: Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling, WV, 1986-1987
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Phelan right for?
Dr. Phelan is a strong fit for adults seeking a long-term primary care relationship with a physician who knows them well. Patients managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension benefit from his proactive, prevention-first approach. He works well with patients who want direct, after-hours access to their physician. Older adults focused on maintaining independence and wellness will find his clinical priorities align closely with their goals.
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Family MedicineFrequently Asked Questions
Dr. Phelan specializes in family medicine with a strong focus on disease prevention and chronic condition management. He regularly treats patients managing type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. His proactive approach aims to catch and address health concerns before they escalate.
Dr. Phelan has served the Carlisle community as a family medicine physician for over 30 years. That longevity means many of his patients have trusted him through decades of health milestones and medical decisions.
Dr. Phelan earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore in 1986. He completed both his internship and his Family Medicine residency at Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia, finishing his residency in 1989.
Yes. Dr. Phelan makes himself available by phone after hours and on weekends. Members can reach him directly for urgent concerns without waiting until the next business day.
Yes. When you visit the office, you see Dr. Phelan directly. He does not redirect patients to a nurse practitioner or physician assistant for standard visits.
Dr. Phelan takes an individualized and proactive approach to each patient's health. He emphasizes disease prevention and wellness, and he focuses on helping patients maintain their independence over time. He takes unhurried time with each patient to understand their full health picture.
Yes. Through his MDVIP affiliation, Dr. Phelan can connect patients who need care beyond what is available locally with specialists at Medical Centers of Excellence. He also helps coordinate care with local hospitals, pharmacies, or physicians when patients need urgent attention while traveling.
Yes. Dr. Phelan holds an active medical license in Pennsylvania and has practiced in Carlisle throughout his career.
Doctor profile last updated June 8, 2026