Tyler Arenas, PA-C, brings emergency medicine, military experience to Harris pulmonary team

Harris Regional Hospital is pleased to welcome Tyler Arenas, PA-C, to its medical staff. Arenas will see patients beginning this month at Harris Pulmonary and Sleep Center, a department of Harris Regional Hospital, located at 70 Westcare Drive, Suite 404, in Sylva. 

Arenas comes to Harris with a clinical background in emergency medicine and high-acuity care. Most recently, he practiced as an emergency medicine physician assistant across three Novant Health emergency departments in North Carolina, evaluating and treating patients with a range of acute illnesses and injuries. He earned his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Elon University. 

Arenas brings a background in emergency and high-acuity medicine, along with nearly a decade of service in the U.S. Navy. 

“Tyler brings a unique combination of clinical experience, leadership and a strong commitment to serving others,” said Ashley Hindman, chief executive officer of Harris Regional Hospital. “His approach to care is grounded in understanding what matters to each patient and helping them improve their health in ways that support their quality of life. We are pleased to welcome him to our medical staff and pulmonary care team.” 

Arenas’ interest in pulmonary and sleep medicine is also personal. Both of his grandfathers died from pulmonary illnesses, one after living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coal worker’s pneumoconiosis following a career as a coal miner, and the other from interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. He said witnessing the effect of respiratory illness on his family shaped his desire to help patients better manage their breathing, sleep, and quality of life, allowing them to remain active in the things that matter in their lives. 

For Arenas, the move to western North Carolina also represents a return to familiar surroundings. Born in North Carolina, he spent summers visiting family in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee and spent much of his life around the mountains of West Virginia. After years of military service and travel, Arenas and his wife chose western North Carolina as the place where they want to raise their daughter and become part of the community. 

Outside of work, Arenas is an avid rock climber and enjoys spending time in nature with his wife and daughter. 

Harris Regional Hospital provides access to specialized pulmonary and sleep medicine services designed to support patients with both acute and chronic respiratory conditions. In partnership with specialty trained providers, patients can receive evaluation and ongoing management for conditions including asthma, emphysema, complex respiratory infections, and sleep-related disorders. 

Appointments may be made by visiting HarrisMedicalGroup.com or calling 844.414.DOCS. For more information on lung health, screenings, and preventive care, visit MyHarrisRegional.com.