Dr. John Carmack received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1989 and is board-certified with more than 25 years of experience in emergency medicine. A graduate of the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation’s inaugural Physician Leadership Institute, the James M. Johnson Physician Leadership Program, and the U.S. Air Force Commanders Development Program and Air War College, he has built his career on both clinical excellence and leadership.

Dr. Carmack served 29 years in the United States Air Force, active duty and reserve, with most of his career spent as a flight surgeon. He deployed four times to the Middle East and retired at the rank of Colonel as the State Air Surgeon for the Florida Air National Guard.

He joined American Family Care in 2019 after a distinguished career in emergency medicine. As Regional Medical Director, he and his team support multiple locations in Virginia and North Carolina, guiding provider teams and ensuring patients receive safe, compassionate, and high-quality care.

Dr. Carmack lives by a principle his father, a nurse, shared with him:

“Care for every patient the way you would want your own mother or father cared for—and you’ll never go wrong.”

This philosophy continues to shape his leadership and the care provided by his teams.

Meet Valerie Vancura, Center Administrator at AFC Urgent Care Waxhaw!

Valerie brings over six years of healthcare administration experience to our new center, but what truly defines her is a deep-seated passion for building compassionate, patient-centered care. Originally from Boston, she honed her skills as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, where she was dedicated to supporting clinical teams and ensuring the highest quality of life for residents.

Now, she is thrilled to call Waxhaw home and is eager to pour that same dedication into our community. Valerie is looking forward to meeting her new neighbors, listening to their needs, and ensuring our center becomes a trusted and reliable healthcare resource for local families.

When she’s not at the center, you might just spot Valerie and her dog, Penny, exploring the charming streets of downtown Waxhaw and discovering all the local favorites.

Arianna Moazzami is a certified Physician Assistant dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based medical care. She brings experience from fast-paced urgent care settings, managing acute conditions, interpreting diagnostics, and performing minor procedures for patients of all ages. Her clinical training spans multiple specialties, including emergency medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. Arianna holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Wingate University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Magna Cum Laude, from UNC Charlotte.

Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, spending time with her dog, Georgie, and staying active through regular workouts.

Aikhanh Nguyen is a certified Physician Assistant dedicated to delivering compassionate and patient-centered medical care. Her clinical background includes experience in fast-paced urgent care and hospital settings, where she has managed acute conditions, assisted in procedures, and provided care for diverse patient populations. Her healthcare journey began as a nursing assistant at Novant Health Hospital in Charlotte, and her subsequent work at an OrthoCarolina urgent care facility solidified her passion for the PA profession.

Aikhanh holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South College in Asheville. Born in Vietnam and a North Carolina resident for over 16 years, she brings a unique perspective to patient care, guided by her belief that “kindness, patience, and persistence can solve even the toughest challenges.”

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three dogs and two cats, caring for her collection of tropical plants, and exploring new cultures through travel.

Natasha is a dedicated Medical Assistant with over 12 years of experience delivering compassionate, patient-centered care. Throughout her career, she has worked across a wide range of healthcare settings, including urgent care, internal medicine, pediatrics, pain management, and specialty practices. This diverse background has given her a strong clinical skill set, as well as the adaptability to provide exceptional care to patients of all ages and needs.

Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to build trusting relationships, Natasha is committed to creating a positive patient experience while supporting her healthcare team. She takes pride in balancing both clinical and administrative responsibilities to ensure smooth, efficient operations and high-quality outcomes for patients and providers alike.

Mary Catherine Van Buren is a certified Medical Assistant, credentialed by the National Healthcareer Association. She brings a unique background in biomedical engineering and public health to her role, with prior experience supporting the CDC's pandemic response and contributing to pediatric care and neurology research. Mary is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and is pursuing her goal of becoming a medical provider. She loves to go bouldering with her friends, and has recently taken up knitting.