Cape Fear Otolaryngology will join FirstHealth of the Carolinas and begin seeing patients on Oct. 5, 2026, as FirstHealth ENT-Valleygate and FirstHealth ENT-Lumberton.

The transition brings together a longstanding local practice with FirstHealth’s broad network of services and resources while maintaining the personal, patient-centered care Cape Fear Otolaryngology patients have come to know and trust.

Eric Mansfield, M.D., MPH, who has served patients throughout Cumberland, Robeson and surrounding counties for many years, will continue caring for patients at the practice in Fayetteville and Lumberton.

“Although the name on the sign is changing, patients will continue to receive the same care and partnership they have grown to expect,” said Dr. Mansfield in a press release. “I am not retiring. Patients will still see the same faces, they will still be known by name, and they will continue to receive personal and attentive care. Through the strength of this new partnership, our reach and resources will grow, allowing us to do even more for the patients we serve.”

For Dr. Mansfield, joining FirstHealth represents a natural next step rooted in a shared commitment to putting patients first.

“I am pleased to join an organization where I believe our values align,” he said in a press release. “FirstHealth is a patient-centered organization where every patient is treated not simply as a case, but a person to be known and cared for.”

The practice will temporarily close Sept. 14 through Oct. 2 to allow for operational transition and staff training. Both practice locations are expected to reopen to patients on Oct. 5.

The practice will transition to FirstHealth’s Epic electronic health record, providing patients with access to an online patient portal through FirstHealth MyChart. MyChart allows patients to manage appointments, review test results, communicate with their provider and refill a prescription from the convenience of a phone, tablet or computer.

“We are excited to welcome Cape Fear Otolaryngology to FirstHealth,” said Dan Barnes, D.O., president of FirstHealth Physician Group, in a press release. “Dr. Mansfield and his team of health care professionals have built strong relationships within the community, and this partnership strengthens FirstHealth’s ability to provide specialty care to patients in the region.”