Finding a doctor you actually like in York County isn’t always a walk in the park. You've probably noticed that as the Gold Hill and Tega Cay areas have exploded with new residents, the wait times at some clinics have become, well, legendary. That’s why Shiland Family Practice Fort Mill (officially known as Atrium Health Primary Care Shiland Family Medicine) has become such a central fixture for locals. It’s tucked into that Gold Hill Road corridor, and if you’ve lived here more than a week, you know that stretch is the lifeblood of daily errands.
Honestly, the biggest draw here isn't just the Atrium Health branding—it's the specific mix of old-school family doctor vibes with high-tech hospital backing.
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The Reality of Care at Shiland Family Practice Fort Mill
Most people looking for a "doctor near me" in Fort Mill are usually worried about two things: will I be seen on time, and will the doctor actually listen to me?
At Shiland, the team is pretty large, which helps with the scheduling bottleneck. You aren’t just stuck with one person who might be booked out until next Tuesday. You have providers like Dr. Jeffrey Hatchell, Dr. Brian Pope, and Dr. Sharon Olang. Dr. Hatchell is a bit of a local favorite; patients often mention that he doesn't just stare at a laptop screen while you're talking. He actually makes eye contact. It sounds like a low bar, but in modern medicine, that’s basically a superpower.
The office is located at 704 Gold Hill Road, Suite 107. It’s right there in the heart of the 29715 zip code.
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What can they actually do for you?
It’s a full-service primary care spot. They handle the basics like:
- Pediatrics (for kids two years and older)
- Women’s health (including paps and routine screenings)
- Minor surgeries (think mole removals or skin biopsies)
- Sports physicals (absolute chaos during late August, so book early)
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, high blood pressure, the works)
They also have an in-office laboratory and X-ray services. This is a huge deal. There is nothing worse than being told you need blood work and then having to drive across town to a separate LabCorp or Quest facility while you're feeling like garbage. Doing it all in one building saves your sanity.
Why the "Shiland" Name Matters
You might see "Shiland" and think it's a neighborhood or a person. It’s actually a legacy name from their original Rock Hill roots on Riverchase Boulevard. When they expanded into Fort Mill, they kept the name because it had built up a lot of trust over the decades.
Being part of the Atrium Health network means your records are synced. If you end up at the Atrium Health Pineville ER or a specialist in Charlotte, they can pull up your Shiland records instantly. No faxing. No "I forgot the name of my medication" moments. Everything is in the MyAtriumHealth portal.
The Team Behind the Scenes
It’s not just MDs and DOs. They use a lot of Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs). Kelly Williamson, for instance, is a Nurse Practitioner there who handles a lot of the day-to-day acute visits. If you have a sinus infection that’s making your teeth hurt, you’ll likely see a PA or NP. They are often the ones with the more flexible same-day schedules.
Navigating the Challenges
Let’s be real: no medical practice is perfect. Because Shiland is popular, the waiting room can get a bit crowded during flu season.
Some patients have noted that while the doctors are great, the administrative side—like getting a prescription refill authorized—can sometimes take a couple of business days. If you're running low on a maintenance med, don't wait until the last pill. Give them at least 48 to 72 hours.
Also, it’s worth noting they aren't a "true" pediatric office. They don't see newborns. You have to wait until the child is two years old. If you have an infant, you’ll need a dedicated pediatrician, but once they hit that toddler milestone, the whole family can technically see the same doctor at Shiland.
The Sports Medicine Edge
Dr. Brian Pope has a specific background in Sports Medicine. This makes Shiland a go-to for the high school athletes at Fort Mill High or Nation Ford. If your kid tweaks an ankle or you’re dealing with "tennis elbow" that won't quit, having a primary care doc who actually understands musculoskeletal function is better than just getting a generic "take some ibuprofen" recommendation.
Practical Steps for New Patients
If you're thinking about switching to Shiland Family Practice Fort Mill, here is how you actually make it happen without the headache.
- Check the Insurance: They take almost everything major (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare), but always call the number on the back of your card first.
- The Portal is Your Friend: Don't call for every little thing. Use the MyAtriumHealth app. You can schedule appointments, see test results, and message your doctor directly.
- Arrival Time: The office usually opens early—around 7:30 AM. If you want the first appointment of the day to avoid the "backup" that happens by 2:00 PM, aim for those early slots.
- Parking: It’s a shared lot with other medical suites. It can get tight around lunchtime. If you have mobility issues, have someone drop you at the front door before they park.
The clinic is open Monday through Friday, typically until 5:00 PM. They don’t have weekend hours, so if something happens on a Saturday, you’ll be looking at the Atrium Health Urgent Care down the road or a Virtual Visit.
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To get started, you can reach them at 803-835-0420. If you are a new patient, they will likely ask you to arrive 15 minutes early to handle the "new patient" paperwork, though a lot of that can be knocked out online beforehand now.
Getting your healthcare sorted in a fast-growing town like Fort Mill is all about finding a "home base." Shiland provides that stability by combining a deep bench of experienced providers with the infrastructure of a major hospital system. It’s not flashy, but it works, and for most of us, that’s exactly what we need when we aren't feeling 100%.