Our Roots (what informs us)
Our story begins in the western North Carolina mountains, where Dr. Ben Aiken saw the dysfunction and complexity of status quo primary care. As a resident physician, with healthy influence from his public health background and paternal grandfather Bill, who was part of the first and much simpler, human-focused era of family medicine, Ben spent all of his elective time exploring new models of primary care nationally. He developed expertise and a passion for being the change we so desperately need through direct primary care. In this light, Lantern Health launched in 2018, initially part of the regional health system. In 2020, Ben transitioned the practice out of the system to be fully independent.
Our story continues with a steadfast commitment to our mission, purpose, and values guiding expansion in western North Carolina. We hold a deep commitment to our shared ethos and aligned incentives, with plans to convert our business into an employee-owned trust: a permanent legal guarantee that no outside investor or system can ever acquire or redirect the practice. Lantern stays in the hands of its people, anchored to its mission, serving communities in western North Carolina, indefinitely.
Our region is known for the art of craft. The skilled maker’s hands know full well that time, care, and focused attention turn raw elements into an exquisite work of art. Ancient things become new again. From this same thread, we reclaim age-old values to illuminate the path toward a better and brighter future in healthcare.
