Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop, former Carilion chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, interviewed Dr. Louis Ripley, a retired orthopaedic surgeon in February 2005. Dr. Ripley was raised in Roanoke and returned to open a surgical practice following training and serving in the US Navy during World War II. He regularly saw patients at Burrell Memorial Hospital and had first-hand awareness of Burrell’s role in the community during segregation. Here are excerpts from Dr. Bishop's interview.  

The history of Orthopaedic Surgery at Carilion is a testament to determination, progress, and the pursuit of equitable healthcare that began with a small group of visionary surgeons. 

In 1940, there were only 23 orthopaedic surgeons in the entire state, and none were west of Roanoke. Into this void, stepped physicians whose names and contributions would become foundational: Roy M. Hoover and Heywood Wescott (1940), Louis P. Ripley (1948), Charles B. Bray (1950), and Phillip Trout (1951).

You're invited to take advantage of special savings on SkinBetter Science® products at Carilion Clinic Cosmetic Center's Roanoke location.

Enjoy 40% off all in-stock SkinBetter Science products and 50% off all in-stock SkinBetter Science kits—your favorite results-driven skincare at an exclusive savings!

As a nonprofit health system, our mission of caring extends beyond our facilities and into the communities we serve. Each year, we invest millions in programs and partnerships that support health, resilience, and economic opportunity across our region.

You can see the results of this work in our latest Community Benefit Report (pdf). 

We have updated our cancer screening guidelines (PDF) after months of teamwork and thoughtful discussion. These recommendations reflect input from departments across our organization.

The guidelines aren’t rigid rules; rather, they are an evidence-based framework tailored to our region to help us deliver timely, high-quality screening for patients. This work grew from a shared commitment to early detection and equitable care.

The holiday season is here! If you plan to decorate your workspace, follow our Use of Decorations Policy to spread cheer safely. 

Carilion-provided trees and lights are always approved. If you are planning to DIY, here are some important things to keep in mind: 

On Saturday, Nov. 1, Carilion Community Health and Outreach hosted the Fall Harvest Festival of Light at Morningside Urban Farm in southeast Roanoke. More than 140 community members came out to the free celebration, which honored the strength of our connections and traditions through creative experiences and performances.

Early detection of lung cancer is crucial. If caught before it spreads, the likelihood of surviving lung cancer for 5 years or more improves by 63%.

Saturday, Nov. 8 is National Lung Cancer Screening Day. To make lung cancer screenings more accessible for our employees and patients, we will offer Saturday appointments that day. Screening locations include: Roanoke, Franklin, Giles, Tazewell, New River Valley and Rockbridge.

Spending time outdoors has been linked to many benefits for mental health and emotional well-being. Did you know Carilion has several green spaces on our hospital campuses where you can experience the healing power of nature?

On July 31, Roanoke’s newest neighborhood center officially opened its doors. Hundreds of community members, leaders and legislators came out to celebrate the grand opening of Melrose Plaza: a vibrant community hub that connects Northwest Roanoke residents to resources and services that improve health and well-being.