Charles “CJ” Atkinson, MD, FAAFP, Chief Operations Officer

Dr. Atkinson uses his medical and military backgrounds to inspire leadership and build the future of primary care. As co-chief operating officer of One Health Consulting Group, he’s thrilled to share his experiences as a physician leader and impact healthcare across multiple venues.

Dr. Atkinson started his medical career in the U.S. Army and attended Wake Forest School of Medicine. He completed his family medicine residency at Martin Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, GA, where he went on to teach in the residency program. Dr. Atkinson spent extended time overseas as a battalion surgeon and earned the Bronze Star for his work in hostile areas, as well as the U.S. Army Surgeon General’s 2011 Physician Recognition Award. However, he feels the most significant honor was the chance to work alongside the amazing people in the U.S. military.

In 2013, Dr. Atkinson made the difficult decision to leave the military to spend quality time with his wife, Jesse Rae, as well as their daughters, Gracie and Kenzie. Wanting to continue practicing family medicine and pursuing leadership opportunities, he joined a family medicine practice in Charlotte, NC. He also grew and operationalized hospitals in Huntersville, NC, and Mint Hill, NC, and helped create the family medicine residency program at a major health system in Charlotte, NC.

An active member of the community, he’s co-medical director for the Lake Norman Community Health Clinic, a local clinic for underserved populations. He also serves as board advisor for Hiinga, an impact investment fund working to bridge the gap between wealth and poverty in East Africa, which includes building a 100-bed hospital in Uganda.