Aaron Piver, north and east market MRI supervisor at Cone Health, has built a career centered on patient care and leadership, making a meaningful impact at Cone Health. From his early start in healthcare to his current role overseeing MRI operations, Aaron is proof of the opportunities and lifestyle benefits of living and working in the Carolina Core as a healthcare worker.
Based in the Carolina Core, Aaron has spent nearly his entire life in North Carolina and has dedicated his career to improving patient experiences across the region. Known for his high energy and commitment to leadership, his career journey exemplifies both professional growth and the chance to be part of an organization that truly prioritizes patient care.
“Cone Health gave me opportunities to grow into leadership roles, and being in this region means you can live close to nature or in urban centers. You really get the best of both worlds.”
Roots and Relocation
Originally from West Virginia, Aaron considers North Carolina his true home. He moved to the state at a young age and grew up a part of the community. At 18, Aaron began his career with Cone Health by joining their x-ray program. This early start allowed him to explore multiple experiences within the organization and establish deep roots in the Carolina Core. Over the years, he has been fortunate to have his family and professional network support him throughout his journey.
Career and Business Journey
Aaron’s path into healthcare began with a personal experience at age 16. After sustaining a weightlifting injury, he interacted with a charismatic x-ray technician who eased his anxiety and inspired him to pursue radiology. From that moment, Aaron knew he wanted to help others in a similar way as a healthcare professional.
He started his career at Wesley Long Hospital, where he spent 18 years gaining experience and developing his expertise. Leadership recognized his potential and provided him the opportunity to move to Cone Health Alamance Regional Hospital as part of their MRI department, where he has been for the past 18 months.
Throughout his career, Aaron has appreciated Cone Health’s patient-centered culture. Unlike other health systems he has experienced, Cone Health focuses on patient satisfaction even more so than business productivity. He also appreciates Cone Health’s employee support for its employees. This environment has allowed him to take on leadership roles, share his insights with colleagues and feel like a valued member of a team rather than just an employee.
Life in the Carolina Core
Aaron shared that Living in the Carolina Core offers him a balance of professional opportunity and personal fulfillment. With easy access to the great outdoors, the region provides proximity to both mountains and beaches within a few hours’ drive. He appreciates the slower pace of life available outside major cities, while still being near urban centers like Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte.
Aaron enjoys the local food scene in the Carolina Core, particularly the Hops Burger Bar in Greensboro. For people looking to stay active and healthy, he suggests visiting the lakes, hiking trails and nearby Asheville’s vibrant art scene. Additionally, he values the region’s well-planned infrastructure, which makes commuting efficient and supports a high quality of life.
Advice and Insights for Future Core Healthcare Workers
Aaron would tell healthcare workers considering a move to the Carolina Core that this region offers a wealth of opportunities for growth. “If you’re a healthcare worker considering moving here, you have options,” he says. “With places like UNC Health, Duke Health, Atrium Health, Novant Health and Cone Health, you can find a place that fits your goals.”
The variety of thriving medical systems allows professionals to find roles that align with their skills while also giving them room to explore new paths. He points to Cone Health as an example of what makes the region special. “Cone Health keeps the patient at the center. They don’t just talk the talk. They walk the walk,” Aaron explains. “That patient-first focus makes everything else fall into place.”
He emphasizes that the organization fosters collaboration and continuous improvement among staff, creating an environment where employees are encouraged to share ideas, engage with patients meaningfully, and play a role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
Aaron also highlights the lifestyle benefits of living in the Carolina Core. “You can enjoy beaches, mountains, and thriving cities. It’s a combination you don’t get everywhere,” he says.
For those considering a move, it is a rare opportunity to pursue a fulfilling healthcare career while enjoying a quality of life that supports both personal and professional goals.
Learn more about what makes the Carolina Core the best place to live and work as a healthcare professional.