Dr. Ellie MacGregor founded Middle Path Integrative Pediatrics out of a deep passion for providing families with a more personal and supportive approach to health care. Her career began in traditional pediatric care, but the fast-paced back-to-back appointments left little room for meaningful connections. One particularly overwhelming day made it clear — something had to change.

“It was like running a marathon,” Dr. Ellie recalls. “Four hours passed, and I hadn’t even taken a sip of water. The stress was piling up, and I felt the weight of it all.” That day, after helping a child with a breathing emergency, she found herself unable to answer a parent’s question about natural remedies for colds. “I froze,” she admits. “I realized my training didn’t include the tools or knowledge to address these kinds of questions. It was a wake-up call.”

Around the same time, Dr. Ellie began to experience her own health challenges. Years of stress, burnout, poor diet and an undiagnosed case of celiac disease had taken their toll. “I wasn’t taking care of myself,” she says. “I was tired and sick and knew something had to give.” That began her journey of healing — exploring integrative and functional medicine to restore her health and find balance in her life as well as the lives of her patients.

As she healed, her vision for a new kind of pediatric care took shape. “I wanted to create a practice where families could feel truly heard, where we could blend the best of modern medicine with holistic approaches,” she explains. Today, Middle Path Integrative Pediatrics embodies that vision — a place where parents and children receive personalized, thoughtful care that supports their whole health.

Middle Path Integrative Pediatrics offers two key services:

1. Integrative Pediatric Primary Care Membership: Comprehensive care for children ages 0–21, combining modern medicine with holistic approaches. Families benefit from longer appointment times, a focus on prevention, direct access to their pediatrician and a nurturing environment.

2. Functional Medicine Consultations: Keep your regular doctor while benefiting from personalized consultations designed to optimize health, vitality and longevity for children and adults (ages 2 to 102). These consultations are ideal for those looking to get healthy before having a baby; address chronic or recurring health concerns such as gut issues, burnout, hormonal imbalances, anxiety or depression; or to simply improve their overall well-being to improve performance at work, at school or in sports.

“I wanted to create a practice that goes beyond treating symptoms,” Dr. Ellie explains. “It’s about addressing the whole person — mind, body and spirit.” Her approach combines evidence-based medicine with natural therapies, allowing her to treat root causes and help families make informed decisions about their care. “What sets my practice apart is the time I spend truly connecting with families as well as my expertise in integrative, functional and osteopathic medicine. It’s about building trust and creating a partnership in holistic health.”

Dr. Ellie’s connection to Asheville runs deep, making her work here all the more meaningful. Born in Ireland and raised across the United States, she chose to settle in Asheville to be near her family. “I’ve always been drawn to the sense of community here,” she shares. Her husband teaches English language arts at Franklin School of Innovation, and her sister is part of the team at Mountain City Public Montessori.

Outside of work, Dr. Ellie embraces a balanced, holistic lifestyle. She loves hiking, yoga, cooking and watercolor painting, and her home is filled with the joyful energy of her three large rescue dogs. This harmony between her personal and professional life reflects her commitment to whole-person care, both for herself and the families she serves.

When she’s not caring for families, Dr. Ellie enjoys dining at local favorites like Little Chango and Pulp + Sprout, which she appreciates for their celiac-friendly menus. She’s also passionate about supporting nonprofits like UNICEF and Best Friends Animal Society. “Helping children and families thrive is my calling,” she says. “Knowing I’m making a meaningful difference keeps me inspired every day.”

Dr. Ellie’s passion for empowering families goes beyond her practice. On her “I Heal Kids” podcast, she shares heartfelt conversations and practical advice on topics like raising healthy kids, navigating holistic health options and creating wellness routines that work for the whole family. For more tips and insights, families can follow her on Instagram at @middlepathpeds and check out her YouTube channel, @DrEllieMacGregor, where she shares even more personal and helpful content.

“If you’re curious about how integrative pediatrics can support your child’s well-being, schedule a complimentary meet-and-greet on my website,” she invites. “It’s a wonderful way to connect and see how we can work together to help your family thrive.”

To learn more about Middle Path Integrative Pediatrics, go to middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com or contact Ellie at (828) 222-3781. Her practice offers a balanced, compassionate approach to health care, empowering families to embrace wellness in every sense of the word.