In Loving Memory of Brianna Atkins Lee — A Life of Service, Compassion, and Grace

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Brianna Atkins Lee, a deeply respected and beloved cardiothoracic physician assistant at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte. Her passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives she touched through her dedication, skill, and compassion.

Brianna was not only a gifted medical professional but also a woman of extraordinary grace, integrity, and humility. Those who knew her describe her as a beacon of calm in even the most intense surgical environments — a steady hand and a reassuring voice whose quiet confidence inspired trust and hope in those around her. Her work in cardiothoracic medicine reflected her deep calling to heal, to serve, and to comfort. To her patients, she was more than a clinician; she was an advocate, a listener, and a source of unwavering support during their most vulnerable moments.

A proud graduate of her physician assistant program, Brianna quickly earned a reputation for excellence within the medical community. Her colleagues remember her as a professional whose knowledge was matched only by her kindness. She was deeply respected for her commitment to patient care, her meticulous attention to detail, and her willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes for those entrusted to her care. Beyond the hospital walls, Brianna was a mentor and friend to many — always encouraging young medical professionals to pursue their goals with courage and compassion.

Outside of her career, Brianna lived her life with purpose and joy. She cherished time with her family, who were the foundation of her strength and happiness. Her laughter was genuine and contagious; her presence, a comforting light in any room. She loved traveling, enjoying nature, and celebrating life’s small but meaningful moments — a morning coffee shared with a friend, a walk at sunset, or an afternoon spent volunteering for causes close to her heart.

The sudden loss of Brianna Atkins Lee has sent shockwaves throughout Charlotte’s medical and local communities. Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center released statements of mourning, remembering her as a pillar of professionalism, empathy, and excellence — a woman whose legacy will continue to influence the field of medicine for years to come. Her colleagues and patients alike have expressed profound gratitude for the time they were blessed to know her, recalling her as a guiding light who brought humanity and heart into every encounter.

Though her time on earth was far too brief, Brianna’s impact is lasting. Her compassion lives on in the lives she saved, the patients she comforted, the peers she inspired, and the loved ones she leaves behind. She will forever be remembered as a healer in every sense of the word — one whose dedication and love transcended the boundaries of her profession.

As her family and friends navigate the depths of this unimaginable loss, they take solace in knowing that Brianna’s spirit remains alive in the countless hearts she touched. Her legacy will continue to echo through the halls of the hospital she served, in the lives of those who carry her lessons forward, and in the community that will never forget her gentle strength.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Brianna Atkins Lee will be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to organizations supporting medical education and patient advocacy — causes that reflect Brianna’s lifelong devotion to healing and humanity.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory continue to inspire all who strive to serve others with compassion, courage, and love.