Founded by Dr. Lori Smith, MD, DABOM, Beacon Internal and Obesity Medicine (BIOMe) brings a patient-centered model of primary care to Cabarrus County through its Direct Primary Care (DPC) approach—focused on value, access, transparency, and continuity.

BIOMe officially opened virtually in May 2025 and began in-person services in September 2025. Dr. Smith launched the practice to provide an alternative to a traditional healthcare environment.

Direct Primary Care is a membership-based model, BIOMe offers predictable, accessible, and comprehensive primary care without the barriers of deductibles, co-insurance, or copays. It provides autonomy in the physician–patient relationship, focusing on prevention, chronic disease management, and timely care before conditions become serious or life-threatening.

“Access to primary care and continuity of care are key to driving down healthcare costs,” Dr. Smith explains. “Independent primary care gives patients real choice, transparency, and meaningful partnerships with their doctor.”

About the Founder: Dr. Lori Smith

With more than 30 years of experience in internal medicine, Dr. Smith is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). Her decades of work in the Charlotte, Concord, and High Point areas have shaped her commitment to offering care that is accessible, evidence-based, and rooted in patient empowerment.

Why BIOMe Was Created

Dr. Smith founded BIOMe in response to systemic challenges in today’s healthcare system.

She believes communities benefit when primary care is independent, transparent, and designed to prevent illness rather than react to it.

Services Offered

BIOMe provides care for adults ages 18+ through a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Primary Care
  Preventive care, acute care, chronic disease management, coordination of care

• Obesity Medicine & Weight Management
  Evidence-based treatment plans, ongoing monitoring, and holistic support

With a focus on long-term wellness and personalized care plans, BIOMe empowers patients to take charge of their health with guidance from a physician who knows them well.

Why BIOMe Joined the Chamber

Dr. Smith joined the Cabarrus Chamber to connect with business owners, policy leaders, and community partners—and to increase awareness of Direct Primary Care as an accessible option for individuals and employers.

Through Chamber involvement, she hopes to build collaborations that improve community health and expand access to affordable primary care for residents across Cabarrus County.

Welcome to the Cabarrus Business Community

The Chamber proudly welcomes Beacon Internal and Obesity Medicine – BIOMe, PC to Concord. Dr. Smith’s commitment to transparency, prevention, and patient-centered care brings an additional healthcare resource to our growing community.

Congratulations to Dr. Smith on this milestone—and thank you for choosing Cabarrus County as the home for your compassionate approach to healthcare.

Services Offered

Internal Medicine

• Preventive care
• Chronic disease diagnosis & treatment
• Coordinated primary care

Obesity Medicine

• Evaluation of medical, genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors
• Pre- and post-bariatric surgery support
• Access to weight-loss medications including GLP-1s and GLP-1/GIPs
• Management of obesity-related conditions (NAFLD, lymphedema, etc.)

Weight Management

• Medically supervised programs
• Personalized nutrition & activity plans
• Robard meal replacement therapy
• Group visits and accountability support

Chronic Disease Management

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Heart disease
• Asthma and COPD
• Thyroid disorders
• Metabolic conditions
• Virtual care options available

BIOMe’s holistic approach ensures long-term support for patients navigating complex and chronic health challenges.