The Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina honors the nursing profession by recognizing nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence. The recipients are distinguished for their outstanding professional ability as well as their contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This year, 19 ECU Health nurses were recognized as honorees, including Virginia “Ginny” Tripp, Rebecca Hagee, Jennifer Lewis, Kelly Trout and Kelly Elliott.
Virginia “Ginny” Tripp
Like many health care providers, Ginny Tripp, a professional development specialist in the Center for Learning and Performance at ECU Health Medical Center, found the inspiration to pursue nursing through her family. “My mother was a nurse, and she has always inspired me to be compassionate and care for everyone,” Ginny said. Her grandmother, also, was a huge support for Ginny and often prepared meals and helped take care of Ginny’s children while Ginny studied in school.
Ginny completed her associate degree in nursing in 1994 from Craven Community College and her BSN, which she received from East Carolina University, in 2006. She began her career at what was then Pitt County Memorial Hospital before transferring to a clinical practice closer to home. She always dreamed of returning “home” to ECU Health, however, and she did just that in 2009.
Now, Ginny’s mother can celebrate with her as she is honored as a Great 100 Nurse. “My mother cried for joy, and I was so excited to tell my family and leadership I received this recognition in my 30th year of service,” she said. Ginny said she was honored for her colleagues to recognize her service by nominating her for this award. “No matter what the need is, I try to find a way to support others and help them become the best version of themselves. I enjoy collaborating with an excellent team who strives to support each other.” Ginny was also quick to thank her leadership for supporting her along the way. “I am thankful to leadership who have helped me grow in my current role over the past nine years,” she said.
Ginny highlighted that having 19 Great 100 Nurse honorees was a nod to the support ECU Health provides its nurses every day. “I can only imagine that ECU Health is proud to know they have supported the professional growth and development of all the nurses who received nominations. For the 19 being honored, I am thankful I am a part of this elite group. We are living the mission and vision of ECU Health each day, and I feel blessed by God to be a part of something so much larger than myself.”
Rebecca Hagee
Rebecca Hagee, a staff nurse III in the surgical oncology clinic at ECU Health Cancer Center, began her career at ECU Health six years ago after graduating from Pitt Community College with her associate degree in nursing. She recently obtained her BSN from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2023.
While Rebecca always knew she wanted to be a nurse, she initially thought she wanted to work in pediatric oncology. “I saw the movie Patch Adams at a young age, and I had my heart set on pediatric oncology,” she said. “Then I started my career on a general surgical unit, but I knew I wanted to work in oncology. When my current role became available, it was a perfect combination of my two interests.” Whatever her role, Rebecca said her goal in life is to “make an impact, and nursing gives me the opportunity to do that every day.”
When she learned she was a Great 100 Nurse, Rebecca said it was a surprise. “I still consider myself a ‘new’ nurse,” she explained. “I never in all my life expected to be presented with such an honor, and I’m so thankful for this opportunity to be recognized for everything I have poured into my nursing career.”
While she acknowledged that she strives to be there for patients during the hardest times of their lives, Rebecca also credited ECU Health’s support in being an honoree. “I would never have had this opportunity without ECU Health’s leadership. It has presented me with two of the best managers and assistant managers who encourage and push their team members to be the best they can be.”
Jennifer Lewis
Jennifer Lewis, the outreach coordinator for ECU Health Medical Center Cancer Care, has worked for ECU Health for 32 years, 27 of them as a nurse. Jennifer got started at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital at the age of 18 as an emergency department (ED) clerk. “As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I’ve always been impressed with nurses; they’re intelligent, kind and relatable. I worked in the ED to see what the healthcare setting was like,” she said.
Jennifer liked what she saw, and she completed her associate degree in nursing from Beaufort County Community College before returning to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, now as a nurse. “I was born at that hospital and had all three of my daughters there. It was home,” Jennifer said.
After getting her BSN from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, which she was able to do through ECU Health’s tuition reimbursement program, she found a position at the ECU Health Medical Center and made the move to Greenville. “Life takes you down roads you don’t expect, but I love it,” she said.
Jennifer was shocked to learn she was a Great 100 Nurse honoree. “I’m pretty new at the Medical Center, so to know I’d been nominated by my peers was above anything I imagined,” she said. “It’s the ultimate compliment, and I’m humbled to be among the 19 who represent ECU Health.” Without the support of her team and ECU Health, Jennifer said she wouldn’t be who she is today. “I’m thankful ECU Health,” she said. “I appreciate working somewhere where they recognize nurses for their achievements and support and grow nurses. Becoming a nurse was by far one of the best decisions of my life, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Kelly Trout
A staff nurse III in the medical oncology unit at ECU Health Medical Center, Kelly Trout has been a nurse, and has worked at ECU Health, for 15 years. “I got my bachelor’s in biology and psychology, but in 2007 I went back to school at Pitt Community College and got my nursing degree,” Kelly said. The inspiration to be a nurse came from her mother, who was a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse for 45 years. “I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but I enjoy direct care and hands-on patient interaction,” she said. A clinical rotation in medical oncology, as well as her family history of cancer, strengthened her decision to work in medical oncology. “It’s something I’m passionate about and it’s where I need to be.”
“I was shocked,” Kelly said of learning she was a Great 100 Nurse honoree. “These Great 100 nurses are doing something special, and I wondered – am I really one of those nurses? It’s a total honor.”
One of the biggest projects Kelly said she’s proud of starting in her unit is Santa’s Hope (previously Santa’s Workshop), where staff donate gifts for kids and adults and patients with cancer can then “shop” for their friends and family without compromising their immune system by going out in crowds. “We’ve had some wonderful stories. Little things like that make a difference, and I’m honored to be a part of this program.”
That ECU Health has 19 nurses on the Great 100 list is pretty special, she said. “It shows there are nurses who have their whole hearts invested in this and is representative of the care ECU Health provides,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to advertise the care we provide and put our name out across the state.”
Katie Elliott
Katie Elliott is a staff nurse IV in the radiation oncology clinic at ECU Health Medical Center, where she’s worked for nearly 15 years. She originally obtained her associate degree in nursing at Beaufort Community College and started her career at ECU Health the same year on the traumatic brain injury inpatient rehabilitation unit. In 2019, she transitioned to radiation oncology, and in May, she received her BSN from Fayetteville State University.
Katie knew from an early age she enjoyed helping people; however, a high school allied health class solidified her decision to become a nurse. Still, she was surprised to find out she was a Great 100 Nurse honoree. “I was so excited, I awakened my husband early in the morning, when I read the letter,” she laughed. “It’s an honor to know your teammates care enough to nominate you for such an amazing award.”
That nomination is the result of a dedication to her team and her patients. “I work hard, and my team sees how much I care,” Katie said. “Not just for my patients. I want to be sure our team is okay too. We take better care of our community by taking care of each other. I don’t just go to work, do my job, and go home. I want to be involved.”
That attitude is one that Katie sees reflected across the ECU Health system. “We go above and beyond in the care we provide for our patients and our communities,” she said. “I recommend ECU Health to anyone. Family members and myself have been patients here. It is comforting to know there’s a place close to home, delivering safe and compassionate care.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in September, to be held in Concord, North Carolina.
The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University is among the top-performing medical schools in the country when it comes to providing an affordable education for future clinicians, according to a new study from the American Association of Medical Colleges.
Nationally, four out of five medical school graduates finish their education with more than $100,000 in debt. As part of its mission to train the next generation of physicians committed to serving the state, with a strong focus on training family care providers, Brody-trained physicians receive one of the highest-value medical educations in the country.
“It is exceptionally gratifying to know that the Brody School of Medicine is leading the way in making a career in medicine affordable and accessible for future physicians across North Carolina,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, dean of Brody and CEO of ECU Health. “The tremendous need for more physicians, particularly those who practice family medicine and serve in rural communities, serves as our compass as we continue toward our mission. We are fortunate that this need is widely recognized by statewide leaders who are committed to supporting us in our mission. This recent report from the American Association of Medical Colleges is a reminder of why Brody is such an important asset for North Carolina and its citizens.”
The financial flexibility that Brody-trained physicians have upon graduation directly supports the medical school’s ability to produce family medicine physicians which is among the highest-need specialties nationally, particularly in rural communities. Brody ranks in the top 10% of U.S. medical schools for graduating physicians who practice in the state, in primary care and in underserved areas. Brody’s most recent class – the Class of 2023 – is a snapshot of Brody’s unique mission, with 52% of graduates matching into primary care residencies, including obstetrics and gynecology, and 44% matching to residency programs in North Carolina.
“The Brody School of Medicine has a rich legacy of preparing mission-driven physicians who touch the lives of so many through a career in health care,” said Dr. Jason Higginson, executive dean of Brody. “Not only do our medical students receive a high-quality education at Brody, they graduate supported and well-prepared to join the physician workforce and enter areas of practice that are most needed, like family medicine. I could not be more proud and grateful of the Brody faculty and staff. Their passion and expertise make our academic health care mission possible.”
Eastern North Carolina is seeing a noticeable uptick in COVID-19 and other respiratory virus cases. Similar to the last few years, respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, are expected to rise and fall between now and the end of respiratory virus season in 2025. While receiving a positive COVID-19 test result can still be concerning, understanding how to respond can help protect yourself and others.
What to Do If You Test Positive
If you test positive for COVID-19, consult with your doctor or health care provider promptly. If you receive a clinical diagnosis for COVID-19, you may be eligible for medication that can aid in your recovery and prevent severe illness
For individuals at higher risk of serious illness — such as those who are immunocompromised, over the age of 65, or have conditions like heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease — medication can play a crucial role in managing their health.
It’s important to act quickly, as these treatments are most effective when started as soon as possible, ideally within the treatment window after the onset of your first symptoms.
Treatments and Preventative Measures
Fortunately, treatments are available that may help reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. These medications have already been administered to millions of people, helping to lower the risk of severe illness and keeping many out of the hospital.
“ECU Health has previously analyzed the number of COVID inpatients who utilized antivirals before hospitalization,” said Dr. Ryan Gallaher, medical director of infectious diseases, ECU Health. “This data highlights a significant opportunity for at-risk patients to take advantage of these effective antivirals, which can greatly reduce the risk of hospitalization.”
Dr. Gallaher also recommends staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, and the 2024–25 vaccines are expected to be available in fall 2024. Washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms and wearing a mask can still help prevent the spread of COVID-19. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can work together to manage this increase in COVID-19 cases and protect the health of our community.
If you have questions or suspect you may have COVID-19, contact your primary care provider. Learn more about establishing primary care at ECU Health here.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health Medical Center received accreditation under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). MBSAQIP is a comprehensive, nationwide surgical quality program aimed at ensuring the safe and effective performance of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
“We are honored for the recognition our team members received for their dedication in earning re-accreditation for metabolic and bariatric surgery at ECU Health Medical Center,” said Jay Briley, president, ECU Health Medical Center. “As a leading regional academic medical center, we are committed to excellence in every aspect of our care. This Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program accreditation reaffirms our ability to consistently provide safe, high-quality care. Most importantly, it ensures that patients in our region can access advanced, cutting-edge treatments close to home.”
Surgical outcomes focus on weight loss and the treatment of obesity-related diseases, like diabetes, sleep apnea, and others. Research shows accredited centers experience fewer complications, and better outcomes for patients. ECU Health Medical Center has five board certified minimally invasive bariatric surgeons on staff.
“Eastern North Carolina faces high rates of health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, and weight loss can significantly reduce impact of these and other related health conditions,” said Dr. Eric J. DeMaria, chair of the Department of Surgery for the Brody School of Medicine at ECU, chief of surgery for ECU Health and director of the metabolic and bariatric surgery program at ECU Health. “This accreditation is a testament to the tireless efforts of our care teams, who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of those we serve every day. It also underscores our commitment to providing the highest standard of care in metabolic and bariatric surgery, ensuring that our community has access care interventions that afford them the opportunity to live their healthiest lives.”
As an MBSAQIP-accredited hospital, ECU Health Medical Center also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know ECU Health is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.
“ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, ECU Health has shown a commitment providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement,” said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS.
To learn more about bariatric surgery at ECU Health, please visit here.
Greenville, N.C. – The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program (ECIPP) at ECU Health Medical Center was awarded the Safe States Injury and Violence Prevention Achievement Award at the Safe States 2024 Injury and Violence Prevention (IVP) Professionals Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon on Aug. 20-22. Safe States recognizes the outstanding achievements of members and partners annually through peer-nominated awards.
“We are incredibly proud of the recognition ECIPP’s initiatives have received,” said Sue Anne Pilgreen, manager, ECIPP, ECU Health. “This award highlights our team’s leadership and expertise in injury prevention and advancing safety practices locally and nationally. While this recognition is encouraging, what truly motivates the ECIPP team is getting to see the impact that this work has on the members of our community as we remain dedicated to promoting safety, encouraging healthy behaviors and reducing injuries.”
Established in 1995, ECIPP is a collaborative prevention focused health program at ECU Health Medical Center. Partnering with the ECU Health Trauma Center, the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital and the Brody School of Medicine‘s Department of Emergency Medicine, ECIPP is dedicated to improving the health of eastern North Carolina by reducing the incidence and impact of injuries. The American College of Surgeons noted the value of ECIPP’s work in the verification of Maynard Children’s Hospital as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.
ECIPP has been instrumental in the development, implementation and interdisciplinary adoption of injury prevention practices for children and adults across eastern North Carolina. ECIPP offers a wide range of prevention programs aimed at addressing the most pressing injury concerns in the region. These programs include education on child safety, teen safe driving, hot car safety, firearm safety, suicide prevention, traffic safety and poison prevention. ECIPP also partners with Greenville Police Department on the Greenville Traffic Safety Task Force, which earned a national achievement award in 2023.
By building innovative partnerships, ECIPP has successfully promoted the adoption of injury prevention practices across various industries. For instance, the firearm safety program collaborates with wildlife organizations and pawn shops to provide education and gunlocks, while partnerships with Community Health Workers help deliver bike safety education and helmets. ECIPP also created an LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention documentary that has been integrated into college curricula and hospital onboarding processes. From 2020 to 2023, ECIPP reached 86,333 individuals, distributing 2,405 gun locks, 256 medication lock boxes, 3,204 bike helmets and 259 child car seats.
“ECIPP’s strategies and partnerships have been crucial in expanding education and resource access in rural eastern North Carolina communities,” said Catherine Nelson, senior administrator of Community Health Programs, ECU Health. “This award is a testament to our commitment to injury prevention and the positive impact we’ve made for children and families across the region. By collaborating with local organizations and leveraging innovative approaches, we’ve been able to address critical issues, ultimately advancing the health and safety of our communities.”
To learn more about ECIPP, visit the webpage.
ECU Health Medical Center is excited to welcome the newest class of Project SEARCH students. The one-year internship program is designed for high school students with developmental and intellectual disabilities in their final year of their high school education. Through Project SEARCH, these students gain valuable real-world skills, enhancing their employability, confidence and independence.
The Project SEARCH Class of 2024 includes: Cameron McKenna, Daniel Sparrow, Keon Cox, Mariah Locklear, Kalasiah Forbes-Paige, Kenny Lucas, John Walker-Aytch and Nasir Gardner.
“We’re honored that ECU Health Medical Center continues to host Project SEARCH expanding educational opportunities for our students,” said Doris Hill, workforce development coordinator at ECU Health. “This program empowers students with essential job skills they can carry into their careers, while also enhancing diversity within our organization and the local workforce. We’re eager to witness the growth and new experiences our incoming students will gain throughout their journey with us.”
During the program, students participate in internships across various departments at ECU Health Medical Center, including in hospitality, cafeterias, housekeeping and some clinical spaces. These hands-on experiences help students transition from classroom learning to professional environments, bridging the gap between education and the workplace.
The employment rate for youth with disabilities is about 60 to 70 percent less than youth without disabilities, according to the Office of Disability Employment Policy. Project SEARCH has proven results with a 65 percent employment and 90 percent retention rate nationally. Students who participate in the program are enrolled at various Pitt County high schools.
The Project SEARCH program at ECU Health Medical Center began in 2015 through partnerships with Pitt County Schools, RHA Health Services and the North Carolina Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities. The program has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for the students while also making significant contributions to the local community. Project SEARCH is instrumental in cultivating our ECU Health community into one that embraces diversity, inclusivity and shared success.
ECU Health serves a vast rural region and understands the critical need for accessible health care in these communities. The demand for health services is exceptionally high, and many residents face significant barriers to receiving the care they need. ECU Health launched the Health Hub initiative in May 2023 as a strategic effort to bridge these gaps and help meet patients where they are. These Health Hubs are designed to improve access to vital health care and community resources, specifically targeting underserved areas.
“These hubs are strategically placed based on data indicating regions of high social vulnerability,” said Kasey Perkins, community health engagement coordinator, ECU Health. “Oftentimes, these areas have limited access to primary care services and individuals have difficulty seeing a doctor for those unexpected acute illnesses we all get.”
Health Hubs are currently located in four counties: Pitt, Martin, Edgecombe and Beaufort.
The hubs serve dual purposes. First, they provide access to virtual care, which is particularly vital in areas where individuals might otherwise visit emergency departments for non-urgent issues. By educating the community about virtual care options, Health Hubs help people get appropriate care quickly and more efficiently. Second, Health Hubs offer a gateway to community resources, addressing social determinants of health such as food insecurity, housing and employment.
“Each hub features a community resource guidebook, organized into tabs for different social needs, filled with contact information and details on various agencies and services available in the area,” said Perkins.
Health Hubs are located at local churches, businesses and organizations, and a designated Health Hub ambassador serves as the community’s point of contact. These ambassadors help residents connect with virtual care services and navigate the resources available to them. The hubs are equipped with necessary devices, including a computer with a webcam and microphone, and vital sign monitors like blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters and thermometers. This equipment allows individuals to have virtual visits on-site if they don’t have access to the technology at home.
Three new locations were added in July 2024, bringing the total amount of Health Hubs to 21. Health Hubs are open to everyone in the community. Residents can walk in during designated hours to learn more about virtual care or access community resources. The virtual care service, ECU Health Now, is available for anyone throughout eastern North Carolina and can be accessed on a computer or mobile phone. It is free to register and make an account, and it only costs $55 per visit when you speak with a provider, which is often less than a typical insurance co-pay or Emergency Department visit.
“The Health Hub initiative represents a significant step toward making health care more accessible and addressing broader social needs,” said Perkins. “By partnering with local organizations and connecting individuals with vital resources, Health Hubs are making a real difference in the communities they serve.”
As part of its mission, ECU Health prides itself on readiness to respond to any emergency scenario that could impact the health and well-being of the people we serve. Preparedness is imperative for a health system, especially when facing potentially unpredictable emergencies.
ECU Health Medical Center recently hosted a training exercise centered around a Chempack container from the Strategic National Stockpile, part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. The containers contain antidotes to treat the symptoms of a nerve agent exposure in response to a possible chemical incident.
“While we hope never to encounter such extreme situations, like a chemical incident, being ready to respond is essential to protect our patients and communities,” said Chris Starbuck, manager of the Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition at ECU Health Medical Center. “Training for scenarios ensures that the ECU Health team is equipped to act swiftly and effectively.”
Team members from across ECU Health, including pharmacists, pharmacy team members, EastCare providers, hospital police and Emergency Management personnel, partnered with Pitt County EMS to learn more about the nationwide Chempack program. The training, led by Monica Ricks, PharmD, with NC Public Health Preparedness and Response, included an overview of possible scenarios where Chempacks may be needed and their vital role in responding to chemical emergencies.
“The Chempack program began in 1983, and luckily we have never had to deploy one,” said Starbuck. “However, a large scale chemical incident like what happened in Japan in the mid-1990s would have very negative consequences to the patients and to our health care system. I’m thankful that as a health system, we continue to prioritize preparedness through ongoing education and training. In the coming months we will conduct a table top exercise with more partners that will lead up to a regional full scale exercise.”
Learn more about how ECU Health and the Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition proactively plan to help care for our region: www.easternHPC.com
Dr. Audy Whitman wears a few hats: he is the program director for the Rural Family Medicine Residency program at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University; an assistant clinical professor in the Brody School of Medicine’s department of family medicine; and physician at ECU Wound Healing clinic. Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities is nothing new to the eastern North Carolina native, whose resume also includes a stint as a farmer.
“I am from a small town called Seven Springs, N.C. It was and is a farming community,” Dr. Whitman said. “Growing up, I worked on my grandparent’s farm. I worked in chicken houses and hog houses; I’ve cropped tobacco; I’ve driven tractors for harvest.”
It was that hard work, in part, that motivated him to pursue a career in medicine.
“Farming is backbreaking and grueling work,” he said. “There’s no more powerful motivator in the universe to pursue higher education than standing in a tobacco field in later summer, with 99% humidity, no shade and 100-degree temperatures. Your hands are soaked in tobacco gum, and the nicotine is soaking into your skin, so you feel nauseated all the time. I’m not saying it’s not good work to do, but it motivated me to do other things.”
Another inspiration came from his small town’s family physician, Dr. Paul Bennett.
“He was a Med-Peds (internal medicine and pediatrics) doctor by training, but he did everything a family medicine physician would do in a rural community,” Dr. Whitman explained. “He took me under his wing and talked to me about a future career in medicine.”
After high school, Dr. Whitman found himself at East Carolina University where he completed two undergraduate degrees in biology and anthropology and a master’s in cellular biology. Prior to his career in medicine, Dr. Whitman was a regulatory specialist for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in the agency’s Food and Drug Protection division, as well as a contract inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In his FDA role, he earned a special citation from the U.S. FDA Commissioner for his work on a nationwide food recall.
“I also worked for the North Carolina Community College System as a pre-health science instructor at Lenoir Community College in Kinston,” he said. “I got tired of my students calling me ‘doctor’ when I hadn’t earned that moniker, so I got serious about the idea of going into medicine. Dr. Bennett told me I should go into family practice, so he helped put me on that trajectory.”
Dr. Whitman attended the Brody School of Medicine, and in 2017, he joined the Department of Family Medicine faculty. In 2020, he was made the program director for the Rural Family Medicine Residency program.
“My detail-oriented work ethic and my ties to rural eastern North Carolina are why I was asked to head up that program,” Dr. Whitman said.
Those ties to eastern North Carolina included experiencing hurricanes that significantly impacted his hometown.
“People not from around here won’t remember hurricanes Fran or Floyd, but I recall vividly that my town flooded very severely over the years from hurricanes, and especially from those two,” he said“I recall sitting on my back deck and realizing our community was an island, and people couldn’t go anywhere.”
He also realized that the elderly and sick had nowhere to go to seek medical care.
“It provided a buy-in for me that we need doctors in these rural communities for events like this when you’re truly isolated and need boots on the ground,” Dr. Whitman said. “That experience played a role in getting the rural program up and running and productive.”
Now, Dr. Whitman is proud of the Rural Family Medicine program’s growth and its impact on rural communities like Seven Springs.
“I help train the next generation of family physicians to care for the people of eastern North Carolina and play an active role in designing systems to address health care disparities in our rural communities,” he said. “It’s fulfilling and rewarding work, and it’s an honor I don’t take lightly.”
Because of his efforts, resident physicians and graduates effect meaningful change across the region.
“When you have a patient come in for a 15-minute appointment, they often have a laundry list of other things to address because this is the one trip to the doctor they get this month,” Dr. Whitman explained. “In these cases, I think about my grandma. How would I want her treated? With these rural program residents, they are taking care of my flesh and blood.”
Without the various roles he’s held over his career, Dr. Whitman said he wouldn’t be the clinician, educator or advocate he is today.
“I’ve had both blue-collar and white-collar jobs. I’ve worked in the unforgiving elements of brutal eastern North Carolina summer heat and in positions where the health and safety of our population were dependent on the actions of me and my colleagues,” he said. “I have worked jobs in which I had the honor to educate and provide eastern North Carolinians the tools to broaden their minds and their career prospects. Through all these experiences, I have gained an appreciation for meeting people where they are and treating people with respect. They have made me who I am and compel me to do the work I do today.”
Each summer, teenagers from across eastern North Carolina dedicate a portion of their summer to serve their community at ECU Health hospitals across the region.
The VolunTeen Program is designed to teach students ages 15-17 the value of community service and to provide experiences that foster growth and maturity. The program runs from June to August and volunteers serve at least one shift per week at the hospital.
At ECU Health Medical Center, 122 teens completed 4,717 hours of service across 39 departments this summer. Sara Tingen, volunteer services coordinator at ECU Health Medical Center, said this year was very successful and they hosted their largest group of VolunTeens since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the volunteers serve in many roles across the hospital, Tingen said patient transporting from one area of the hospital to another is one of the most important tasks.
“The (ECU Health) Cancer Center alone can see 400 people in one day,” Tingen said. “That’s a lot of time it would take for a nurse or other team members to transport a patient, they rely heavily on our transport volunteers. They can just pick up the phone, say, ‘Hey, I need this person to go here to there.’ And it’s done, they can move on to caring for their next patient. We’re proud to be a smiling face and someone patients can connect with while we help them get around.”
Emily Anthony recently finished her third summer in the VolunTeen Program, where she spent her time escorting patients, assisting the Volunteer Services team on projects and serving as a leader for other VolunTeens.
She said her favorite part of the VolunTeen Program is talking to patients and team members while also making connections with her fellow VolunTeens. Emily is entering her senior year of high school and wants to pursue health care.
“It’s really great to get experience in health care, because I want to do something in health care, maybe a nurse,” she said. “The first summer, I just thought it would be a good experience to do the VolunTeen Program but I just loved working in the hospital. I worked in a unit the first summer with all the nurses and I just loved it.”
Christopher Latimer is entering his sophomore year of high school and said he had a great experience in his first year as a VolunTeen. He’s already decided he’ll join again next summer.
He said he’s had an interest in nursing and getting first-hand experience working alongside nurses has helped him understand the day-to-day work of a nurse in a hospital setting.
“I was on 2 South most of the time and I worked in the Cancer Center as well,” Christopher said. “They were both good experiences. I was going around, asking patients questions and seeing if I could help them in any way. I helped the care partners, seeing if I could help out the nurses with anything, really. I’m thinking about nursing and I’m going to also try and do different areas the next time I VolunTeen to see more and just kind of see my options in health care.”
Chad Tucker, director of Volunteer Services at ECU Health Medical Center, said Christopher’s experience is exactly what the program hopes to give back to the local students who are spending their time serving their community.
“This program is an investment in our future,” Tucker said. “A lot of these students are going into college and they get a chance to see the hospital first hand. It’s so rewarding when you see former VolunTeens who are in medical school, or they’re nurses here, they’re respiratory therapists, they are in various capacities and they attribute part of their foundation to the VolunTeen Program. These young people are able to help team members and the patients we serve, but it also gives them help in their careers.”
The program also offers Leadership Sessions for VolunTeens, which gives them a chance to see unique areas of the health system and opportunities for skill development. In one session, the group visited the EastCare helipad, learned about the team, got to look around the inside of a helicopter and even saw a landing.
In another session, the Human Resources and Workforce Development team worked on resume building and shared interview tips with the VolunTeens.
“We have quite a few seniors who are coming up on college applications so if they’re interviewing for jobs or interviewing for scholarships, it just gives them a good perspective on how to navigate possibly their first interview as a young adult,” Tingen said.
We’re proud to support the VolunTeen Program at ECU Health Medical Center and select ECU Health Community Hospitals and we’re grateful for the teen who step up each summer to help us serve eastern North Carolina.
To learn more about the VolunTeen Program and other volunteer opportunities at ECU Health, visit ECUHealth.org/Volunteers.