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 Kimberly Askew, Jessica Noble, Amber Oakes and Kathryn Jarvis.
Kimberly Askew
Like so many aspiring nurses, Kimberly Askew decided to pursue nursing because of her mother. “It was my dream to be a labor and delivery nurse like my mother,” Kimberly said. “She went to nursing school and graduated when I was in eighth grade, and I saw what a difference it made for her and our family. She has served as a great inspiration for me in all aspects of my life.”
Kimberly started working at ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital 19 years ago as a certified nursing assistant, and through the Homegrown program, she attended Roanoke Chowan Community College to get her associate in nursing degree. In the ensuing years, she has served as a charge nurse, a preceptor, a childbirth educator, a unit educator and an ALSO instructor. She spent 12 years in labor and delivery, three in the medical/surgical unit and the last four years in the peri-operative unit.
To be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse is an honor, she said, one that acknowledges the work she does and the difference she makes. “It means a lot that others see what I’m doing. What we as ECU Health nurses do for our communities is so very important.” Yet, she also said it was a shock when she learned she’d won the award. “I could name at least a dozen others who deserve this recognition. We as humans always have self-doubt and I think everyone deserves to see how others see them.”
Jessica Noble
As a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in maternal health, Jessica Noble currently serves as the perinatal nurse champion and navigator for ECU Health Medical Center. She received her BSN from East Caroline University and a master’s in nursing education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and she is an active member in the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses and serves on the DHHS Maternal Health Task Force. These partnerships have, she said, “made eastern North Carolina and ECU Health the best place to have a baby.”
Her passion for nursing began when she was three years old. “My great-grandmother looked after me while my mother worked, and I vividly recall climbing to reach the kitchen cabinet to get her medicine,” Jessica said. “She cared for me when I was ill, and I cherished the opportunity to care for her in return.”
While she is proud to be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse, Jessica said the honor was due in part to knowing that the Great 100 recognizes exceptional nurses. “This recognition makes me feel accomplished and proud to be a part of such a distinguished group of nurses across North Carolina and from ECU Health. Having 19 nurses from ECU Health recognized reflects how much ECU Health values its team members and is committed to their success.”
Amber Oakes
An eastern North Carolina native, Amber Oakes received her associate degree in nursing from Pitt Community College and her BSN from Western Carolina University. She’s worked at ECU Health Medical Center for 14 years, and most recently she specialized in gynecology/oncology in the outpatient clinic at ECU Health Cancer Center.
Her desire to support patients with cancer began with a friend. “My desire to support a best friend who was fighting for her life launched me into a natural path of caring for others,” she said. “Building relationships with the care team inspired me to care for others with empathy and compassion, and I’m forever grateful for all those nurses did for my friend.” Amber also mentioned what she called her “dynamic” view of nursing. “I see it through the lens of a patient who lives with Multiple Sclerosis; a caregiver to my mother who battled breast cancer and a professional who cares for the oncology patients in eastern North Carolina.”
Amber said she is honored to be named among the Great 100 Nurses: “The legacy of the Great 100 Nurses of NC is revered throughout ECU Health and highly coveted. It is a testament to our organization’s emphasis on continuing education, advanced training, quality improvement efforts and exceptional patient care.” Her strong work ethic and her team help her apply her knowledge, skills and experience with the success of their clinic.
Kathryn Jarvis
Kathryn Jarvis, the senior director for Children’s Services at ECU Health Maynard Children’s Hospital, has been a nurse at ECU Health Medical Center for 12 years. She received both her BSN and MSN from ECU and her doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) with a concentration in nurse executive leadership from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Kathryn is also a part-time faculty member for ECU’s DNP program. Her hard work has been in an effort to improve the care for pediatric patients throughout eastern North Carolina. “I want every child who needs medical care at one of our facilities to receive best practice, compassionate, patient and family-centered care,” she said.
For as long as she could remember, Kathryn wanted to be a nurse. “I used to want to be a teacher during the week and a nurse on the weekends, but I quickly changed my mind when I realized a person needed a few days off now and then,” she said. Now she has a true passion for pediatric nursing, where she can “care for some of the most resilient patients out there.”
Kathryn expressed deep appreciation for even being nominated as a Great 100 Nurse, let alone to be an honoree. “I don’t think I can adequately express what it means to be recognized as a Great 100 nurse. I have known a multitude of amazing nurses who have received this recognition, and it makes me proud to join them.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in September, to be held in Concord, North Carolina.
Insley Santifort was born in November of 2020 with no kidney function; from the beginning of her life, she had to be on dialysis. After an unsuccessful initial kidney transplant at another institution, Insley transferred to ECU Health to receive a second kidney transplant in 2024. With the help of her family, her kidney donors, her surgeons and the entire ECU Health transplant team, Insley is now able to do some things she and her family weren’t sure would ever be possible.
In need of a kidney
After Insley’s traumatic birth, wherein she suffered from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and catastrophic blood loss to her kidneys, she was moved to Maynard Children’s Hospital to receive the best care possible. That’s where she and her family met Dr. Liliana Gomez Mendez, a pediatric nephrologist. “I met Insley shortly after she was born, which was a traumatic birth,” Dr. Gomez Mendez said. “She was transferred to ECU Health, and we knew her kidneys weren’t working, so she started dialysis the first week of her life. When she came to the NICU, no one knew what would happen.” Insley was able to leave the NICU after 55 days, but her status was still tenuous. Dr. Gomez Mendez decided to refer Insley to the organ transplant team.
That team included Dr. David Leeser, the chief of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, and Dr. Margaret Romine, who specializes in transplant surgery and serves as the director of the Living Donor Program. “We worked her up and planned for a living donor,” Dr. Leeser said, “But because of reasons beyond their control, the family had to go to another North Carolina transplant center.” Insley’s family put out a call to their friends and family to secure a kidney for their daughter when Insley’s immediate family members weren’t a match. “I was of course tested but was denied based on some findings,” Kayla Santifort, Insley’s mom, said. “My husband wasn’t a match because of blood type, so at that point we had to turn to our community for help.”
Incredibly, they were able to find a donor, and Insley had her first kidney transplant in July 2023. The transplant, however, was not successful. “Her transplant thrombosed within the first 48 hours of surgery,” Dr. Leeser explained. “There are of course risks for this type of surgery,” Dr. Gomez Mendez added. “And so Insley ended up in critical condition.” Insley pulled through, and the kidney regained some function, but it became clear that she was going to need another kidney, and soon. “That’s when Insley’s family came back to ECU Health,” Dr. Gomez Mendez said. “Before we were even discharged from the other hospital, I reached out to Dr. Gomez Mendez and told her we wanted to transfer back to ECU Health,” Kayla said. “Because Insley was a fresh transplant and the kidney was technically working enough to keep her off dialysis, Dr. Gomez Mendez had to get the okay from Dr. Leeser and his team to accept us back.” Dr. Leeser said they would take Insley’s case, although it was anything but uncomplicated. “Insley’s case was not standard, and I think that her case is a true testament to the potential of our program,” Dr. Romine said.
Kayla and Insley’s family found themselves in the same predicament as before: they needed a new kidney and a new donor. “How do you ask someone to put their life on hold and take a part of themselves to give to your daughter to save her life?” Kayla said. Yet, Insley’s family and the transplant team were amazed when more than 100 people came forward to be tested as potential donors. “That’s the most the transplant team ever had,” Kayla said. “We had people from Wayne County, Duplin County and even out of state get tested. It shows how close our communities are.” There were so many volunteers, it took some time to parse through the list. “It’s a huge process of evaluating potential donors, and we were fortunate to have a good donor from that list,” said Dr. Romine.
A new donor
That donor was Jenny Godwin, a former ECU Health team member who worked in the transplant operating room (OR). She also happened to know Kayla from when they worked together at UNC Health Wayne in the emergency department (ED). “We’ve known each other for years,” Kayla said. “Did I think 10 years ago Jenny would be the one to donate her kidney to save my daughter’s life? No. Now I couldn’t imagine life without her and her family.”
When Jenny learned Insley needed a second kidney, something told her to get tested. Kayla, too, had a similar premonition. “I knew they were looking for a small female donor, and I just had this feeling about Jenny,” Kayla said. “I remember I was sitting in my truck when Jenny FaceTimed me to tell me she was a match. There are days now that I cry to know someone like Jenny with kids and a husband was willing to save my child’s life.” Jenny said her experience in the transplant OR helped her feel at peace about the decision to donate. “When I was on the transplant team, I assisted with living donors and witnessed transplants in the OR. After I found out I was a match, I met with the transplant team to discuss my surgery and it was amazing. It felt right.”
“You’d be surprised at how many people decide to donate a kidney,” Dr. Leeser said of Jenny’s generosity. “It takes folks who are committed to making an impact on the world and the greater good in a way that is utterly selfless and remarkable.” Dr. Leeser noted that although it’s very safe to be a living donor, more than 100,000 people are on a waitlist for a new kidney. “If only .03% of the U.S. population donated a kidney, we would wipe out that waitlist in a year,” he said.
The team scheduled Insley’s surgery for several months out, in the hopes that she would heal from her first transplant while avoiding putting her back on dialysis. Finally, in February 2024, Jenny donated her kidney and Insley underwent her second kidney transplant in less than a year. Dr. Matthew Black, the newest partner on the transplant team, worked with Dr. Leeser to prepare Insley for the implant. “The surgery was complex enough to require two attending level surgeons,” Dr. Leeser said. Dr. Leeser acknowledged that it was a challenging surgery, and not just because Insley was a small child. “There was scar tissue, and of course we had to remove the first kidney to put in the new one,” he said. “In a child that size, you worry about blood loss. Everything in a child is fragile, but everything went exceedingly well.” Dr. Gomez Mendez was also pleased with the surgery outcomes: “The kidney began working immediately, and she had no complications.”
A team like no other
Kayla attributes her daughter’s successful outcomes to the transplant team, Dr. Gomez Mendez, the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and Insley’s entire ECU Health team. “They are all just phenomenal,” she said. “They were very up front and honest that this was going to be a difficult and lengthy surgery, but after hearing their plans, I knew we were in the best hands. If anyone could explant and transplant her, it was this team.” Jenny felt the same way: “Not all teams get along and you can feel that. This one makes you feel like it’s a family and they’re on the same page, and that shows. The morning of my surgery I felt at ease and peace.”
Dr. Leeser also had a lot to say about the knowledge, skill and teamwork of the ECU Health transplant team: “Dr. Romine runs the donor side of things, and she’s helped to grow our program over the last six to seven years, so we’ve gone from doing around 80 surgeries a year to between 130 and 160 a year. And Dr. Gomez Mendez came to us from the University of California San Francisco, one of the best hospital systems in the world for transplants. She’s exceedingly intelligent and understands the psyche of surgeons. She is as big of a reason Insley’s family wanted to be at ECU Health as anyone else.”
Together, Dr. Leeser said this team is always focused on taking care of the patients and will work through any issues. “You want physicians who push and test each other. Our team has great discussions. Sometimes we laugh, sometimes things are tense, but at the end of the day, we’re all in it together.” That involves everyone, he said, including administrators, surgical coordinators, social workers, nutritionists, nurses, pharmacists and countless others. “This work takes a tremendous amount of support. In the intensive care unit (ICU) we meet with nurses and managers on a regular basis, and we’ve developed strong relationships with our PICU colleagues. We have learned how to work together to bring the most of what each of us can to the patients.”
Dr. Romine agreed, citing the unique nature of their team. “We’re doing what bigger systems are doing with less resources. That’s only possible with a team that buys into the goal,” she said. These services are especially important, as they provide vital services to a region in need. “One of the things I’m proud of is that there’s such a need medically and a lot of patients who otherwise would have to go to elsewhere don’t have to. I love that our program is allowing access to care that wouldn’t otherwise be there.”
The result of this teamwork is positive patient outcomes, including those for Insley. “She went home after five days in the hospital and she’s done superbly well,” Dr. Leeser said. “When you have renal failure, you don’t feel well and things don’t taste good, so Insley wasn’t eating much before the surgery. Insley is now able to enjoy some foods.” Kayla also sees the change in Insley’s quality of life. “If you look at Insley and know her story, you know how much she and our family have suffered. She couldn’t go swimming or go to the beach, or even take an actual bath when she was on dialysis. We’re going to the beach this weekend to celebrate Jenny and her family.” It’s those little things Kayla said people take for granted but are so special now.
A gift that saves lives
Those little things wouldn’t be possible without generous donors like Jenny, as well as Insley’s first kidney donor, and the National Kidney Registry. “I want to raise awareness about organ donation, and not just after someone passes away,” Kayla said. “Living donation allows you to give a part of yourself while you’re still alive to save someone else. As a nurse and the mom of a transplant patient, the importance of organ donation has never been more real.” Jenny, too, was eager to speak about her experience so others can consider doing what she did. “If anyone is on the fence, I am happy to talk with them. It’s important we have living donors.” Dr. Leeser emphasized that the National Kidney Registry is a great place for potential donors to explore their options. “Someone might want to donate to their family member, so we put the donor in the registry. Even if they don’t match with their intended person, they can still donate their kidney to someone who needs it, and their intended recipient receives a voucher so they receive a kidney from a well-matched donor on the registry.” Dr. Gomez Mendez also wanted people to know that kidneys donated from living donors perform better than those from deceased donors. “The only way for Insley to have the best outcomes was from a live donor,” she said. “A live kidney will last more than a deceased donation.” The National Kidney Registry’s website reports that the average length of time a kidney from a deceased donor lasts is 10-15 years, while it’s closer to 20-40 years when it’s from a living donor.
Because of Jenny’s gift of a kidney, and because of the hard work of Dr. Leeser, Dr. Romine, Dr. Gomez Mendez and the many others on the transplant team, Insley now has a chance at a normal life. “I’m so happy we are at a point where Insley has a fully functioning kidney. It was a long battle, and I’m happy to see her thriving and being a little kid,” said Dr. Gomez Mendez. Kayla attributes Insley’s success to the care she received from ECU Health. “I’d recommend ECU Health and the children’s hospital to anyone,” she said. “To watch her go from an unhealthy quality of life to growing and thriving – that reward is more than anyone could ask for.” Dr. Leeser is quick to share the credit for Insley’s and other patients’ success with the program and team, which they’ve worked to build over the last seven years. “I’m very proud of the program,” he said. “I would argue we’re the best program for kidney transplant in the state, and we’re on the precipice of doing even more.”
If you are interested in learning more about how to donate a kidney, you may visit https://www.kidneyregistry.org/, or if you’d like to learn more about ECU Health’s transplant services, visit here.
The Dr. Irons HealthAssist Clinic at JOY Community Center officially opened its doors on Tuesday, Sept. 10, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Thomas Irons.
The clinic will provide free non-emergent health care and disease management services to uninsured individuals in the community.
Dr. Irons, a lifelong advocate for community health, served as the chief medical officer for Access East, a nonprofit ECU Health affiliate. He recently retired from his distinguished career as a professor at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, where he was also a pediatric physician. In recognition of his decades of service, Dr. Irons was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
The clinic, also known as the Pitt County Care Clinic at JOY, is housed within the same building as the JOY Soup Kitchen and has been serving patients in various capacities for over a year. It provides comprehensive wraparound health services, including medication assistance, patient education and connections to local resources. The clinic also hosts regular outreach events with community partners such as PiCASO (Pitt County AIDS Service Organization) and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.
Equipped with two standard exam rooms, the clinic will offer free care for non-emergency conditions like colds, bug bites and rashes, as well as manage chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In-house lab testing for A1C blood-sugar levels and cholesterol will be available, along with COVID-19 testing kits.
Uninsured patients from Pitt and surrounding counties, including Beaufort, Greene, Edgecombe, Hertford, and Martin, will also have the opportunity to join the Access East HealthAssist program, which helps coordinate more comprehensive health care at no cost.
The clinic is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a nurse practitioner available on Wednesdays. Dr. Irons will mentor the clinic’s new nurse practitioner, a recent Duke University graduate. The JOY Community Center & Soup Kitchen is located at 700 Albemarle Ave. in Greenville.
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.
Greenville, N.C. – The American Psychiatric Association recently awarded East Carolina University (ECU) and ECU Health’s N.C. Statewide Telepsychiatry Program (NC-STeP) the prestigious Psychiatric Services Achievement Bronze Award for its significant contributions to the mental health field. NC-STeP, a virtual care-based program focused on enhancing access to mental health services in underserved parts of the state, was created in 2013 and is effectively reducing patient lengths of stay in emergency departments, increasing efficiency and improving costs by reducing the number of involuntary commitments, eliminating unnecessary admissions and improving patient transition to aftercare to reduce repeated visits.
“We are incredibly proud and honored to receive the Psychiatric Services Achievement Bronze Award from the American Psychiatric Association,” said Dr. Sy Saeed, director of the ECU Center for Telepsychiatry and founding executive director of NC-STeP.
“This recognition highlights the unique strength of ECU and ECU Health working together to advance academic medicine and research to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. Through the innovative model developed by NC-STeP, we have leveraged our combined expertise to significantly improve mental health care across North Carolina, demonstrating how our collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful, statewide impact.”
NC-STeP provides telepsychiatry services in hospital emergency departments, as well as in the community-based medical clinics, to individuals in need of a psychiatric assessment. The vision of NC-STeP is to assure that individuals who present to any of its clinical sites, anywhere in the state of North Carolina, experiencing an acute behavioral health crisis will receive timely, evidence-based psychiatric consultation for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
The American Psychiatric Association has recognized innovative programs serving individuals with mental illness or disabilities through the Psychiatric Services Achievement Awards since 1949. This award honors exceptional programs that offer innovative services, emphasize quality improvement, effectively utilize psychiatrists, peer support specialists, and other staff and actively involve consumers and their families.
NC-STeP is now an established model that is known nationally and internationally for its work with underserved communities. Dr. Saeed and members of the NC-STeP team have lectured and presented on this innovative model nationwide and internationally, including being an invited speaker at a White House Convening on telehealth in 2016. Hosted by ECU’s Center for Telepsychiatry, NC-STeP has conducted over 91,000 psychiatric assessments, at its 58 clinical sites across the state and has saved North Carolina more than $59 million by avoiding unneeded hospitalizations alone. Approximately one-third of the patients served had no insurance, with around 46% covered by Medicaid and Medicare.
In 2023, ECU received a $3.2 million grant from the United Health Foundation to provide mental health services for youth. Dr. Saeed, the principal investigator on the grant, established NC-STeP-Peds as part of the grant to provide mental health care services to children and adolescents in rural and underserved parts of the state. Six pediatric primary care clinics across the state have a space within the clinic where patients meet virtually with a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) for therapy sessions. Patients referred for psychiatric care will also meet virtually with the child psychiatrist in the same space.
“NC-STeP is the perfect example of how the partnership between ECU and ECU Health is at the forefront of driving innovation in transformative behavioral health care in eastern North Carolina and beyond,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at ECU. “NC-STeP leverages local academic and clinical expertise to address the most urgent challenges in rural health, especially in behavioral health. Together, we are not just meeting the needs of rural communities; we are pioneering new approaches that will reshape health outcomes across North Carolina. The American Psychiatric Association’s recognition of NC-STeP underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that ensure all North Carolinians have access to the care they need, right here in our state.”
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.
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 commitment to providing high-quality care to the people of eastern North Carolina, ECU Health now offers innovative advanced 3-D shoulder replacement surgery, providing a new solution for patients with complex shoulder joint damage. This cutting-edge procedure is designed to relieve pain and restore mobility for individuals suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries and fractures.
According to Dr. Shawn Yeazell, ECU Health orthopedic surgeon, patients can sometimes have one or more shoulder replacements that failed or wore out, which leaves only a little bit of bone to work with, so traditional implants don’t work.
“We have an aging population, which is increasing the demand for orthopedic procedures like joint replacements,” said Dr. Yeazell. “We want our patients to live comfortably and to be able to do the things they love, so having the ability to provide complex procedures to relieve pain and joint immobility is crucial.”
Traditional shoulder replacement surgeries involve removing damaged bone and replacing it with standard metal and plastic parts. According to Dr. Yeazell, standard shoulder replacement parts work for most people who need a procedure. However, in cases where bone is missing or existing bone is poor quality, standard parts may not be sufficient.
“There’s a certain amount of bone that’s required for a traditional replacement,” said Dr. Yeazell. “The 3-D printed shoulder replacement surgery is a solution for those patients who would have no other option.”
The 3-D shoulder replacement process begins with doctors performing CT scans of the patient’s shoulder. These scans are then sent to an outside vendor, which creates 3D-printed joint replacements custom-fitted to the patient’s anatomy. This personalized approach allows orthopedists to perform surgeries with greater precision and effectiveness.
“Being able to perform cutting-edge procedures like 3-D joint replacement surgeries close to home is critical in caring for our region,” said Dr. Yeazell.
By offering 3-D shoulder replacement surgery, ECU Health is enhancing the quality of life for patients with complex shoulder conditions, ensuring they can continue to enjoy their daily activities pain-free. Dr. Yeazell is the first surgeon to bring the Zimmer Biomet 3-D custom Vault Reconstruction System (VRS) implant and associated technology to the ECU Health System.
To learn more about ECU Health’s orthopedic services, visit www.ecuhealth.org/ortho.
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.”