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.”
Greenville, N.C. – Nineteen ECU Health nurses have been named part of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina by the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina Board of Directors. The recipients are recognized for their outstanding professional ability and contributions to improving health care services in their communities.
“ECU Health nurses have devoted their careers to caring for others and serving our community with exceptional dedication,” said Trish Baise, chief nursing executive, ECU Health. “I am so proud of the amazing nurses recognized by the Great 100. Thank you to this year’s honorees and to every member of the ECU Health nursing team. Your commitment to delivering excellent, compassionate care each day exemplifies our mission and makes a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Since 1989, The North Carolina Great 100, Inc. has recognized and honored nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence and to promote a positive image of the nursing profession. Each year, the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina Board of Directors asks patients, health care workers, friends and family members to nominate an outstanding nurse practicing in North Carolina. Thousands of nominations are reviewed, and 100 nurses are selected and honored at a statewide gala.
The ECU Health nurses chosen as Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina in 2024 are:
Kayla E. Anderson, BSN, RN, CEN
Kayla E. Anderson, BSN, RN, CEN, is an education coordinator at the Center for Learning and Performance at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, a campus of ECU Health Medical Center. She has dedicated seven years to ECU Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Winston-Salem State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing education at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Board certified in emergency nursing, Kayla also holds provider certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), along with instructor certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Stroke Life Support and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. She is an active member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Kimberly Askew, RN
Kimberly Askew, RN, is staff nurse III at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. She began her journey at the hospital 19 years ago as a certified nursing assistant. It was her dream to be a Labor and Delivery nurse like her mother, who has served as a great inspiration for her. In her 15 years of nursing, she has served as a charge nurse, preceptor, childbirth educator, unit educator and an Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) instructor. During her years in Labor and Delivery, she helped the hospital achieve its 4 Star Breastfeeding Friendly designation. Since transitioning to peri-operative services, Kimberly has found enjoyment in creating a safe and comfortable environment for those who choose or require surgical services.
Dennis Campbell II, DHA, RN, FACHE
Dennis Campbell II, DHA, RN, FACHE, joined ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in December 2020 as vice president of Patient Care Services. He was named president in September 2023 after serving as interim president since February of that year. Dennis also serves as the interim president at ECU Health North Hospital, a position he has held since August 2024. Dennis began his health care journey as an intensive care registered nurse in 2004. Over the course of a progressive career, he has matriculated to the C-suite while gaining valuable experience in a variety of senior leadership and executive roles in nursing, quality, operations and compliance in North Carolina and Georgia. Dennis is a highly visible and collaborative leader skilled at navigating complex health systems to solve problems and execute strategic plans to deliver desired outcomes. He is a relationship builder who understands the value of relationships in developing strategies to promote health and wellness in the communities served. Dennis holds an associate and bachelor’s degree in nursing, a master’s degree in management and a doctorate degree in health care administration.
Gina Coldwell, BSN, RN-BC
Gina Coldwell, BSN, RN-BC, is a staff nurse II on the Neuroscience Intermediate Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has worked on this unit for the past five years. Gina earned her associate degree in nursing from Edgecombe Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Carolina University. She is currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner master’s program at Carson-Newman University. She is medical-surgical board certified. Gina is a proud mother of four adult children and grandmother of five grandchildren.
Katie Elliott, BSN, RN, CRRN
Katie Elliott, BSN, RN, CRRN, is a staff nurse IV in the Radiation Oncology Clinic at ECU Health Medical Center and has been with the hospital for 15 years. Katie received her associate degree in nursing from Beaufort County Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fayetteville State University.”. Katie is a certified rehabilitation registered nurse, serves as a co-chair on the ECU Outpatient Oncology Unit Based Council and is an active member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. In addition, Katie serves on ECU Health’s Coordinating Council and Environmental Council.
Alex Gilbert, BSN, RN, CCRN
Alex Gilbert, BSN, RN, CCRN, is a staff nurse III in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). Alex has worked at ECU Health Medical Center for seven years and has spent time between the SICU and ECU Health EastCare as a flight nurse. Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Carolina University and obtained his critical care RN specialty certification. Alex is active in the community as an EMT-B and volunteering with community organizations in eastern North Carolina.
Rebecca Hagee, BSN, RN
Rebecca Hagee, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse III in the Surgical Oncology Clinic at ECU Health Cancer Center. Rebecca has worked for ECU Health Medical Center for six years. She earned her associate degree in nursing at Pitt Community College, and her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Brittany Harriett, BSN, RN
Brittany Harriett, BSN, RN, is the assistant nurse manager on the Medical Unit at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital. She was the recipient of the 2022 Juanita Jackson award and a nominee for the 2024 Susan Gerard Excellence in Leadership award. She has worked with ECU Health for nine years. Brittany also works part time at the East Carolina University College of Nursing as a nurse consultant. Brittany earned her associate degree in nursing from Beaufort County Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Capella University. Outside of health care, Brittany is the mom of two active boys. They share a love for baseball, family time and their church.
Tracy Hobbs, BSN, RN-BC
Tracy Hobbs, BSN, RN-BC, is an assistant manager for the 3 East Hospitalist Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has worked at ECU Health Medical Center for the duration of her 27-year career. Tracy earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Barton College. She is specialty certified in medical-surgical nursing. She is active in endeavors to create positive change for the future of nursing at ECU Health Medical Center.
Kathryn Jarvis, DNP, RN, NPD-BC
Kathryn Jarvis, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, is the senior director for Children’s Services at Maynard Children’s Hospital. She has been a nurse at ECU Health Medical Center for 12 years with experience in pediatrics, nursing education and nursing leadership. Kathryn earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from East Carolina University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a concentration in nurse executive leadership from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She has also obtained specialty certification in nursing professional development. In addition to her role as senior director of Maynard Children’s Hospital, Kathryn is a part-time faculty member for East Carolina University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Kathryn thoroughly enjoys her roles, as she has a passion for both nursing leadership and education.
Jennifer Lewis, BSN, RN
Jennifer Lewis, BSN, RN, is the outreach coordinator for ECU Health Medical Center Cancer Care. Jennifer has practiced nursing for 27 of the 32 years she has worked for ECU Health. Prior to transitioning to her current role in 2021, Jennifer worked at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, a campus of ECU Health Medical Center in various inpatient and outpatient settings. Jennifer earned her associate degree in nursing from Beaufort County Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Jennifer believes in the value of cultivating strong partnerships with churches, businesses, schools and civic organizations to promote awareness regarding the prevention and early detection of cancer.
Jessica Noble, MSN-NE, RNC-EFM
Jessica Noble, MSN-NE, RNC-EFM, is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in maternal health. She currently serves as the perinatal nurse champion and navigator for ECU Health, advocating for equitable perinatal care in eastern North Carolina. Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Carolina University and a master’s in nursing education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Jessica leads the “I Gave Birth” bracelet program and contributes to the Perinatal Quality Collaborative of North Carolina initiatives. An active member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, she has presented at conferences, co-authored a North Carolina Medical Journal article and serves on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Maternal Health Task Force.
Amber Oakes, BSN, RN
Amber Oakes, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse IV in the Gynecologic Oncology Clinic at ECU Health Medical Center. Amber has worked at ECU Health for 14 years. Amber earned her associate degree in nursing from Pitt Community College and later obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Carolina University.
Lou Ann Proctor, BSN, RN, CCRN
Lou Ann Proctor, BSN, RN, CCRN, is a staff nurse IV in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at ECU Health Medical Center and has been a nurse for 35 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the East Carolina University College of Nursing. She has been a member of American Association of Critical Care Nurses – Critical Care Registered Nurse for 18 years, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) instructor, charge nurse and a preceptor.
Deborah Rice, BSN, RN
Deborah Rice, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse III in the Palliative Care Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has worked for ECU Health for more than four years. Deborah earned her bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University. Deborah works as a charge nurse, clinical coach and quality lead for her unit. Deborah also works as an adjunct clinical instructor for Pitt Community College and is a member of North Carolina Nurse Association.
Elizabeth Seawell, MSN, RN-BC, NPD-BC
Elizabeth Seawell, MSN, NPD-BC, RN-BC, is the manager of the ECU Health Medical Center Trauma Program. Elizabeth has worked at ECU Health Medical Center for 16 years with experiences as a surgical/trauma staff nurse and professional development specialist. Elizabeth obtained both her bachelor’s degree in nursing and master’s degree in nursing education from East Carolina University. Elizabeth has specialty certifications in medical-surgical nursing and nursing professional development. Elizabeth is actively involved in the development and growth of the eastern North Carolina Nursing Honor Guard, Trauma Survivors Network, Professional Practice Council and other local community activities.
Myra Barnes Thompson, MSN, RN, CNML
Myra Thompson, MSN, RN, CNML, is the nurse manager of the Medical Intensive Care Unit and the Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Program at ECU Health Medical Center. Myra has worked at ECU Health Medical Center for 17 years. Myra earned her bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University and her master’s degree from Western Governors University. Myra obtained her specialty certification as a certified nurse manager and leader from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.
Virginia C. Tripp, BSN, RN, NPD-BC
Virginia “Ginny” Tripp, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, practices as a professional development specialist in the Center for Learning and Performance at ECU Health Medical Center. Ginny has been a registered nurse for 30 years and has served at ECU Health Medical Center for the past 15 years. She earned her associate degree in nursing at Craven Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing at East Carolina University. Ginny has obtained specialty certifications in the fields of case management and in nursing professional development. Ginny’s passion is to elevate the profession of nursing and encourage and support others in achieving their highest potential. Her highest purpose is to please God and fulfill her God-given calling in nursing by being a blessing in others’ lives each day. She is an active member of the ECU Health Medical Center Nursing Professional Development Council.
Kelly Trout, RN, OCN
Kelly Trout, RN, OCN, is a staff nurse III in the Medical Oncology Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has been a nurse on Medical Oncology for 15 years and has obtained specialty certification as an oncology certified nurse. She serves as a charge nurse and clinical coach on her unit. She is also the head of the Medical Oncology Retention Council and has started programs on her unit, such as the HOPE Christmas workshop for immunocompromised oncology patients. She is an active member of the Oncology Nursing Society.
As ECU Health continues in its journey toward leading positive changes in support of the health and well-being in the communities it proudly serves, its impact can be seen – and tasted – in the health system’s nine hospital cafeterias where Food and Nutrition team members create delicious and healthy food options for patients and visitors.
With a focus on plant-forward meals that support health, well-being and a healing experience, the Food and Nutrition team has been instrumental in ECU Health’s team member and community-focused Blue Zones initiatives, which recently won the North Carolina Hospital Association’s 2024 Highsmith Award for Innovation.
The four Blue Zones initiatives implemented by ECU Health include the Team Member Blue Zones Challenge, Plant-Forward Meals for patients and team members, Wellness Center Blue Zones, and targeted initiatives in Bertie, Chowan and Dare County. ECU Health is prioritizing the community and engaging in partnerships with local foodbanks and churches to spread the word of the initiative – and make sure the community knows that healthy, plant-forward food is not only nutrient-dense, but also delicious.
None of it would be possible without the expertise of the Food and Nutrition team. With nearly 300 Food and Nutrition team members helping prepare nearly three and a half million healthy and delicious meals at ECU Health locations across the region, this team is making healthy food accessible to patients, families and team members. On any given day, the ECU Health Food and Nutrition team prepares a menu inspired by international cuisines which heavily feature plant-based ingredients: Tandoori chicken, chipotle chicken tacos, sushi, to name just a few.
“It’s hard to describe how fortunate we are at ECU Health to have such an incredible Food and Nutrition team, which is truly at the heart of our work to encourage healthier lifestyles through the Blue Zones initiatives,” said ECU Health Chief Well-being Officer Dr. Christina Bowen. “Our team members and communities benefit from the amazing work they do. Their passion for creating meals that not only taste good, but are also good for you, is a critically important part of the positive change we are leading in eastern North Carolina.”
Greenville, N.C. – The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has awarded all nine ECU Health hospitals Get With the Guidelines® achievement awards for their work in treating stroke, diabetes, cardiac arrest, heart attack and heart failure. These awards recognize the health system’s commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease, diabetes and stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.
“ECU Health is honored to receive national recognition from the American Heart Association for our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier care to eastern North Carolina,” said Teresa Anderson, PhD, RN, NE-BC, senior vice president of quality at ECU Health. “These achievements reflect the dedication and expertise of our teams who work tirelessly every day to deliver the best possible care to our patients across the health system. By adhering to the latest research-based guidelines, we are not only improving patient outcomes but also advancing our mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
ECU Health recognitions include:
ECU Health Beaufort Hospital – A Campus of ECU Health Medical Center
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease Rural STEMI Silver
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Rural Silver
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Rural Bronze
ECU Health Bertie Hospital
- Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease Rural STEMI Bronze
ECU Health Chowan Hospital
- Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease Rural STEMI Silver
ECU Health Duplin Hospital
- Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease Rural STEMI Silver
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Rural Silver
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Rural Bronze
ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital
- Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Center Bronze
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Rural Bronze
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
ECU Health Medical Center
- Get With the Guidelines – Resuscitation Gold Neonate/Infant
- Get With the Guidelines – Resuscitation Gold Pediatric
- Get With the Guidelines – Resuscitation Bronze Newly Born
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Center Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
ECU Health North Hospital
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Rural Silver
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Rural Bronze
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital
- Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease Rural STEMI Silver
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Rural Silver
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Rural Bronze
Outer Banks Health Hospital
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Rural Silver
- Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Rural Bronze
“Providing high-quality care close to home is essential, especially in regions like eastern North Carolina, where rates of stroke, diabetes and heart disease are significantly higher,” said Dr. Niti Armistead, chief quality officer at ECU Health. “Having access to specialized treatment and adhering to evidence-based guidelines locally ensures that patients receive the best possible care without the added stress of traveling long distances, which can make a critical difference in recovery and overall health outcomes. Get With the Guidelines programs align with our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina by putting proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis. Patients across our region can take heart knowing that all our hospitals are available to provide them with exceptional care.”
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading and fifth leading causes of death in the United States, respectively. On average, someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke every 40 seconds, with nearly 795,000 new or recurrent strokes occurring annually. Stroke claims approximately 140,000 lives each year, accounting for one out of every twenty deaths. The stroke death rate is even higher in eastern North Carolina, underscoring the critical need for preventive measures and rapid treatment. The state also faces a higher prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Research indicates that patients experience better recovery outcomes when health care providers consistently adhere to treatment guidelines and programs like Get With the Guidelines.
“These awards show ECU Health’s commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee and chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern Medicine. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, ECU Health can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
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
The summer break was no break for more than two dozen East Carolina University College of Nursing students who got to see what their post-graduation life could be like with a new student nurse extern program sponsored by ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.
In the summer of 2023, shortly after an expansive academic-practice partnership agreement was signed between ECU Health and the College of Nursing, leaders from both organizations explored options to help expand the number of new graduates who could fill vacant nursing ranks across eastern North Carolina.
One of the initiatives the group quickly agreed on was an extern program: nursing students would be certified as nursing assistants and then work in a variety of care settings across the health system to gain practical experience before starting their final semesters of nursing school.
To be eligible for the extern program, student nurses would be required to complete Nurse Aide II certification, which all nursing students are eligible for, but not all take advantage of. Nurse Assistants are allowed to perform limited patient care activities as well as assist licensed health care workers with taking notes and uncomplicated wound care.
Dr. Jeanne Martin, chair of the baccalaureate nursing program, said the certification gave ECU Health leaders the confidence that the nursing students could “function within the scope of an NA II all the while learning the RN role with their preceptor.”
“During clinical experiences, students function under the licensure of their faculty and may administer meds or other skills not part of NA II certification,” Martin said.
While their practical role was limited, Martin stressed that the intangible skills the students learned – like how to comfort a patient and translate complex medical terminology and procedures to a patient’s families, was invaluable.
On July 9, the graduates of the first extern program gathered at the Monroe Center on the ECU Health campus to celebrate their accomplishments with their preceptors and the leaders who originated the program.
“I’m so grateful that you took this journey with us and congratulations. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with you on your professional journey,” Dr. Trish Baise, ECU Health’s chief nursing executive, said to the graduates during the ceremony. “Our goal is for you to be as prepared as you possibly can be as you transition into practice.”
Baise said she plans to expand and evolve the program so that more nursing students have an opportunity to gain valuable experience while still in school because nursing care is increasingly complicated and challenging.
Dr. Bim Akintade, dean of the College of Nursing, was an early proponent of the academic-practice partnership and said he is thrilled at the results the inaugural cohort of externs achieved during their eight-week experience.
“We are very thankful for ECU Health’s efforts to give our students a chance to learn some of the inner workings of their profession now, before they graduate. Once they are licensed and at the bedside, their nurse managers, and more importantly their patients, will rely on them to be ready on day one, and this experience puts them in an excellent position to be ready,” Akintade said.
Tracy Langston, ECU Health’s director of nursing professional development and innovation, was the medical center’s lead for the extern program and responsible for placing the students in their roles. She is most proud of the growth the student nurses achieved with developing their time management and communication skills.
“It’s been a phenomenal experience for our externs. They really increased their confidence as nurses, they are excited about the skills they were able to achieve and experience, and they’ll use that as they finish nursing school,” Langston said. “They spoke about how this program helped them work on their time management skills and prioritization as they prepare to hopefully join us as new graduate nurses after graduation.”
During the ceremony, students recounted their experiences during the extern program.
Blair Beaulieu, a nursing student from Greenville, said working alongside the family medicine team gave her insights into the working life of a nurse that she just couldn’t get from textbooks and classroom lectures.
“This program allowed me to explore the various opportunities and interdisciplinary communication, walking information down to the laboratory, transferring patients who needed higher acuity needs of various floors — just seeing those inner workings of a hospital,” Beaulieu said.
Kiley Fisher almost missed the graduation ceremony and was dressed in grey scrubs, rather than Pirate nurse purple, having raced over from the hospital after helping with a birth.
Fisher credits her experience with reinforcing foundational skills — like drawing blood and placing Foley catheters — which gave her space to work on critical thinking and communication with all members of the care team.
“I can now not freak out when a patient asks a question that I don’t know the answer to and how to continue to look professional while saying I don’t know, let me find out for you,” Fisher said. “It’s reaffirmed that nursing is where I’m meant to be.”
Emma Campbell, a nursing student who worked in the ambulatory clinics, found her footing, and her voice, while working directly with patients.
“I was challenged to develop my interprofessional communication, my confidence in my interactions with patients,” Campbell said. “Working with family medicine clinics, I was able to improve in these areas substantially.”
Kinsey Cook, one of the student nurses, said the extern program forced her to gain new levels of self-confidence, largely because she wasn’t given a choice.
“I was shy and nervous around other team members, but I gained confidence throughout this program by answering the phone and assessing the plan of care with doctors. I was able to talk to pathology, labs, pharmacy, nutrition services, and I got to see more than just the nursing aspect of patient care,” Cook said.
Cook spoke with pride at learning to believe in herself in the clinical role, as well as advocating for the patients she interacted with, a skill fostered by spending time with a charge nurse in the unit to which she was assigned.
Ankita Das said her experience working with palliative care teams helped her to develop a set of skills that can’t be learned in the classroom — one-on-one interactions with patients and the loved ones in the room with them.
“During this externship I realized I needed to further develop, and learn more about, comforting patients, family members and what to say when their loved ones passed,” Das said. “I observed the chaplains’ interactions with the families — they were empathetic and always offered to talk about memories with family. They lent a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear, this helped me learn what to do and what to say when a patient passes.”
The program’s success has given its leaders hope for future iterations, and opportunities to expand student participation in the future across the health system’s locations in eastern North Carolina.
“One of the reasons for implementing a student nurse extern program is that it’s an excellent recruitment and retention tool,” Langston said. “This is just the start. We are looking forward to continuing our student nurse extern program in 2025, so students — get ready to apply in December.”
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.”
Dr. John Catanzaro, professor and chief of the Division of Cardiology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and director of the East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU Health Medical Center, was recently honored with the prestigious Dr. John “Jack” Rose Distinguished Professorship, recognizing his significant contributions to improving health care delivery, excellence in clinical medicine, administration and academic advancement, including formation of the first Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at ECU Health.
The Rose Professorship, established by ECU Health and East Carolina University through the ECU Health Foundation and state funds, honors Dr. Rose, a renowned cardiologist and professor. This endowed title supports the director of the East Carolina Heart Institute recognizes Dr. Rose’s exceptional contributions to cardiology and medical humanitarian work. Dr. Rose, who joined ECU Health in 1982 and the Brody School of Medicine in 1990, is celebrated for his dedication to patient care, teaching, and community service. Recipients of this professorship are expected to embody his ideals and passion for teaching, inspiring future generations of medical professionals.
“It’s an honor to be named to the Rose Professorship,” said Dr. Catanzaro. “This title not only recognizes Dr. Jack Rose’s work and legacy, which is focused on humanitarianism and the humanistic qualities of medicine, but it also allows me to highlight and continue his remarkable contributions. As program director, I perform hands-on teaching with trainees during cardiac procedures as well as teach didactic sessions. My primary role is to train the next generation of electrophysiologists to increase access to the patients of eastern North Carolina while maintaining a high standard of excellence in administration and leadership. This professorship is an opportunity to advance Dr. Rose’s legacy of teaching, administration and leadership, ensuring that his impact endures in these areas.”
Dr. Catanzaro completed his Doctor of Medicine with distinction in research at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, followed by an internal medicine residency and cardiovascular disease fellowship at North Shore University Hospital and a clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. He also holds an MBA from the University of Florida. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society European Heart Rhythm Society and European Society of Cardiology. Dr. Catanzaro is actively involved with the Heart Rhythm Society’s Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Prevention Task Force and serves as vice chair of their Quality Improvement Committee. Nationally recognized for his work, Dr. Catanzaro has delivered invited presentations and chaired panels in the U.S., France, Italy, Germany, England, Romania and more. He also performed recorded procedures for the Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Sessions.
Dr. Catanzaro wanted to transition to an administrative role to broaden his impact beyond individual patients to the entire region and the cardiology division.
“We thought he was the best person for the future of cardiology,” said Dr. Mark Iannettoni, W. Randolph Chitwood, Jr, MD, Distinguished Chair in Cardiovascular Sciences, Brody School of Medicine at ECU and chief, Cardiovascular Service Line at the East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU Health Medical Center. “Dr. Catanzaro possesses a highly entrepreneurial spirit, bringing significant innovation to ECU Health. He has developed new techniques and devices in electrophysiology, advancing our capabilities in device management and patient care.”
The Rose Professorship comes with an endowment, managed by the university, to support ongoing and future initiatives in medical education and innovation. The endowment provides approximately $64,000 annually to advance the cardiology division’s educational and innovative efforts, supporting activities such as purchasing educational equipment, facilitating attendance at conferences, and other educational pursuits.
“The professorship facilitates innovation within the field by providing the necessary funding for new initiatives, such as introducing new devices,” said Dr. Catanzaro. “The goal is to use a certain amount of the endowment each year to support these innovations and to produce more trained physicians for the region. This helps establish our institution as a center of excellence and makes our advancements known.”
Dr. Catanzaro utilized part of the endowment to establish a two-year Electrophysiology Fellowship, admitting one fellow per year, starting this year. Electrophysiologists treat heart rhythm disorders and heart failure with electric devices inserted into the heart. As part of the fellowship, doctors will learn about pacemakers, defibrillators, implantation, ablations, leadless pacemakers, and left atrial appendage closure devices.
“This was one of the fastest fellowships from concept to establishment that we’ve ever done, which just goes to show you how much drive Dr. Catanzaro has,” said Dr. Herb Garrison, former associate dean for ECU’s Brody School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education. “It typically takes two to three years to establish a new residency or fellowship, and we did this in less than a year. That was a record time. And part of that had to do with Dr. Catanzaro and Alyson Riddick, who did an excellent job putting the application together.”
Dr. Jan Lopes is the first fellow in the Electrophysiology Fellowship at ECU Health. He learned about the new program through his cardiology fellowship leader in El Paso, Texas, and decided to join the fellowship because of Dr. Catanzaro’s strong vision for the program.
“Dr. Catanzaro’s enthusiasm for the program and education, along with the opportunity to shape the program for future fellows, attracted me to the fellowship,” said Dr. Lopes. “Despite being a new program, it feels well-established and highly developed. I feel incredibly supported in my role and am receiving top-tier training that rivals what is offered at major medical centers nationwide. We are utilizing cutting-edge technology and performing the latest procedures here at the medical center.”
Training doctors like Dr. Lopes with the latest technology and procedures is important for the future of health care. The need for well-trained electrophysiologists is increasing across the nation and here in eastern North Carolina, according to Dr. Garrison.
“The incidence of arrhythmias, along with the need for pacemakers and defibrillators, is rising as the population ages, making it a critical area of focus,” said Dr. Garrison. “Establishing residencies and fellowships serves two main purposes: recruiting top-tier faculty and creating a pipeline of skilled electrophysiologists. Faculty are attracted to institutions with trainees, and enhancing our program with excellent faculty was a strategic move by Dr. Catanzaro. This initiative ensures we have the necessary capability and qualified physicians to meet the growing demand for electrophysiology services.”
With the increasing demand for physicians and electrophysiologists trained to treat rural patients, Dr. Catanzaro’s efforts at ECU Health is paying off in the form of improved recruitment efforts.
“Dr. Catanzaro has successfully attracted numerous cardiologists,” said Dr. Iannettoni. “He has excelled at developing divisions within the cardiology department and navigating the integration of academia and medicine. His efforts have resulted in many of our graduates choosing to stay with us, which is a significant benefit of our program. We’re proud to retain our own trainees, ensuring continuity and excellence in our team.”
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.