In the heart of eastern North Carolina, community partnerships are driving meaningful change in rural health care. ECU Health, alongside Conetoe Family Life Center and Access East, hosted a CommUNITY for Health and Wellness event at the Robersonville Public Library on Friday, May 16, to provide free health screenings, education on health care benefits, fresh produce and essential resources to residents.
ECU Health Community Engagement Coordinator Charmaine Reader provided everyone who walked by the pop-up with a friendly face and information about the event.
“We’re here to show love, love on the community of Martin County and provide resources that address social determinants of health like food security, health care access and more,” said Reeder.
Creating access to care in Martin County is a particularly important endeavor. The county’s only hospital closed in 2023 but the need for services remain.
This event is one of many ways ECU Health has rallied around the community in alignment with the organization’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the region.
For Debbie Burkhart, manager of the Robersonville Public Library, the event was a natural extension of her passion to support her community. Robersonville Public Library hosts one of ECU Health’s Health Hubs, helping community members connect with vital resources by offering technology-equipped spaces for virtual health care visits and support for social determinants of health like food, housing and employment.
“Today we’re also shedding light on our health hub location where they can gain access to these resources Monday through Friday,” said Reeder. “Debbie is great with helping individuals and connecting them back to us when they need assistance. She also helped spread the word about today and helped us get people here who needed to be here.”
Burkhart sees the library as not just a place for books but a resource for the community, whether that means helping people access health care information or simply providing a welcoming space.
“It’s all about community,” Burkhart said. “Without the community, we wouldn’t have a library; without the library, we wouldn’t have a community.”
After people got their free blood pressure screenings, Conetoe Family Life Center welcomed attendees on their bus to shop for free, fresh, locally grown produce. Jamie Harrison from Conetoe Family Life Center emphasized the importance of bringing fresh produce and nutrition education to residents.
“A lot of eastern North Carolinians live in a food desert,” Harrison said. “By partnering with ECU Health, we can help bridge that gap by making healthy food more accessible. Events like this introduce people to new fruits and vegetables and get them to try fresh recipes. We also can provide education on helping people grow their own produce.”
Sandra Grigg, a local resident, appreciated the impact of these initiatives on her community and said she comes to events like this because of how important the resources provided are to all of the residents.
“I want people to know that Martin County is full of really great people,” said Grigg. “They just need more information, and the fact that you’ve got the table here that’s talking about how to get health insurance if you don’t have it, that’s really, really important. I would encourage people to always come to these because of the information, because of what they teach you, what they show you.”
Last year, ECU Health and the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt announced an initiative to help eliminate more than $186 million of past-due hospital medical debt for more than 32,000 qualifying patients. Under the Undue Medical Debt guidelines, eligible community members are those whose medical debt exceeds 5% or more of their annual income or who earn at or below four times the current federal poverty-level income (which is $31,200 for a family of four). Community members did not need to take any action, as the eligible hospital medical debt was automatically eliminated for those who qualified.
Debt relief letters were sent out in December and January, and now recipients are sharing their stories.
“This is a miracle that arrived at the right time,” said Nicolas M. of Winterville. He owed nearly $32,000 in medical debt. “These last few months have been especially difficult, but we always try to make the [debt] payments in one way or another.
When I entered the system to make my payment, I did not find the bill… to my surprise and joy I found the Undue letter, indicating that I owed nothing. It seems incredible to us; we thought we would never finish paying that debt. We never thought that something like this could happen to us. We cried with happiness and gratitude. Thank you very much for this help, you have been angels for us, and we will be eternally grateful.”
Heidi of Grosse Pointe had this to say: “When I read that Undue Medical Debt had paid off over $6,000 in medical expenses acquired when we were trying a biological chemotherapy to treat my conditions, a debt that would take me nearly a decade to pay off, I couldn’t believe it. I was floored [and] in complete shock. I just started crying in relief. I didn’t choose to get sick. Undue Medical Debt threw me not just a lifeline, but a complete escape raft. You have changed a life, and I’ll never forget it.”
“I didn’t even apply for assistance. I am so very thankful,” Beth of Edenton said when her more than $1,000 bill was abolished. “What an incredible way to start the year!” shared B.T. of Farmville, after their nearly $1,300 bill was forgiven.
Each debt relief recipient expressed surprise and gratitude at learning their medical debt had been forgiven.
This initiative aligns not only with the system’s commitment to serving underserved communities of the East, but it also ECU Health’s long-standing practice of non-predatory billing, which emphasizes charity care, zero-interest payment plans, transparent pricing and dedicated resources to help patients navigate financial requirements.
“Partnering with Undue Medical Debt allows us to live out ECU Health’s mission in a truly meaningful way – by extending empathy and support beyond the hospital walls,” said Andy Zukowski, chief financial officer at ECU Health. “Medical debt can be a significant burden for individuals and families, especially in the rural and underserved communities we are proud to serve. Through this collaboration, we’re able to help relieve that burden for those who qualify, reinforcing our commitment to improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. It’s not just about financial relief – it’s about dignity, access and aligning our actions with our core values of integrity, compassion and accountability.”
The 2024 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards winners include two ECU Health Medical Center volunteers, one ECU Health team member and the ECU Health Beaufort Hospital volunteer team.
Established in 1979, the award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals and groups who make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Individuals or groups from the public, nonprofit and private sectors may be nominated for the award.
Learn about the winners below!
ECU Health Beaufort Hospital Volunteers
The volunteers at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital were collectively recognized as NC Governor’s Volunteer Service Award winners this year. Jamie Tice, the supply chain manager at the hospital, recognized the volunteers in their summer volunteer newsletter.
“Each of you are such a blessing,” she wrote. “Your compassion, dedication and commitment to proudly serving the communities of eastern North Carolina is to be commended. Without your continued support, we could not live out our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
Mary Hall
Mary Hall is the senior services prevention coordinator at ECU Health, and she has worked for the health system for almost 25 years. “My role at the hospital is in older adult health,” she said. “I do a lot of promotion around prevention, including with our falls prevention coalition, and I emphasize the importance of social and active engagement. This aligns with my volunteer work, too.”
Hall represents ECU Health and Pitt County on several statewide, regional and local councils and taskforces to serve the senior population, and it was her work with the Pitt-Greenville Senior Games that earned her a nomination for and recognition as a North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award winner.
“I started by volunteering at the spring Senior Games,” Hall said. “Then, I started helping out in the fall at the Senior Games state three-on-three basketball tournament held in Greenville.” Hall said she often serves as a scorekeeper or time clock keeper, but eventually she was named a volunteer coordinator for the event. “I oversee the other volunteers who come to the tournament. I make sure they know where to go and what they’re doing, because these games can be very chaotic.”
Hall said she was inspired to volunteer because it’s a way to promote what she preaches at work. “When you retire, you can’t just sit. You need to do something to keep the mind and body moving. Some of the seniors played sports in high school or college, and they have continued that through their lives, but there is also the silver arts piece, where people do ceramics, painting, poetry or carpentry. Everyone has an opportunity to participate in the Senior Games, even if they aren’t athletic.”
As importantly, participants get the chance to meet and make friends with other people their age. “It’s about the fellowship and the fun. That’s important as we age.” Hall also enjoys working with students and younger people. “Many volunteers are students, and it’s fun to see them realize that these older people have a lot of life to live.”
While she’s honored to have won the award, Hall said that’s not why she volunteers. “Volunteering is an obligation we as citizens have to give back to our communities,” she said. “Older adults are my community, and people can get a great sense of satisfaction when they give their time, expertise or even a shoulder to cry on. It builds a sense of purpose.”
Emmanuel Bryant
Emmanuel Bryant has volunteering in his blood. “My mom founded a nonprofit in Durham to prevent teenage drug and alcohol abuse, and she was a founding board member of the IDYL Charter School,” he said. “I grew up volunteering and I believe it’s important to give back to the community.” The Durham native also grew up knowing he wanted to work in health care, but his plans shifted from wanting to be a doctor to pursuing a career as a physician assistant (PA) after attending a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill medical school program for high school students.
“It was a nine-week program with different people sharing information about the various specialties and aspects of medicine,” he said. “During the program, someone talked about PAs. That got me interested.”
Bryant attended ECU to get his bachelor’s degree in public health with a pre-health concentration. He graduated in 2023, and he needed a certain number of volunteer hours to apply to PA school. “I did research with the Brody School of Medicine and worked in home health with children with autism,” he said. Then a friend of his suggested he look into volunteering at the ECU Health Medical Center. “I worked in patient transport and some in outpatient rehabilitation,” he said. “I had great mentors, including Emmett (Floyd) – he’s an awesome guy and he showed me a lot of things. It was an experience I think of fondly.”
During his time helping with rehabilitation, Bryant said he got to work alongside Shane Whitley, a PTA, and learn about therapeutic interventions. “I learned about breaking up scar tissue and stress tests. It was one of my favorite areas to work.” He also worked in the Cancer Center, where he saw many patients ring the bell to signify their last cancer treatment. “It was such an emotional experience, and the nurses there are elite in their skills.”
His experience as a volunteer has set the stage for success in his pursuit of being a PA. “It has helped me get comfortable with patients, so as a provider I can work with them. Everyone is different and all come from different backgrounds,” he said. “Exposure to these differences is the best way to combat discrimination, and it helps us know we’re all human.” The work also helped Bryant better understand how hospitals work and how to collaborate with different professionals and personalities. Best of all, Bryant said he felt blessed give back to a community that has given him. “I felt like it was my duty to give back,” he said. “Without ECU and Greenville, I wouldn’t be at PA school. I’m truly honored to win this award.”
Dr. Emmett Floyd
A native of Virginia, Dr. Emmett Floyd moved to North Carolina to attend Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in Wilson, North Carolina. After graduation, he was a teacher and a coach until he was drafted into the army in 1967. Upon the completion of his service, he returned to work as an educator and coach until he decided to pursue his master’s degree in educational leadership at East Carolina University (ECU). “[After graduation], I was a principal for four years, then a school superintendent for 15 years, after which I joined the faculty at ECU in the College of Education,” he said. Although he “retired” in 1998, he still worked for the College until 2010, when he became the executive director of the ECU Pirate Club. “After four years doing that, I finally retired for good at age 69,” he said. “From then on, I did volunteer work.”
That volunteer work included serving as vice chairman of the local Chamber of Commerce, which he has done for 10 years. A chat with a fellow ECU colleague – and a previous NC Governor’s Volunteer Service Award winner – Frank Crawley, inspired him to look into volunteer work at the ECU Health Medical Center. “There’s a few of us who all know each other from ECU, and they were all working the Tuesday morning shift. So, I joined that group in 2020,” he said.
Dr. Floyd works as a patient escort, helping patients get to where they need to go. “I pick them up and take them to endoscopy or GI or up to their hospital rooms. And there’s not a day I don’t get a thank you from them. Those thank yous are the salary,” he said.
Dr. Floyd also likes the camaraderie of working with his fellow volunteers. “We have a lot of students who come in during the summers, and they sit and listen to old men talk about things, and then we get them to share about themselves. I look forward to it every week.”
While he was surprised to learn he won the volunteer award, Dr. Floyd is appreciative and humble. “It’s not about me,” he said. “I’m just one who represents the 300 or more members of our team.” He also said he is happy to be able to give back to the community. “We’ve lived in Greenville for 35 years, and we’ve benefitted from our time here,” he said. “I feel like you should give back, and volunteer work is one way to do that.” Those who volunteer for ECU Health, he said, find their own way to use their skill sets to help others. “I met a woman who rocks babies in the NICU,” he said. “What a great thing for her to do. That’s her gift and how she gives back. No matter what your skill set, there is something you can do to help.”
All winners were recognized at their local county commissioners’ meetings this past summer. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of the volunteers and team members who serve eastern North Carolina at ECU Health. To learn more about the NC Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service, to nominate a volunteer or to see the full list of the 2024 winners, visit this site.
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Edenton, N.C. – ECU Health is expanding access to specialized cardiology care in the Chowan area with the launch of a new telecardiology program, designed to bring expert heart care closer to home for patients who may otherwise have to travel long distances for appointments or experience long wait times between appointments.
“Our goal is to provide high-quality cardiology care that is both accessible and convenient for our patients,” said Dr. Sivakumar Ardhanari, cardiologist, ECU Health. “This program allows us to assess patients in real time, conduct detailed evaluations, and coordinate necessary next steps—all without requiring them to leave their community. By integrating cutting-edge telemedicine technology with hands-on support from our local clinical teams, we’re ensuring that patients receive timely and expert care while reducing travel burdens and wait times.”
The telecardiology program, which launched its first clinic in January, leverages advanced telemedicine technology to connect in-person patients at ECU Health Chowan Hospital’s outpatient specialty clinic with Dr. Ardhanari, a Greenville-based cardiologist.
During each visit, patients first undergo standard vital checks, and the care team can perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) if needed. Dr. Ardhanari evaluates patients remotely using a specialized telemedicine system equipped with audio and video capabilities, a digital stethoscope, and other assessment tools. He communicates directly with both the patient and the attending nurse, guiding the examination process, including listening to the heart and lungs. If additional testing—such as a heart monitor or stress test—is needed, the nurse facilitates the next steps, ensuring a seamless patient-provider connection and comprehensive cardiovascular care.
Through MyChart, patients can communicate with their care teams, access test results, and ask follow-up questions, enhancing both convenience and continuity of care. Additionally, two Greenville-based cardiologists, Dr. Christopher Gregory and Dr. Christopher Karkut, continue to provide in-person visits at ECU Health Chowan Hospital on Mondays and Thursdays, ensuring a hybrid approach to care.
“The demand for cardiology services in the Chowan area continues to grow, making this program an essential step in expanding patient access,” said Dr. John Catanzaro, John “Jack” Rose Distinguished 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. “By leveraging technology and clinical expertise, ECU Health remains committed to bridging gaps in specialty care, ensuring patients in rural communities have access to the high-quality cardiology services they need in their own community.”
To learn more about ECU Health Heart & Vascular Care, please visit: ECUHealth.org/Heart
Story by Greenville Utilities Commission Communications
Tracy Colville, Water Resources Systems operations/maintenance crew leader at Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC), found a one-inch knot on his chest during the summer. He assumed that it would eventually go away, but a week later it was still there. Tracy went to see ECU Health physician Dr. Daniel Terryberry at the on-site GUC Clinic operated by ECU Health.
Dr. Daniel Terryberry
Dr. Terryberry suspected it could be cancerous and sent Tracy to Eastern Radiology for a mammogram and ultrasound. The tests showed what was suspected of being a highly malignant form of breast cancer, but only a biopsy would confirm those suspicions.
“I couldn’t get an appointment for three weeks,” Tracy said. Dr. Terryberry believed the timeframe was too long to wait for the biopsy and told Tracy he would make a call. “The next day I had an appointment for a biopsy.”
The diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is the most common form of breast cancer in males, and only around 2,800 men are diagnosed with breast cancer annually in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 19 percent of those men will die.
Post-diagnosis, Tracy underwent genetic testing to determine if he was a carrier of the breast cancer gene. To his relief, he is not and will not pass it down to his children. Because of the rarity of breast cancer in men, this had not been a concern for Tracy. His timely visit to the GUC Clinic is what afforded him a positive prognosis.
“He really helped me out,” Tracy said about Dr. Terryberry. “You might want to go over there. They have ways to get you the health services you need sooner.”
Within a month, Tracy received a diagnosis and had the cancerous mass removed. Currently, he is doing well and undergoing physical therapy to help with side effects of the surgery.
“I can’t really complain about that. At least I am living,” he said.
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ECU Health hosts third ED conference session to improve community crisis response and emergency care
ECU Health and the Pitt County Department of Social Services (DSS) hosted session three of the community-based Emergency Department conference, yielding more collaboration and progress toward improving access and preventing unnecessary ED visits across eastern North Carolina.
The third and final session, hosted Feb. 4, brought back together a multidisciplinary group of community partners to discuss multi-system collaborations and crisis response focused on five key priorities as identified from the previous two working sessions. The priorities are aligned with the North Carolina Department of Health Human Services goal of increasing access to crisis services across the state.
The five key priorities include:
- Increasing access to care across eastern North Carolina
- Building community-based crisis services capacity
- Workforce/system training and community education: grow workforce knowledge and kills
- Strengthen the eastern North Carlina crisis system
- Accountability and outcomes
“We’ve made tremendous progress in our goal of enhancing collaboration to reduce the significant over utilization of the emergency department where patients will often end up stuck with no timely plans for discharge, said Jacob Parrish, vice president of capacity and throughput for ECU Health. “I am thankful to the health faith and community-based organizations that spent three days alongside us, identifying important care needs in our region and designing solutions that will benefit us all. Moreover, I am tremendously grateful for our partnership with Sharon Rochelle, Director Pitt County DSS, who has provided the essential perspective of the DSS role and support in this process.”
Crisis response is a key function of emergency departments in general, but especially so for the emergency department at ECU Heath Medical Center which is home to the only Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Centers in eastern North Carolina. Still, crisis response happens beyond the walls of the hospital, which emphasizes the importance of community collaboration to ensure the hospital can best serve the community in the event of a crisis.
The third session, similar to the first two, was well-attended and included community partners from across eastern North Carolina including Juvenile Justice, Trillium Health Services, Public School leaders, NC DHHS, payors, faith leaders, DSS agencies and other eastern North Carolina hospitals and key stakeholders. The key stakeholders refined the recommendations and tactics to achieve the priorities listed above, including assigning specific responsibilities to drive forward the five priority areas. Regular progress checkpoints and collaborative meetings will continue to ensure alignment with state and community goals, reinforcing a sustainable crisis response system for eastern North Carolina.
ECU Health nurses from across the system gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Greenville for the 11th Annual ECU Health Nursing Summit where they engaged with esteemed speakers and discussed the future of nursing across eastern North Carolina and beyond.
The summit aimed to address the transformative period nursing is experiencing amid complex challenges. It served as a platform for meaningful discussions on integrating leading-edge technology and innovative practices. Chief Nursing Executive Trish Baise shared that the nursing summit was one way to connect with and empower nursing team members to be a part of designing ECU Health’s future.
“The nursing summit provided a wonderful opportunity for hundreds of our ECU Health nurses from across the region to come together,” said Baise. “We were able to create a national-caliber conference in our own backyard tailored to the mission of our rural health care team. The energy of our nursing team was palpable.”
Keynote speakers included Rich G. Kenny, who explored the future of Generative AI for nurse leaders, and Sen. Gale Adcock, who discussed health care policy and advocacy. Brian Floyd, ECU Health’s chief operating officer, reminded nurses of their mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina, highlighting the organization’s unique care for the rural region.
The summit also included breakout sessions that covered topics like well-being, AI in health care, six dimensions for influencing team culture and nursing policy advocacy. Additionally, a panel discussion explored emerging trends in health care.
Keynote speaker, Olivia Lemberger, innovation scientist from the American Nurses Association, highlighted the future of nursing innovation and praised the camaraderie among nurses at the event.
“There is a deep sense of community among the colleagues at ECU Health,” said Lemberger. “There was a positive energy that was palpable. This is something I wish every nurse had.”
Mandi Civils, ICU and Central Staffing Office manager at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, reflected on the summit’s impact.
“At the heart of health care transformation for ECU Health was the great nursing summit, where dedication met innovation, and passion will fuel progress going forward,” Civils said. “It was my honor to be part of an event that inspired me to believe I can be anything I want to be when I grow up.”
For Melissa and Jimmy Worrell, their love story started with a horse. Melissa, a horse trainer and riding instructor at the time, met Jimmy when he brought his horse to the barn where she worked. That chance encounter led to marriage in 1988, a move from New Jersey to North Carolina and a life filled with love, adventure and raising their quadruplets.
But in recent years, their journey took an unexpected turn. Jimmy was diagnosed with kidney disease and placed on the transplant waiting list. For nearly eight years, he waited, knowing that each passing day brought him closer to dialysis—a life-sustaining but time-consuming treatment that filters waste from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so.
“Dialysis is a lifeline for many patients, but machines just cannot do the work of an organ that works automatically, 24/7,” said Dr. David Leeser, professor and chief of transplantation at ECU Health Medical Center. “We know that when a patient is transplanted, they gain a tremendous boost to their quality of life, and they will live longer as well. Transplantation is by far the best available renal replacement therapy available to patients with kidney failure.”
Throughout the process, doctors frequently asked if he had identified a potential donor. Jimmy never asked Melissa to consider donating, but she made the decision on her own.
“I knew I was O-negative, so I figured I’d at least get tested,” Melissa said. “I thought, well, I had to at least try.”
The couple was shocked to learn she was a perfect match.
Throughout the process, Melissa was supported by a donor advocate at ECU Health—someone who had been through the experience and could provide firsthand insight. She believes this kind of support is crucial for potential donors.
“When you’re thinking about doing this, it’s good to talk to someone who has been there,” Melissa said. “It’s reassuring to know that life goes on and that we’ll both live normal, healthy lives.”
Their transplant surgery was successfully completed Nov. 12, 2024. Melissa, now a recreational therapist and volunteer with Team River Runner in Wilmington, which provides veterans and active-duty military with healing opportunities on the water, specifically outrigger canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and rowing, took time off to recover. Jimmy returned to work earlier than expected, eager to get back to normal life. More importantly, the transplant has given them back their active lifestyle.
“Before, if I asked him to go for a walk, he’d say, ‘I can’t do that,’” Melissa said. “Now, we can do things together again. It’s a big change.”
The couple enjoys boating along the Intracoastal Waterway, dining out, going for walks and simply spending time together. Beyond her personal experience, Melissa hopes to raise awareness about living kidney donation.
“It’s amazing how something so small can make such a big difference in someone’s life,” she said. “People are often surprised when they hear what I did, like I was risking my own health. But the doctors wouldn’t have allowed it if I wasn’t okay. I think if more people heard these stories, they might consider donating. I especially want to thank the friendly and caring transplant team at ECU Health, who provided great pre and post care.”
For the Worrells, this journey has deepened their bond and given them a renewed appreciation for the simple joys of life. Now, with Jimmy’s health improved, they’re looking forward to many more years of adventure together.
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High school students from Health Sciences Academy in Duplin and Pitt counties recently had the opportunity to explore the medical field firsthand at the “Chat With a Doc” event. ECU Health physicians from various specialties engaged in candid conversations about their careers, educational paths and the realities of medical careers.
Students heard from specialties including pediatric, pathology, emergency medicine, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, palliative care, trauma and internal medicine. The event not only highlighted the different specialties within medicine but also underscored the commitment and dedication required to pursue a career in health care. From years of education and training to the challenges of balancing patient care with personal life, the physicians provided an honest and engaging perspective for students considering the field.
Dr. Yaolin Zhou, a pathologist at ECU Health, spoke to students about the importance of having a passion for taking care of patients when going into the medical field.
“Whatever you do within health care, you want to do what’s right for your patients, for the community, and make a difference and make your little corner of the world a better place,” said Dr. Zhou.
Dr. Zhou also described the critical role of pathology in diagnosing diseases, including cancer.
“Pathologists are trained physicians who specialize in diagnosing diseases,” Dr. Zhou said. “I examine samples from the human body to determine what’s going on.”
Dr. Nicole Toney, an emergency medicine physician, provided students with a glimpse into her field, emphasizing the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of emergency care.
“Emergency medicine is exciting because you never know what’s coming next,” Dr. Toney said. “You might see someone having a heart attack, a trauma patient, or something entirely unexpected. It’s all about problem-solving and acting quickly.”
Students in attendance found the event inspiring and informative. Kennedy Jones, a student from Duplin County, came to explore different medical career paths.
“I used to have a big interest in obstetrics, then that changed to pediatrics,” Jones said. “Hearing from a pediatrician today and learning about how they take care of the whole family when a kid gets sick was really interesting and gave me more insight into what’s ahead and helped me think more about my future.”
With the demand for health care professionals on the rise, events like “Chat With a Doc” play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of medical professionals and helping students navigate career paths in medicine.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenging journey, but ECU Health has resources to help with a comprehensive range of weight loss and lifestyle medicine services tailored to individual needs. Whether someone is starting their weight loss journey or seeking support to maintain progress, ECU Health offers personalized, evidence-based solutions to help people succeed.
Dr. Hannah Florida, a board-certified physician in obesity medicine at the ECU Health Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, emphasized the importance of addressing obesity holistically.
“Excess body weight is multifactorial, often influenced by unhealthy nutrition, lack of physical activity, poor sleep, unmanaged stress, a lack of support systems and substance dependence – whether that be caffeine, sugar or another substance,” Dr. Florida said. “Our approach is to meet patients where they are, assess what changes they are ready to make and guide them with the tools and accountability they need to succeed.”
ECU Health Lifestyle Medicine provides a multidisciplinary team of experts, including board-certified obesity physicians, registered dietitian nutritionists, lifestyle coaches and exercise physiologists. Together, they offer comprehensive care to address every aspect of weight management, ensuring patients receive the support they need at every step.
No two weight loss journeys are the same, which is why ECU Health offers customizable programs to fit a variety of needs:
- Medically Supervised Weight Loss: Tailored treatment plans, including lifestyle modifications and medications, prescribed by board-certified obesity physicians.
- Medical Nutrition Therapy: Personalized assessments and eating plans from licensed dietitians to support sustainable weight loss and address conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
- Meal Replacement Programs: Supervised liquid meal replacement plans to jumpstart progress.
- Culinary Medicine: Individual and group sessions teaching participants how to prepare plant-based meals that align with their goals.
- Pre-Surgery Optimization: Dietitian-guided programs to optimize nutritional health before bariatric or orthopedic surgery for improved outcomes.
Dr. Florida uses anti-obesity medications when appropriate to jump start patients in making lifestyle changes. These healthy lifestyle changes are the key factors to achieve sustainable long term weight loss, according to Dr. Florida.
“Medications, for example, can temporarily suppress appetite, but lasting results require adopting healthier habits,” she said.
Lifestyle coaches at ECU Health help patients set and achieve specific goals, such as improving sleep, managing stress, or incorporating regular exercise.
“For instance, if someone struggles with getting enough sleep, the coach might help them set small, actionable goals like limiting screen time before bed,” Dr. Florida said.
Exercise physiologists at ECU Health further support patients by creating personalized exercise plans. These programs often begin with one-on-one guidance and transition patients to sustainable fitness routines, whether through gym memberships or at-home activities.
Addressing obesity not only improves physical well-being but can also alleviate related chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic pain, and kidney disease.
“When we treat obesity, we often see significant improvements—or even reversal—in these chronic conditions,” said Dr. Florida.
ECU Health’s Lifestyle Medicine Clinic offers flexible options for individual appointments, group-based education, and cutting-edge culinary medicine.
“Our goal is to meet patients where they are and empower them to make sustainable changes,” says Dr. Florida.
For some individuals struggling with weight-related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and sleep apnea, bariatric surgery may be the most effective solution.
ECU Health Medical Center offers advanced surgical options, including:
- Gastric Bypass: Reduces the amount of food you can eat and the calories you absorb by creating a small stomach pouch that connects to the small intestine. This helps you feel full faster and absorb fewer calories.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes up to 85% of the stomach, creating a sleeve-like structure that holds less food and reduces hunger hormones.
Bariatric surgery often results in greater weight loss compared to medical treatments alone and can significantly improve chronic conditions linked to obesity. While surgery is highly effective, it is not without risks, including bleeding, infection and nutritional deficiencies. Speak with your primary care provider to learn if this option is right for you.
Ready to Begin Your Journey? Take the first step toward a healthier you with ECU Health. To learn more about ECU Health’s weight loss services at the ECU Health Lifestyle Medicine Clinic or to schedule an appointment, visit the ECUHealth.org/LifestyleMedicine or call 252-847-9908.