Kenansville, N.C. — ECU Health Duplin Hospital has earned a five-star patient experience rating according to recently released ratings by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional patient care and service.
Achieving this rating has been a central element of ECU Health Duplin Hospital’s strategic plan and demonstrates its dedication to enhancing patient satisfaction and overall experience. To commemorate this milestone, the hospital hosted a ceremony today for team members, acknowledging their invaluable contributions toward this goal and celebrating their commitment to the community.
“In November 2023, our team set a goal to elevate our patient experience from four stars to five stars,” said Jeff Dial, president of ECU Health Duplin Hospital.
“We have dedicated our time and energy to enhancing patient satisfaction through team member engagement and targeted, deliberate improvements. Achieving this five-star recognition reflects our determination and commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our patients and community. I am incredibly grateful for our team’s hard work and dedication in reaching this milestone.”
CMS uses the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) Survey to determine and publicly report star ratings based on 10 key measures of patient experience. These measures include communication with nurses, communication with doctors, responsiveness of hospital staff, pain management, communication about medicines, discharge Information, cleanliness of the hospital environment, quietness of the hospital environment, overall rating of the hospital and recommendation of the hospital.
“The experience of patients and families is at the heart of safe, highly-reliable human centered rural health care. ECU Health, and our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina, is where compassion, connection and partnerships all come together to create hope, healing and lasting impressions,” said Dr. Julie Kennedy Oehlert, ECU Health Chief Experience Officer. “This CMS five-star patient experience rating at ECU Health Duplin Hospital signifies to us that our patients trust and value our care. It is the result of an intentional focus on creating truly exceptional loving experiences for our patients and their families. I could not be more proud of the ECU Health Duplin Hospital team.”
CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help patients, their families and caregivers compare hospitals and other health care facilities, showcasing excellence in health care.
On April 12, ECU Health teams joined forces with Pitt-Greenville Airport and other local agencies, including fire/rescue teams, emergency management and police, for an emergency exercise, simulating a mass-casualty aircraft accident.
This full-scale exercise included volunteers acting as patients and involved various ECU Health departments to demonstrate preparedness for critical situations.
Chris Starbuck, system director of Emergency Management at ECU Health, emphasized the importance of these exercises.
“Participating in the airport exercise is a vital part of our preparedness strategy. It allows us to test our emergency response plans, strengthen communication with our community partners and ensure we’re ready to provide the highest level of care when seconds count. These collaborations are key to saving lives during large-scale incidents,” Starbuck said.
Leaders and team members from the Emergency Department, Trauma, hospital supervisors, Children’s, police, marketing and communications, decedent care and Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition collaborated in a table-top exercise, discussing each person’s role in the event.
The ECU Health EastCare team was also present with a helicopter and ECU Health Medical Center’s ambulance bus stopped by to showcase its readiness to transport patients in a real emergency scenario.
Throughout the drill, ECU Health teams reviewed the notification process, patient movement strategies and interactions with Greenville Fire/Rescue, Pitt County Emergency Management, police and others.
The goal of this exercise was to identify opportunities to improve processes and give organizations in Pitt County time to work together, ensuring readiness to adapt and respond quickly and efficiently in real emergencies.
This drill was a valuable learning experience for all involved, enhancing preparedness and confidence in handling critical situations.
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ECU Health Emergency & Trauma
Maynard Children’s Hospital
ECU Health EastCare
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health Medical Center is expanding advanced heart care with two new, state-of-the-art technologies for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement. The new technologies – EVOQUE™, a first-of-its-kind transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement, and TriClip G4™, a minimally invasive clip procedure designed to reduce tricuspid valve leakage – offer new hope for patients previously ineligible for surgery, providing significant symptom relief and improved quality of life.
“These new procedures represent a major advancement in the treatment of tricuspid valve regurgitation, offering hope to patients who previously had limited options,” said Dr. Paul Mahoney, section chief, interventional cardiology, director, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, East Carolina Heart Institute. “With the EVOQUE valve replacement and the TriClip G4, we can now provide effective, minimally invasive solutions that reduce symptoms and improve heart function without the need for open-heart surgery. This is a significant step forward in improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with TR.”
Tricuspid valve regurgitation affects more than 1.5 million people in the U.S. and occurs when the tricuspid valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward. This condition forces the heart to work harder, potentially leading to heart failure. Risk factors include heart disease, atrial fibrillation (AFib), pulmonary hypertension, prior chest radiation therapy and structural valve damage. Symptoms can range from fatigue and shortness of breath to swelling in the abdomen, legs or neck veins.
Traditionally, treatment options were limited to diuretics for symptom management, with surgical intervention reserved for only the healthiest patients or those already undergoing left-sided valve surgery. However, with recent advancements, including the FDA-approved TriClip G4 and EVOQUE valve replacement, patients now have access to innovative, minimally invasive options that can significantly improve heart function and overall well-being.
“It is critical that patients in eastern North Carolina have access to the latest innovations in heart care close to home, so they do not have to travel far for cutting-edge treatment options,” 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. “Our commitment to bringing the most advanced cardiac treatments to this region ensures that patients receive high-quality, life-changing care without unnecessary delays or burdens. I am proud of our heart and vascular care teams who continue to advocate for patients in our region and ensure they receive world-class treatment right here at ECU Health.”
ECU Health team members who participated in these groundbreaking procedures include Dr. Mahoney, Dr. Catanzaro, Dr. Melissa Moey, Dr. Wiley Nifong, Dr. Michael Bates and Dr. Brian Cabarrus. To learn more about ECU Health Heart & Vascular Care, please visit ECUHealth.org/Heart.
To be a health care provider is to answer a calling. For some, the journey to health care is a straight line; for others, the road is winding. This series features stories from ECU Health team members who took the winding road, but found the destination to be worth the effort.
Dr. Roberto Portela, the chief of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division of the department of emergency medicine at ECU Health Medical Center and associate professor at East Carolina University in the department of emergency medicine, grew up in Puerto Rico. Originally, he aspired to be a veterinarian. “As a kid, you think about what you’d like to do, and taking care of animal sounded like a good fit for me,” he said. “I love animals.” But when he joined the military in 1994 and received training as a combat medic, he discovered he loved acute care. “Trauma care – those first minutes or hour of patient care – attracted me.”
Dr. Portela said his work in the military was instrumental in not only finding his path to emergency medicine, but also in how he carries himself as a physician. “The military teaches respect, and as a physician, you need to be respectful to your patients and colleagues,” he shared. “Everybody has a mission and a role, and you don’t always know what’s going on in your patient’s world, so just be respectful.”
After his military service, Dr. Portela attended the University of Puerto Rico to receive his MD and specialized in emergency medicine at the University of Puerto Rico Hospital in Carolina. He ended up staying there for nine years teaching residents how to be emergency medicine physicians. “Then in 2013, I moved to the United States and started as a faculty member at ECU,” he said. “The main thing that brought me here was the desire to expand on my specialty in EMS. In Puerto Rico, I worked in my home program as an attending, I worked with the state EMS system as their online medical control, I helped as a medical director and served as a volunteer in our rescue squad in Puerto Rico. Thank God, ECU gave me that opportunity. I came here, and the doors opened for me.”
Those open doors led to the chance to serve as the EMS medical director for Pitt County, the chief of the EMS Division of the Department of Emergency Medicine, the program director for the EMS Fellowship, a member of the state EMS disciplinary committee and the president for the NC Chapter of the National Association of EMS Physicians. “It was incredible for me; because of my being here and the people in leadership who supported me, I’ve had these opportunities,” he said.
Dr. Portela also spoke about his team and the difference they make every day. “I think all emergency medicine physicians are cut from the same cloth, because they could have picked any specialty, but they chose one that provides care 24/7, 365 days a year,” he said. “The dedication they display every day is amazing – they are resilient.”
There’s also a big difference between his work with ECU Health and his work in Puerto Rico – namely, his access to resources and in-house, high-quality care. “I used to work in a small hospital where I had to transfer patients all the time to get better care; what ECU Health can offer as a system of care with a level one trauma center with multiple specialties – there’s not a lot we can’t do here,” he said.
To those considering a career in health care, Dr. Portela said don’t hesitate. “Ignore the static or what you might hear. At the end of the day, you must remember why we do health care – because somebody needs help. It’s that simple.” He also emphasized that there are many roles and opportunities for those considering a health care career. “From our care partners to all our nurses, to our physicians and tech, orderlies and lab technicians, everybody has a role and it’s a system. There are multiple jobs out there and so many opportunities to make a difference – if you’re thinking about it, just jump in.”
On Wednesday, April 16, ECU Health’s EastCare celebrated a remarkable milestone: 40 years of dedicated service to the communities of eastern North Carolina. Founded in 1985, the program has grown from a single helicopter operation to a comprehensive medical transport service, offering both ground and air transportation.
EastCare transports patients directly from the scene of an emergency or transfers them from regional hospitals to ECU Health Medical Center, ensuring that critically ill and injured patients receive timely and advanced medical care.
Today, the program operates seven aircraft, with five in use and two back-ups. With eight bases within the region — both ground and air — and 28 ambulances, coverage has expanded to include all of eastern North Carolina as well as parts of South Carolina and Virginia.
Trey Labrecque, director of EastCare, praised the team for its tireless effort in critical roles. “The way our clinicians go above and beyond what’s required in their aspects of training has always impressed me. They put their lives in danger every day they come to work to transport patients by air or by ground.” He noted the team’s dedication is unmatched, often working beyond their normal shifts to care for patients.
This dedication is a common theme within the team. Shannon Petty, flight nurse with EastCare, highlighted their adaptability: “Even when helicopters are down for maintenance and a call comes in, the team will jump in an ambulance and do exactly what they would have done by air. We are one of the very few programs in the country that does that consistently.”
The EastCare team’s advanced training enables them to provide lifesaving interventions for trauma, cardiac, medical, high-risk obstetric, burn and pediatric patients. The program also operates a unit dedicated to children’s transport. Partnering with the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Transport Team provides care to more than 1,700 children each year.
Joshua Dail, flight paramedic with EastCare, shared a story about the constantly changing nature of the job: “We did a standby for a local law enforcement high-profile situation and sat there all day. At the end of the day, a family and their little boy who was unconscious after a traumatic accident arrived at a rural emergency department that is not accustomed to providing the care he needed. We immediately shifted gears and hopped in and took care of this little kid, which involved a lot of resources on our part, and then flew him to the Medical Center, where he had brain surgery and a good outcome. Bringing services to patients that otherwise wouldn’t have access to them is the most rewarding part of my job.”
EastCare goes beyond patient transport, stepping up when disaster strikes. “During hurricanes, access to affected areas is often restricted, making it difficult for physicians and nurses to reach state medical assistant teams. Our teams has flown physicians and nurses to those areas and delivered critical supplies to places experiencing shortages,” shared Chuck Strickland, outreach coordinator for EastCare.
Dail emphasized the strong teamwork demonstrated every day with the EastCare team: “None of us can do our job without the other. In the helicopter, we are always looking out for any potential dangers, offering to help with various tasks and supporting each other during every flight. And then at the bedside, we are a clinical team, so we’re collaborating and figuring out how to best care for our patients.”
Over the past decade, the program has achieved significant milestones:
- 4,752,768 ground miles
- 3,558,196 air miles
- 35,292 flights
- Transported patients from 66 unique hospitals by air
- Transported patients from 87 unique hospitals by ground
These numbers represent thousands of lives saved and countless families supported during their most challenging times. By providing a lifeline to patients with limited access to care, EastCare exemplifies the ECU Health mission every day. Whether it’s a basic life support transport or a critical care transport, the team ensures that every individual receives the care they need.
The 40th anniversary was celebrated at a special event held at ECU Health Medical Center, where team members and community members came together to honor the achievements of the EastCare team. As we celebrate the four decades of incredible service, we honor the work of the EastCare team and the profound difference they make in eastern North Carolina communities. Here’s to 40 years of lifesaving service – and many more to come.
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On Jan. 6, the ECU Health Cardiac Rehabilitation – Roanoke Rapids clinic, partnered with Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR), opened its doors to the community. It’s the first program of its kind in eastern North Carolina, and its first cohort of patients is preparing to graduate from the program.
Pritikin ICR is based on the Pritikin Program, which has been taught for nearly 50 years at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami, Florida. More than 150,000 people have attended the program, and more than 100 peer-reviewed, published studies performed by the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) medical researchers have established the program’s proven health benefits. Recently, ECU Health’s cardiac rehabilitation clinic in Roanoke Rapids partnered with the program to bring its cutting-edge methods to eastern North Carolina.
To participate in the program, patients must have experienced a qualifying heart condition, including stable angina, heart attack within the last 12 months, coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, coronary angioplasty or stent placement, heart transplant or heart/lung transplant and chronic heart failure.
The program’s comprehensive, lifestyle-change curriculum is based on three pillars: safe, effective regular exercise, heart-healthy nutrition and a healthy mindset that fosters healthy behaviors. This programming is one aspect that differentiates ICR from conventional cardiac rehabilitation. Additionally, the program includes 72 sessions – 36 exercise and 36 educational – as opposed to the 36 maximum sessions of traditional cardiac rehabilitation. The goal is to provide patients with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed both during rehabilitation and long after.
Markus Melvin, the program manager for cardiovascular and pulmonary rehab, detailed a typical day for participants. “Patients come three days a week and do about an hour of exercise followed by an hour of education. Every patient has a guidebook with exercise tips, recipes and other information that they bring with them to each session” he explained. “It’s like they’re in school. They take notes and ask questions.” Overall, he said, patients enjoy the experience and are engaged in the curriculum. “We teach them about medications, exercise, balance training, healthy mindset like communication skills and setting goals, tobacco cessation – it’s great to see that lightbulb switch on when they get it.”
The resounding patient feedback to this approach has been positive. Robin Joyner joined the program after having a series of heart attacks, a defibrillator placement and recovery after an infection. “They suggested I do ICR, and I said any type of therapy to get my heart strong again was okay with me,” she said. “It gets me out of the house, I can socialize and I work out.” James Moseley, who found ICR after having open heart surgery four months ago, agreed. “They are making my heart work,” he said. “They’re giving me a second chance. I enjoy going.”
One of the favorite parts of the program happens on Wednesdays when the staff dietitian prepares heart-healthy meals the patients can then eat. “I love it,” Robin shared. “One day she made an apple turnover with fajita bread, and another day she made white bean chili. Her food has taste to it.” While he didn’t always like the recipes the dietitian made, James said the experience helped him to be a more mindful eater. “The cooking makes you think about what you can and can’t do, and I think about everything I eat now,” he said. “That’s a blessing.”
Another benefit for patients is the ability to socialize and connect with others going through a similar experience. Markus said it was common for patients to talk with each other and share their knowledge and background. “You see that camaraderie in class, and they make friends,” he said. “They discuss their personal events and someone says, ‘Oh, I went through something similar.’ They teach each other things and it makes the classes fun.” Robin agreed: “We all get together and talk,” she said. “We all share what happened to us. Everyone is nice to each other and it’s a happy place.”
Of course, a centerpiece of the program is the exercise, which Robin admitted was intense. “Markus doesn’t play,” she laughed. “He’s so nice and kind, and he makes it fun, but he never lets us take the easy way out.” Markus called attention to the tailored exercise plans for each patient, as well as the careful monitoring they undergo during each visit. “We’re the touch points between doctor visits for these patients, so we can spot things that are happening with regards to medications or new signs or symptoms,” he said. “And we help the patients learn exercises and how to progress them, whether they have never exercised in their life or used to exercise in the past.”
Robin and James agreed that it was beneficial to have this program close by, so they don’t have to travel long distances to attend. “I was previously in regular cardiac rehabilitation in Rocky Mount,” Robin said, noting the challenges of an increased travel time. James said he wouldn’t have been able to participate had the program been in Greenville. “The main thing I hear about this program is that it’s local,” Markus said. “It’s the first rehab program in the area for quite some time, so the fact that it’s within a short drive is a big selling point,” he said. And clearly, the program is in demand. “We started with three patients and now have 20, and we do have a waitlist because we have more and more patients being referred to us,” Markus said. “There’s definitely a need for it here, and it shows an increased awareness of the importance of cardiac health.”
Robin and James are approaching their graduation date, at which time a new cohort will be ushered in. They both emphatically agreed that ICR is beneficial and worth the time. “I am feeling pretty good now,” James said. “I was walking slowly at first, but I’ve gone up on speed and incline on the treadmill and the bike. I think about my kids, my grandkids and my girlfriend and I want to be here for them. The doctors did their part, and now we have to do ours.” Robin said that while she exercised daily prior to this program – and still walks regularly now – she feels a lot better for having participated in ICR. “I have more energy when I go to class, and I can’t wait to go again. Everyone with a heart problem should have therapy because it really does work, and with this group, you’re dealing with the best.”
To learn more about the ECU Health – Roanoke Rapids ICR program, visit ECUHealth.org.
Stacey Greenway, the executive director of primary care service line at ECU Health Medical Center, recently attended her 11th Day on the Hill as a representative for the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Her role, in collaboration with other AACVPR members from across the country, is to visit Washington, D. C. and advocate for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation with members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate. This year’s visit, which occurred March 3 – 4, marked her first as incoming president of the AACVPR, a three-year term that signifies her ongoing commitment to her profession and to her advocacy for patients in eastern North Carolina.
Greenway first attended a board meeting, followed by a kickoff meeting for anyone coming to represent the AACVPR. “We’re given background information about the bills, explaining what we’re going to talk about and the issues we’re presenting,” Greenway said. “It’s also a time to remind participants to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, be ready to go through security and other logistical topics.”
On Tuesday, Greenway said she had nine appointments scheduled every 15 to 30 minutes. “We talk to legislators from both the House and the Senate,” she said. “The meetings are about 10-15 minutes long and address issues that impact patients in eastern North Carolina and beyond. By the end of the day, we had our spiel down pat. It’s really fast-paced.”
In addition to her own advocacy efforts, Greenway attended the meetings with two additional colleagues from North Carolina. “There was me, someone from Wilmington and another individual from the Triangle area representing North Carolina. The person from Wilmington is new, so this was a chance to show her the process.” Greenway said this is key because it can be intimidating to step into an advocacy role, but the torch needs to be passed on to the next generation. “I reminded them they are the experts in their field, and they have the stories and passion to be there. It’s important to bring new people along so when you’re ready to retire or move on to the next thing, you can know things are taken care of.”
Greenway’s role as incoming president has also given her the opportunity to sit in on and participate in weekly calls with the outgoing president and the AACVPR director, where they go through what’s happening in the organization, including invitations to studies and changes in the organization.
“Advocacy is a big part of what we do,” Greenway explained. “But research and education, as well as support for the people who do that work, are also parts.”
This includes a new training program for future leaders in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, something the organization started last year in an effort to ensure everyone in their field stays current so they can best support their patients.
Having a seat at the table is a big part of this work, and Greenway said she’s just a small part of the great work the organization does. “As treasurer, I was introduced to the financial aspect and the fiscal responsibility of being on the board. Now as incoming president, I am part of the conversations and learning what’s being discussed. It allows me to understand the bigger picture and come alongside fellow board members in following through on initiatives we decide upon as an organization. I want to represent the organization and honor our mission.”
Greenway emphasized that the work she and others do within the AACVPR is something she loves but is also important to her profession. She also wants others to know that anyone can make a change. “You don’t have to be an expert, but if you’re passionate about what you do, you can help your profession so you can do your work and serve your patients,” she said. “If there’s something you want to change, you can take action.”
The Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition (EHPC) at ECU Health, in partnership with the Southeastern Healthcare Preparedness Region in Wilmington and the North Carolina Public Health Preparedness and Response Eastern Regional Office, hosted the North Carolina Disaster Symposium for the ninth time. This two-day conference brought together over 200 professionals to discuss and share insights on disaster management, including preparation, mitigation, response and recovery.
“As disaster preparedness evolves, events like these are crucial in equipping professionals with the tools and connections needed to protect their communities,” said Chris Starbuck, director of Emergency Management at ECU Health. “We are proud to be able to organize and host events like these that help people prepare for disasters and connect professionals around the region with the resources they may need. The continued success of the North Carolina Disaster Symposium reflects the dedication and expertise of the organizers and participants alike, including a large contingent from ECU Health.”
The North Carolina Disaster Symposium has become an annual statewide event, attracting experts from across the country. Attendees represent a diverse range of sectors, including hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), public health, long-term care and emergency management staff. The symposium featured thought-provoking presentations, covering topics such as lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, strategies for hospitals to manage the critical first 30 minutes of a disaster and resources available within North Carolina during declared disasters.
The symposium provided a platform for attendees to gain valuable insights and connect with their peers.
“The Disaster Symposium gave me real world experiences and lessons learned that I can take back to my home base,” said Katelynn Moore, a nurse and member of ECU Health Edgecombe’s Emergency Management. “It was an amazing experience to hear about different disasters across North Carolina and beyond and to network with those around us that you may not get to know otherwise or until you are in the middle of a disaster.”
This year’s symposium not only highlighted critical issues but also fostered collaboration and innovative thinking, strengthening the ability of professionals across sectors to respond effectively to disasters. By sharing lessons learned and building strong networks, the event underscored the importance of teamwork and shared knowledge in ensuring resilient communities.
“I have found significant value in attending the North Carolina Disaster Symposium as it helps bring new ideas, perspectives and great story telling about real life crisis events that have happened throughout our state,” said Brian White, executive director of operations, ECU Health Chowan and ECU Health Bertie hospitals. “We have learned best practices at previous gatherings that we have incorporated and applied at our facilities. In addition to great learning, the networking is equally important as you meet colleagues and others that we can call on when needed.”
To learn more about EHPC or get in contact, please visit easternhpc.com
In the third year of medical school, students step out of the classroom and into clinical settings for the first time as physicians in training. As they interact with patients, many are left with lasting memories and lessons that will serve them throughout medical school and into their time practicing medicine.
In recognition of these experiences, ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University hosted the sixth annual Legacy Teachers Celebration on April 4. Fourteen students submitted stories, poems, drawings and other expressions of gratitude for their time with a patient and their family that has changed the way they view their roles as future physicians.
Dr. Christina Bowen, chief well-being officer at ECU Health, said the event is important to thank patients and their families for making a difference in medical students’ journeys, and it’s also a great opportunity for the students to reflect.
“We have spent the last six years celebrating these relationships between students and patients,” Dr. Bowen said. “With each year’s celebrations, I have seen an increase in the well-being of our medical students as they practice gratitude for patients, and they’re able to reflect on the impact that those relationships have on how they’ll practice medicine.”
Andrew Cunningham and Jovanna Martin
One story captured on video and shared during the event was from Andrew Cunningham, a third-year medical student at the Brody School of Medicine, and Jovanna Martin, a patient at ECU Health Medical Center.
In February of 2024, Martin had a serious health scare when her hemoglobin levels, which should be around 14, plunged to just 1.5. She had seven bags of blood given to her, and she was doing well until a September check in with her provider.
“I went for a normal doctor’s appointment. I didn’t understand, because I was in Battleboro, why they were sending me to Greenville, but I thought that I would just get those blood bags again,” Martin said. “When they saw me, they were like, ‘We don’t want you to drive back home. We want you to go to ER here.’”
That’s when Cunningham met Martin for the first time. He said her lab results looked scary when he first saw them and expected to see someone who looked very sick when he made his way to her in the Emergency Department.
When he got to Martin, he was surprised to find someone in a positive spirit, thanks to her family.
“I remember walking into your room, and you were there with your son, and it didn’t matter how bad your labs looked, you were just happy and bubbly,” Cunningham said to Martin. “I could tell you were going to be a mom to him before anything else.”
Martin said while she was far away from the rest of her family, she found Cunningham to be an extension of her family. As she prepared for surgery, she said he was there to comfort her and help her through the process.
“Every time there was an uncomfortable, or a scary moment – and there were a lot of scary moments – whenever he would come in the room with that smile, I was like, ‘He’s here!’” Martin said.
Martin and Cunningham were reunited at the Legacy Teachers Celebration. Martin said afterward that watching a video of their story during the event was emotional, and she was grateful to see Cunningham again and discuss their experiences.
For Cunningham, the event was important to connect himself with his purpose as a future physician.
“This is so special to be able to reflect on everything that has happened over the last year. It’s kind of rare to be able to meet patients that you’ve cared for,” Cunningham said. “It’s a great chance to reflect on everything and bring the lessons from the last year back to where we are now. It’s powerful, too, because it’s hard to understand what [Martin is] giving to me, and it’s really rewarding to put that into words.”
There is a special connection between a patient and care provider, and at ECU and ECU Health, we’re grateful for medical students who took the time to recognize these important and impactful relationships. The lessons patients have taught the students are memorialized through Legacy Teachers Celebration, and the attributes of care, compassion and communication will be carried with them throughout their medical career.
Each year in early April, ECU Health and HonorBridge, an organization in North Carolina that partners with hospitals, transplant centers and other essential partners to coordinate organ donation, host Pause to Give Life events to honor and reflect on the live-saving act of organ donation.
This year, the Greenville-based event happened Wednesday, April 2 at the flagpole in front of the medical center. Jay Briley, president of ECU Health Medical Center, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of honoring donors, as well as raising awareness for organ donation.
“This morning, we recognize the strength and courage of those waiting,” Briley said. “We honor the hundreds of North Carolina donors and donor families that have so selflessly give the gift of life and healing through organ, eye and tissue donation.”
The ECU Health Police Department raised the Donate Life flag to honor donors, their families, those who are waiting and recipients who have received the gift of life.
Attendees joined the entire health system in a moment of silence at 10:08 a.m., a time significant because one donor can save eight lives.
William Knight, a two-time kidney recipient, former member of the HonorBridge board and advocate for organ donation throughout the community, shared his story and how his life has changed because of the two kidney donations he received with support through HonorBridge.
“I recently got a kidney in September of last year. The first one I had was 13 years ago and at the time I was coaching at DH Conley High School and my kidneys started to fail and I had to step down,” Knight said. “But my mama always told me that in due time, God takes care of everything, you just have to have patience.”
He is now an advocate for organ donation and encourages people that they can make a difference through donation.
“Why not help someone to live a better life to get them out of their misery. Why not be an organ donor? I was skeptical about being an organ donor until I got an organ,” he said. “Every chance I get, I advocate for organ donation. Please, if you get the chance, sign up to be an organ donor,.”
According to the North Carolina Department of Administration, over 4,400 North Carolinians are waiting for a life-saving transplant and more than five million North Carolinians have designated themselves as organ, eye and tissue donors.
Last year, ECU Health had 47 organ donors and transplanted 127 organs, and 30 organs were sent out for research. There were also 76 tissue donors with 157 tissues recovered and 79 eye donors with 108 corneas transplanted and 13 placed for research. ECU Health Medical Center also performed 151 kidney transplants last year.
Those interested in learning about organ donations or interested in becoming an organ donor can visit ECU Health’s donor registration portal or the Donate Life website for more.
Resources
ECU Health Transplant Services
ECU Health Donor Registration Portal
