A local initiative is helping residents rethink how they shop for food. The Penny Pinchers Health Grocery Store Tours, led by the Pitt Partners for Health Coalition, shows that healthy eating does not have to be expensive. Through hands-on grocery store tours and practical budgeting strategies, the program equips participants with the tools to make healthier choices without overspending.
Healthy eating is crucial to long-term well-being, helping to prevent chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart conditions. While cost is often seen as a barrier, nutritious diets can be affordable with smart planning. According to the Pew Research Center, roughly 70 percent of Americans say the increased cost of healthy food in recent years has made it more difficult to eat healthy.
Despite rising food prices, making informed choices and cooking at home can dramatically reduce expenses while boosting health, according to Qua’Tavia White, community health improvement coordinator at ECU Health.
Founded through the long-standing Pitt Partners for Health Coalition, the Penny Pinchers Program is powered by a grant from The Duke Endowment’s “Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas” initiative. While ECU Health Medical Center is one of the coalition’s organizations, the program itself is community-led, with volunteers from across Pitt County driving its success.
“This is a coalition effort,” said White. “We have partners from all over the county helping lead it and we are grateful to our local Food Lions for allowing us to host this program at their stores.”
At the heart of Penny Pinchers is the $15 challenge, a hands-on grocery store tour designed to teach participants how to shop smart and eat healthily on a tight budget. Led by volunteers like De’Vette Thomas, a community health improvement manager at ECU Health, the tours take place at rotating Food Lion locations across Pitt County.
Each session begins with a brief orientation followed by a guided walk through the store. Participants learn how to use unit pricing to compare products, read nutrition labels, identify healthier options using Food Lion’s Guiding Stars system and understand the value of frozen, canned and fresh produce. After the educational portion, participants are given a $15 gift card and challenged to build a complete, healthy meal.
“The rules are to stay under budget and include at least three of four key components: a healthy protein, grain, fruit, dairy, and vegetable,” said Thomas. “Deli meats and processed items like bacon are off-limits for the challenge due to them not having any Guiding Stars and being high in sodium and fat. Participants are encouraged to eat from this food group less often. We want people to know they can eat healthily and still not spend a lot of money. It’s about teaching them how to get the most bang for their buck.”
Tours typically host 10-13 participants, with special sessions tailored for groups like public health students, senior clubs or the Diabetes Prevention Program at the Pitt County Health Dept. The program runs at least once a month, sometimes twice, depending on community demand.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants often share photos of their meals and complete pre and post surveys to help organizers measure impact. One participant, Lydia Best, described her experience as “fantastic.”
“I enjoyed meeting the other people who were there as well as all the information we were given,” said Best. “I had never noticed those stars at Food Lion for how to shop in a healthier fashion. We shared so much information between each other. It was fabulous.”
Best recalled the challenge of creating a balanced meal with the $15 gift card.
“I had chicken and broccoli, and I grilled it on top of the stove–nothing fried,” she said. “It was good, and my husband enjoyed it too.”
She emphasized the importance of programs like Penny Pinchers in helping people realize that healthy eating is possible on a budget.
“A lot of people feel that they cannot eat healthy on a budget, and this proves that they can,” Best said. “Just knowing how to choose the right foods and even getting ideas for preparation makes a difference. It’s important to take time to shop for nourishment, and people need to know they can do this and have fun doing it.”
Best praised the volunteers who led the tour, describing them as “knowledgeable and friendly,” and encouraged others to take part.
“I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to participate in Penny Pinchers to do so,” Best said. “It’s worthwhile. It will open your eyes and help you see that you can eat healthy on a budget.”
Both Thomas and White are passionate about debunking the myth that healthy eating is unaffordable.
“People say it’s expensive to be healthy,” White said. “But this program shows that’s not necessarily true.”
By combining education, empowerment and community support, Penny Pinchers is helping residents in eastern North Carolina rethink their relationship with food and proving that with the right tools, anyone can be a health-conscious shopper.
To register, contact De’Vette Thomas at 252-847-6497 or [email protected].
Greenville, N.C. – Twenty-five ECU Health nurses from five ECU Health hospitals have been named part of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina by the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina Board of Directors, honoring their outstanding professional ability and contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This marks the highest number of ECU Health nurses honored as Great 100 Nurses in a single year.
“With over 4,000 nurses across our system, ECU Health is proud to celebrate the exceptional caregivers who embody our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina,” said Trish Baise, chief nursing executive, ECU Health. “Each nurse honored in the Great 100, and those recognized in years past, represents the skill, compassion and advocacy that define our nursing team. Their dedication is a powerful affirmation of the extraordinary care our communities receive every day.”
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.
“Every day, our nurses bring skill and unwavering dedication to our patients and families of eastern North Carolina,” said Pam Rudisill, vice president of Nursing Excellence, ECU Health. “Having 25 ECU Health nurses named among the 2025 Great 100 Nurses is a powerful testament to the exceptional care they provide and a meaningful reminder to our community that we are here to care for them.”
ECU Health has built a strong culture of nursing excellence which is the backbone of patient-centered care. Last year, ECU Health Medical Center earned Magnet® recognition for its third consecutive accrediting period, awarded every four years and represents the highest national honor for professional nursing practice. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence and is considered the gold standard for nursing excellence.
ECU Health will be rolling out stories highlighting each nurse in the coming weeks at ECUHealth.org/Newsroom. The ECU Health nurses chosen as Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina in
2025 are:
- Elizabeth Arnold, BSN, RN, CNOR(E)
- M. Dustin Bass, DNP, MHA, RN
- Britney Beeker, BSN, RN
- April Bracy, BSN, RN-BC
- Sheena Bunch, BSN, RN, VA-BC
- Allison Castelloe, RN, MSN
- Anne Chadwick RN, BSN
- Elaine L. Cudnik, DNP, CPNP-AC/PC
- Kathryn Freeman, RNC-OB
- Christy Harding, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC
- Robin Lanier BSN, RN
- Katherine Low, BSN, RN-BC
- Claire McFadyen, BSN, RN
- Connie R. Midgette RN, BSN
- Wendolyn Minton, BSN, RN, CEN
- Randy Mintz, ADN, RN, CEN
- Kaili Nixon, MSN, RN
- Victoria McIntosh Respess, MSN, ANP-BC
- Rebecca Simmons DNP, AGCNS-BC, APRN
- Stephanie Smith, BSN, RN
- Angela Still, MSN RN
- Megan Tripp, BSN, RN
- Gloria Waters, RN, RN-BC
- Sharon Watford, BSN, RN-BC
- Lindsey Woodlief, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Tom Stanley, manager in Marketing and Communications, discovered the importance of advance care planning (ACP) one afternoon at swim practice.
“My parents were in town to visit the grandkids and dad’s heart suddenly stopped,” Tom shared. “It just so happened there were two physicians right there and they got CPR going immediately.”
Tom’s father, Bill, was transported to ECU Health Medical Center, where he was admitted for testing. During a stress test, his heart stopped for a second time.
“The doctors brought him back and declared him an official heart patient,” Tom said. “He ended up staying in the hospital for several weeks after needing a bypass surgery and a pacemaker.”
During this unexpected event, Tom discovered that his dad had already completed his advanced directives, a step that removed a great deal of worry for Tom and his family because his dad was able to communicate his preferences for care.
Advance care planning, which gives adults the opportunity to plan and record their health care choices in situations where they are unable to communicate what they want, can be a tricky topic to discuss, said Ellie Ward, advance care planning coordinator. As a patient-centered health care system, ECU Health supports informed and shared decision making for our patients and their families.
Two primary advance directive documents Ellie recommended that all adults complete are the
HCPOA and a living will, because the conversations surrounding a person’s wishes are key.
“There is so much nuance around understanding someone’s care preferences,” Ellie said. “Being able to ask clarifying questions is key. For example, if someone says, ‘I don’t want to be a burden to my family,’ do they mean a financial burden? An emotional burden? That’s why these conversations are the cornerstone to good advance care planning.”
“Dad had a stroke 10 years ago, and he put together his health care power of attorney and living will at that time,” Tom explained. “Having everything in place – and knowing what he wanted – allowed us to focus on what the doctors were saying, what he was saying and spending time together ahead of a serious surgery rather than completing these in the midst of all that was going on.”
“It’s not often that family members all agree on a course of treatment if there’s been no prior discussion,” Ellie said. “That can create friction in an already stressful situation. This paperwork, and the conversations around each person’s preferences, gives you and your family peace of mind. You are preparing others to represent your wishes, and it allows you to be the captain of your own ship.”
Witnessing his father’s situation helped Tom realize the importance of having these conversations and completing these documents before the unexpected.
“This turned on the lightbulb for me,” he said. “I realized that it’s necessary because, not only do you make your wishes known, but you also provide comfort and reduce stress for your family, so they don’t have to do this later without you.”
Tom contacted Ellie about how to complete his own HCPOA and living will documents, a task that ended up being seamless and easy after he accessed the ECU Health Advance Care Planning website. The site offers information and step-by-step instructions in the downloadable toolkit. The process is free, does not require an attorney, and can be uploaded to one’s electronic health record. Ellie also noted that people can reach out to her team for information.
“I want people to know that they can request assistance or support, and our team will step up to help them,” Ellie said. “They can also come to any of the free community educational events across our 29 county service area to learn more.”
However, many people don’t recognize the value of the ACP process, or they don’t understand the difference between an HCPOA and a legal power of attorney, or a living will and a last will and testament.
“People think they don’t need to pay attention to advance care planning because they already have a will, or they don’t have a lot of property. But there’s a difference because an HCPOA and living will address health care needs and a POA and last will and testament handle property and money,” Ellie explained.
Specifically, an HCPOA identifies the person or people a patient wants to step in and represent their medical decisions to the health care team. Ellie was sure to clarify that the designated individuals represent the patient’s wishes, not making decisions for the patient.
A living will is a declaration of one’s desire for a natural death and is only in play if two physicians agree the patient is actively dying. The living will determines what care the patient does and does not want to receive at the end of life.
Providing education about ACP earlier in patients’ health care journeys is key, Ellie said, because it empowers our patients, promotes shared decision making and supports patient-centered care, which are essential to ensuring ECU Health’s mission.
“We want to host these conversations early on to make sure we’re aligning the care we provide to the goals of each person,” she said. “This is not just for acute incidents or the chronically ill – it’s for everyone.”
Tom’s father is in cardiac rehabilitation and doing well now, and Tom’s own HCPOA and living will paperwork is complete and on file. That, and the conversations he had with his family, have prepared them to honor his wishes for care.
“You never know what might happen,” he said. “We didn’t expect my dad’s heart to stop, or for him to be in the hospital, but knowing his wishes for medical care was so valuable. Now I’m an advocate for ACP.”
Greenville, N.C. – Dr. Sharona Johnson, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, NE-C, FAANP the Executive Director of Advanced Clinical Practice for ECU Health, Family Nurse Practitioner at ECU Nephrology and Hypertension and adjunct faculty at ECU College of Nursing has been inducted as a 2025 Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP). This distinguished honor recognizes Dr. Johnson’s significant contributions to the Nurse Practitioner (NP) profession and her dedication to advancing high-quality health care and nursing education.
“I am honored to be selected as a 2025 Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners,” said Dr. Johnson. “This recognition affirms the significance of our work as nurse practitioners and the impact we can make in advancing health care. I look forward to contributing alongside an inspiring group of professionals as we strive to elevate the NP role and enhance patient care globally.”
Dr. Johnson’s selection coincides with the 25th anniversary of the FAANP program, which was established in 2000 to honor nurse practitioners’ commitment to leadership, advocacy, and mentorship. As a FAANP fellow, Dr. Johnson will actively contribute her expertise through roles such as mentoring, committee involvement, journal contribution and global advancement of the NP. Dr. Johnson joins a distinguished cohort of accomplished NPs who have made a lasting impact on the profession and their communities.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Sharona Johnson for her well-deserved recognition as a 2025 Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “Her dedication to research and patient care exemplifies the level of excellence we strive for at ECU Health. This honor not only reflects her individual achievements but also underscores the caliber of health care professionals within our organization. Dr. Johnson’s work is a shining example of our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
Dr. Johnson brings nearly 35 years of nursing experience to her roles, having served nationally as a bedside nurse, flight nurse, and intensive care nurse. She holds a BSN from South Dakota State University and earned both her MSN and PhD in Nursing from East Carolina University. She is a passionate advocate for nurses, mentoring those pursuing advanced degrees and fostering professional growth across the field. She has a scholarship for nurses in her mother’s honor for graduate nursing students attending ECU College of Nursing. Her professional affiliations include the American Nurses Association, North Carolina Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Nephrology Nurses Association, and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Medical Board, chairs the Joint Subcommittee of the North Carolina Board of Nursing and is a member of the ECU Board of Visitors. She is past chair of the Center for Family Violence Prevention in Greenville.
Dr. Johnson teaches part time at ECU’s College of Nursing and was sponsored in the FAANP process by Dr. Michelle Skipper, the director of the CON’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP and Family NP specialties, and Dr. Bim Akintade, dean of the College of Nursing.
“Michelle and I both suggested that Sharona undertake the process for this honor because she is an important part of the faculty and her dedication to Pirate Nursing, and our shared profession, is unwavering,” Akintade said. “We helped shepherd her through the nomination process and were there in San Diego to welcome her at the induction ceremony as a FAANP.”
The FAANP program honors outstanding leaders in the NP profession who have made a global impact. Through volunteering, mentoring, and advancing the NP role, FAANP members support the AANP’s mission of developing future NP leaders and advancing high-quality health care. For more information about the FAANP program, visit here.
This summer, two local teens from Pitt and Greene Counties, Madelyn Sutter and Kade McLawhorn, traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent North Carolina at the Children’s Congress, a national advocacy event hosted by Breakthrough T1D. Both ECU Health patients living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) since early childhood, Sutter and McLawhorn joined over 170 youth delegates from across the country to speak directly with lawmakers about the importance of renewing the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), which funds critical research and technology for T1D.
Sutter, 17, is a rising senior and intern at ECU Health Medical Center’s pediatric pharmacy through ECU Health and Pitt County Schools Health Sciences Academy, a high school curriculum program designed to expose and prepare students who wish to pursue health care-related careers upon graduation. Diagnosed at age three, Sutter has spent the last 14 years navigating life with T1D and now serves as a youth ambassador for Breakthrough T1D.
McLawhorn, 15, is entering 10th grade and is a three-sport athlete who loves the outdoors. He was diagnosed at age four and has been active in the diabetes community ever since. He also serves as a youth ambassador for Breakthrough T1D.
Both teens are passionate about advocacy and were thrilled to be selected for the Children’s Congress. They were two of the five delegates from North Carolina.
“It was a really cool experience to help advocate for things that matter and apply to my life personally,” said McLawhorn. “Not a lot of people get in, so it felt special to be part of something so important.”
During their time in D.C., Sutter and McLawhorn met with staffers from Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd’s offices and visited Representative Greg Murphy’s and Rep. Don Davis’s offices. Their goal was to urge lawmakers to support the renewal of the SDP, which is set to expire in September.
“We were the faces of the program,” Sutter said. “Everyone wants to hear kids’ stories, and we were that personal connection to show how this funding directly helps us.”
Sutter shared with lawmakers how her life has changed thanks to SDP-funded advancements.
“I used to give myself shots constantly,” said Sutter. “Now I use an automated insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. It’s still a 24/7 job, but these tools make being a teenager with diabetes a lot easier.”
One of the highlights for both teens was meeting celebrities who also live with T1D. Delegates attended a meet-and-greet with actors, athletes and influencers who have turned their diagnosis into a source of strength.
“It was so cool to meet people you see on TV and realize they deal with the same stuff we do,” McLawhorn said.
Sutter and McLawhorn’s bond goes beyond Congress. They have known each other for years through Camp Needles in the Pines, a camp for kids with T1D hosted by the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and ECU Health. Sutter’s mom, who is also McLawhorn’s endocrinologist, serves as the camp’s medical director.
“We’ve grown up together,” Sutter said. “He’s like my diabetes little brother.”
McLawhorn echoed the sentiment.
“We’ve gone to camp together for a long time and have just been good friends since then,” said McLawhorn. “It’s great having someone like Maddie who understands what it’s like.”
At camp, the kids enjoy swimming, archery, kayaking and arts and crafts, all while being supported by medical professionals who understand T1D.
“It’s comforting for parents and empowering for kids,” Sutter added. “You may be the only person in your school with diabetes, but camp reminds you that you’re never alone.”
Both Sutter and McLawhorn are determined to continue advocating for T1D awareness and support.
“I love public speaking,” Sutter said. “This was my chance to share my story and be a voice for others.”
“There’s not a day I’m not learning, and I’m beyond where I thought I’d be a year ago.”
That’s what Dr. Jan Lopes, second-year fellow in the ECU Health’s Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship, said about his experience thus far. The first of its kind at ECU Health, and the first accredited electrophysiology program in this region, the electrophysiology (EP) fellowship only accepts one fellow a year. Dr. Lopes is halfway through his two-year fellowship, and a new fellow, Dr. Jeffrey Foley, began in July.
Filling a need
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.
The goal is to address the shortage of electrophysiologists in the nation, but specifically to train and retain physicians in eastern North Carolina.
Dr. Ghanshyam Shantha
“As heart rhythm disorders increase in prevalence, it’s feels good to be a part of something that will help support the needs of those in our community,” shared Mamie McCray, the ECU Department of Cardiovascular Services Fellowship Program Coordinator. “This experience has been fruitful, and I look forward to more exceptional outcomes as we grow.”
Dr. Ghanshyam Shantha, the new program director for the fellowship, is excited to work with the fellows. “Both Jan and Jeff are great with patients and natural learners,” he said. “I consider myself privileged to mentor young minds and help them see their dreams come true.”
“The first year involves significant growth and adaptation,” said Dr. Rajasekhar Nekkanti, the fellowship’s associate program director. “Fellows transition from general cardiology to a demanding subspecialty, facing new environments and board exams. The program builds knowledge and competency incrementally. In the initial months, fellows focus on procedures like pacemaker and ICD implants and less complex ablation procedures. As skills develop, they progress to more complex procedures.”
One year in
Dr. Jan Lopes
Now that he’s halfway through the fellowship, Dr. Lopes said he’s learned a lot by being a trail blazer.
“I was the first fellow and that’s been fortunate because I’ve been able to tailor this program to what I need. The faculty are open and flexible, and while there are guidelines to be followed, there’s a lot I can choose from and try. The level of freedom I’ve been given has provided me a lot of hands-on experience.”
Having a diverse faculty – both in when and where they studied – has also been influential.
“This means I get to see different ways of doing things. It has helped me be more resourceful because I’ve been trained in multiple ways.”
That support has prepared Dr. Lopes for a fulfilling future in cardiology.
“This is a program in demand at a large hospital with a significant patient population. In this fellowship, I can focus on my education. I have a great support system, and the work is meaningful. I’m confident that after graduation I’ll be fully capable of caring for my patients in Texas.”
It was a sign
Dr. Jeffrey Foley, a California native who completed his fellowship in general cardiology in Kentucky, began his fellowship in July. Like Dr. Lopes, he happened upon this fellowship by chance.
Dr. Jeffrey Foley
“My wife’s family always goes to Holden Beach [North Carolina] every year for a family vacation, and we’ve driven through North Carolina many times before,” he shared. “A year or so ago, we were driving through and a billboard for ECU Health Medical Center caught our attention. We’d never heard of ECU Health before. When I was applying for fellowships, I applied to ECU Health. It was perfect because we were already familiar with the area and love it here. And we like Greenville’s vibe with the college and lots of activities.”
Dr. Foley said he was drawn to electrophysiology after learning about fluid and electromagnetic physics.
“I love the technology. It makes sense to me, and I love being able to get in there, find the problem and solve it with instant gratification.”
He hopes the fellowship will give him many hands-on opportunities.
“I anticipate the first year being about becoming a confident, independent provider,” he said. “I want to do all the procedures and use the equipment smoothly and without hiccups. In the second year I hope to fine-tune those skills.”
“The program hopes to produce expert clinicians and empathetic caregivers, especially in underserved areas and rural settings, where access to specialized electrophysiology care can be limited,” said Dr. Nekkanti. “This includes patient-centered care, efficient resource use and research participation to address community need.”
In the future, Dr. Shantha and Dr. Nekkanti hope to expand the program further, including increasing clinical research, establishing the clinic as an Atrial Fibrillation Center for Excellence and representing ECU and ECU Health at international conferences.
As an obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. David Ryan has stood alongside families through some of their most vulnerable and life-changing moments. He has delivered hope, healing and new beginnings to countless mothers and families across eastern North Carolina. Over time, he began to see a heartbreaking pattern, one he could no longer ignore.
More and more, Dr. Ryan witnessed the struggle of pregnant patients battling addiction. He saw mothers often stigmatized, overlooked and lacking access to specialized care. He knew that if the system was not working for them, something needed to change. In pursuit of a solution, he completed an addiction medicine fellowship in 2021 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and returned home to Greenville, determined to transform care for these patients.
Now serving at ECU Health as both an OBGYN and addiction medicine provider, all while teaching future physicians as a clinical assistant professor at the Brody School of Medicine, Dr. Ryan is helping lead changes in perinatal care.
The need for change is staggering. For patients with substance use disorders who are pregnant or have recently given birth, pregnancy and the postpartum period can be critical. Without support, many are left navigating recovery alone, placing both mother and baby at risk.
“In North Carolina in 2018 and 2019, one out of every four pregnancy-related deaths was an overdose,” said Dr. Ryan. “Seventy-five percent of all the deaths occur in the postpartum period.”
Those sobering statistics spurred Dr. Ryan and ECU Health into action. Dr. Ryan recently helped establish the ECU Health IMPACT Clinic, transforming care for pregnant patients with substance use disorders in eastern North Carolina. IMPACT stands for Integrated Model of Perinatal Addiction Care and Treatment, and it represents a patient-centered approach that brings obstetric and addiction services together in one place.
This integrated model, Dr. Ryan says, is designed to eliminate the stigma and fragmentation that often prevent pregnant individuals from seeking help.
“Patients who are pregnant encounter stigma when they have substance use disorders,” said Dr. Ryan. “It can be extraordinarily challenging to get treatment anywhere, but particularly in certain addiction clinics. It can be really hard to walk in there when you’re pregnant.”
By embedding addiction services directly into ECU Health’s outpatient obstetrics clinic, the IMPACT Clinic offers a safe, welcoming environment where patients can receive evidence-based care without judgment.
“What we are seeking to do and what we are doing is offering both obstetric and addiction care in the same setting, in the same visit, at the same time,” said Dr. David Ryan.
The clinic’s holistic approach goes beyond medical treatment. Patients have access to lactation consultants who help navigate breastfeeding while on medication, social workers who assist with housing and transportation, and mental health providers who address co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety.
“With addiction comes mental health, and with mental health needs oftentimes comes addiction,” says Dr. Ryan. “There’s a large amount of overlap, so not only are we able to address the addiction, but if there’s underlying mental health needs, we can address that too.”
One of the clinic’s most important innovations is its team-based care model. Rather than seeing multiple providers in disconnected settings, patients are supported by a coordinated team of addiction medicine specialists, OB-GYNs, and high-risk pregnancy experts.
“To the patient, it’s all happening at one place,” Dr. Ryan said. “They feel like everybody has been a part of their team.”
Patients with opioid use disorder are 24 times more likely to die from overdose in the year after delivery. Recognizing this vulnerability, the IMPACT Clinic continues care after childbirth, offering telehealth and in-person follow-ups to maintain addiction treatment and mental health support.
“Just because they’re no longer pregnant does not mean that their time with the IMPACT Clinic has to end,” said Dr. Ryan.
ECU Health’s support of the IMPACT Clinic fills a critical gap in the region. It is the first and only perinatal addiction program in eastern North Carolina, joining just five others across the state.
“There’s a huge need in our community,” Dr. Ryan said. “Our ultimate goal is just to improve the health and well-being of the patients of eastern North Carolina.”
At its heart, the IMPACT Clinic is about more than medicine, it is about trust, dignity and healing.
“We work with patients who are pregnant with substance use disorders to give them a place where they can be honest, where they don’t feel like they’re judged, where they can seek out whatever care, help, treatment that they think they want,” Dr. Ryan said. “And ultimately, we look forward to just being a part of people’s journey and improving people’s lives.”
Ruth McCorkle spent years traveling around the world during retirement on solo trips and trips with friends. In September 2023, her traveling was put on pause when unexpectedly learned she had serious kidney issue. Within days, she was placed on peritoneal dialysis (PD), which meant being hooked to a machine every night.
“I was kind of trapped to my machine every night,” said McCorkle. “I have been a traveler during my corporate career and since I retired, and I really enjoyed traveling with friends and by myself. Given that I went through a box of fluid every night, which is about two and a half gallons of fluid, it was logistically a nightmare.”
At age 74, sitting at home for dialysis each night was not how she envisioned her golden years.
“I’m cognizant that I have fewer years left to me than I have already lived, but that I come from a sturdy and long-living matriarchal line. I may have 20 more years, and I want to make the best of them,” said McCorkle. “Sitting home, waiting for my time to hook up to the machine is not making the best use of my life. Even with PD, my energy lagged, and I felt like I was in a fog most of the time. I was just staying alive, not really living.”
McCorkle was placed on the kidney transplant list.
After a year and a half on dialysis and two false-alarm calls as a transplant backup, her life changed again, this time for the better. One morning, she got the call: a kidney was available.
“They called at 11 a.m. and asked if I could be there by 2 p.m.,” McCorkle said. “I called my son, and he was all excited. My grandkids got all excited. And when I woke up the next morning, I had a new kidney.”
It was only fitting that McCorkle, who loves travelling, was given a new lease on life thanks to commercial aviation. The kidney arrived on a commercial flight from New York, thanks to LiveOnNY, transported in a LifePort Kidney Transporter, a specialized device that pumps a cold liquid solution to improve the organ’s condition prior to transplant. Unlike traditional methods, where kidneys are typically transported on ice in coolers, the LifePort Kidney Transporter offers active preservation and monitoring, potentially doubling storage time and increasing the number of viable organs available for patients. The LifePort Kidney Transporter also supplies data to assess kidney function throughout the transport.
“Using commercial flights with advanced preservation technology opens doors to more donor organs that might otherwise go unused,” said Dr. David Leeser, professor and chief of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation at ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “It expands the donor pool and gives patients greater hope.”
McCorkle is now feeling much better, and while she’s still recovering and building her stamina back up, she is back to planning future adventures. McCorkle had to cancel a solo trip to Portugal when she began dialysis, but she’s already planning a new one for the fall and a trip to see her family in the Midwest.
McCorkle is grateful to her donor, the care teams and technology that helped her receive a new kidney at 74.
“We take pride in the impact we make on patients’ lives through kidney transplantation,” said Dr. Leeser. “Each organ represents a second chance, and it is our responsibility to ensure every opportunity is honored. We are deeply grateful to the donor and their family for their extraordinary generosity and to LiveOnNY for going above and beyond to help deliver this life-saving kidney to our patient.”
For more information the organ transplant program at ECU Health, please visit ECUHealth.org/Transplant.
Roanoke Rapids, NC — ECU Health North Hospital is proud to announce the installation of a cutting-edge hemodynamic monitoring system in its Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab), marking a significant advancement in cardiovascular care for the Community.
This state-of-the-art technology provides real-time, high-fidelity data on cardiac function and blood flow, enabling clinicians to make faster, more accurate decisions during diagnostic and interventional procedures. The new system enhances patient safety, improves procedural outcomes, and supports the hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.
“This investment reflects our dedication to providing the most advanced tools and technologies to our care teams and patients,” said Dr. Jasdeep Dalawari, Cardiac Interventional Medical Director, at ECU Health North Hospital. “With this new hemodynamic system, we are better equipped to diagnose and treat complex cardiovascular conditions with greater precision and confidence.”
The upgraded system integrates seamlessly with imaging and electronic health record platforms, streamlining workflow and enhancing communication among the interprofessional team. It also supports advanced features such as cardiac output measurement and pressure-volume analysis. These are critical tools in the assessment of heart failure and will assist in the streamline treatment by our Cardiology professionals at ECU Health North Hospital.
ECU Health North Hospital continues to expand its capabilities as a regional leader in cardiovascular care, ensuring that patients in eastern North Carolina have access to the latest innovations close to home.
ECU Health’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program excitedly welcomed 154 new resident physicians and fellows, 26 of whom come from North Carolina medical schools, including 14 graduates from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
The newest class of graduate medical professionals were officially welcomed June 25 at GME orientation day where they learned about ECU Health’s academic system of care and prepared for their first year.
“There’s a lot of positive energy today,” said Dr. Mary Catherine Turner, Associate Dean of GME, during the orientation session. “I can tell they’re all excited to be here in Greenville, to be here at ECU Health, and to start their training. These incoming interns and fellows are our frontline physicians at ECU Health and are critical to our health care delivery system.”
ECU Health has more than 40 residency and fellowship programs that provide comprehensive training in primary care and multiple specialty and sub-specialty disciplines.
In addition to training at ECU Health Medical Center – a 974-bed tertiary care center – physician residents and fellows are exposed to rural communities throughout eastern North Carolina.
For many resident physicians and fellows at ECU Health, there is a deep connection to the rural health care mission.
Incoming hematology-oncology fellow Dr. Rana Mohamed has a legacy connection to ECU Health and eastern North Carolina. Dr. Mohamed is a North Carolina native who completed her internal medicine residency and served as a Chief Resident at ECU Health, and her father did his own internal medicine residency training here more than 20 years ago. Now, she has the opportunity to continue her medical training journey with a patient population she has grown to love.
“The reason I decided to continue my journey here again is the patient population,” said Dr. Mohamed. “We truly have some of the sickest people that I’ve ever met. I’ve done rotations during med school, in my training, and I have never seen the variety of patients that I’ve seen here. And it just gave me such a good training experience that I think, even in fellowship, I’m going to continue to get amazing training here.
Another resident, Dr. Pavran “Pavi” Sahota, was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, and began his medical training at Caribbean Medical University in Curaçao, where he completed both pre-med and medical education. Dr. Sahota completed his clinical rotations in Chicago, where he worked with underserved communities hit hard by the opioid crisis. That experience shaped his commitment to equity and deepened his interest in family medicine.
“A lot of what I saw came down to lack of resources,” Dr. Sahota said. “That’s something I want to help address.”
Drawn to ECU Health’s mission and rural reach, he is excited to begin his residency in Ahoskie as part of the ECU Health Rural Family Medicine Residency Program. The program is uniquely designed to train the next generation of rural family medicine providers by exposing them to the unique needs of rural communities.
“Family medicine lets me relate to people on all levels,” said Dr. Sahota. “No matter where they’re from, I want to meet them where they are.”
Another incoming Rural Family Medicine resident, Dr. Tatiana Davidson, will be located in Duplin County. Dr. Davidson grew up in the small town of Whiteville, North Carolina. It was there that she first witnessed the persistent gaps in health care access within rural communities, particularly around chronic illnesses and health literacy. Those early impressions shaped a lifelong mission.
After earning her medical degree from Loma Linda University in California, Davidson worked as a medical assistant before joining ECU Health’s Duplin Rural Family Medicine Residency Program.
“I was really impressed that rural health care was actually part of the organization’s mission statement,” Dr. Davidson said. “I’ve never seen that before. It made this feel like the right place to be.”
For one incoming family medicine resident, joining the program means coming home.
Dr. Kathryn Outlaw, born and raised in Ahoskie, said, “It’s home. I’ve lived a in a few different places but nowhere else has felt like home like eastern North Carolina does.”