Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to welcome its first class of ophthalmology residents on June 25, 2026, marking another significant milestone in the growth of its Graduate Medical Education programs since its inception 50 years ago. The new ophthalmology residency program will welcome three residents who are set to begin training later this month. The inaugural residency class will be Dr. Vamsee Vemulapalli, Dr. Omar Nusair and Dr. Joseph “Mitch” Clayton.
“ECU Health’s new ophthalmology residency program is an exciting step forward for the health system and the patients we serve,” said Dr. Ann Ostrovsky, chief of ophthalmology, ECU Health. “This program allows us to train skilled ophthalmologists while expanding access to high-quality eye care across eastern North Carolina. It represents a long-term investment in both medical education and the health of our communities, and we are proud to welcome our first residents. We look forward to the impact they will have.”
The ophthalmology department at ECU Health was established in 2023 under the leadership of Dr. Ostrovsky, who prioritized the development of a residency program as a key component of the department’s long-term vision. With support from ECU Health’s Graduate Medical Education leadership, the program quickly gained accreditation and successfully recruited its inaugural class. Interest in the program was strong, and more than 500 applicants competed for three available positions. ECU Health matched with Drs. Vemulapalli, Nusair and Clayton, all of whom bring additional clinical and research experience following dedicated research years.
The four-year residency program includes an initial postgraduate year focused on broad clinical training followed by three years of specialized ophthalmology education. Residents will gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions while working alongside experienced clinicians. In addition to training residents, the program is expected to enhance patient care across the region.
“This milestone reflects 50 years of growth and commitment within ECU Health’s Graduate Medical Education programs,” said Dr. Mary Catherine Brake Turner, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and ECU Health Medical Center. “Launching our first ophthalmology residency program expands training opportunities for future physicians and strengthens access to care for the communities we serve. We are proud to welcome these residents as we continue to grow programs that develop the next generation of physician leaders for eastern North Carolina.”
The program further strengthens educational opportunities for medical students. ECU Health will host students from the Brody School of Medicine and visiting institutions, offering clinical rotations and early exposure to ophthalmology. These experiences help build interest in the specialty and support the program’s future recruitment efforts.
