Michael Waldrum

Dr. Michael Waldrum has served as CEO of ECU Health since 2015, where he leverages his significant expertise and experience managing the clinical operations of hospitals and clinics. In July of 2021, Dr. Waldrum was appointed Dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, where he is responsible for operational aspects of medical school activities.

While serving as Dean and CEO, Dr. Waldrum has actively advocated for Medicaid expansion and solutions to solve other health disparities across eastern North Carolina. He is focused on giving the health care providers of tomorrow the opportunity to work in rural environments.

Dr. Waldrum is a specialist in critical care medicine and pulmonology and is trained in internal medicine. He completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, received a master’s degree in epidemiology from Harvard School of Public Health and earned his MBA from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Waldrum serves on the board of the Association of American Medical Colleges and is chair of the Council of Teaching Hospitals and Health Systems.

Dr. Michael Waldrum, chief executive officer of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, speaks during Match Day on March 18, 2022.

Connect with Dr. Waldrum on LinkedIn

Dr. Michael Waldrum In the News

Recent Stories

110 rural hospital and health system CEOs to know | Becker’s Hospital Review | beckershospitalreview.com
ECU Health and Acadia break ground on behavioral health hospital | WITN, WNCT, Becker’s, Yahoo Finance and more
Patients, Doctors, and Local Leaders Share Challenges of Accessing Health Care in Rural Communities | Committee on Ways and Means | waysandmeans.house.gov

Recent Appearances

Raise the Line Podcast | Creating a Model for Healthcare in Rural America

Quotables

Rural Health Care to Save Rural Communities:

“Hospitals are the lifeblood of rural communities, fueling the economy by serving as an employer while also ensuring the health and wellness of their employees by providing their care. From young parents needing labor and delivery services to retired individuals needing reliable primary care, the people in our communities want to know they will have continued access to care.”

Working Together to Solve Complex Problems:

“Rural health care faces unique challenges that require innovative solutions, specifically the impacts of a global pandemic combined with a high burden of disease, shortage of behavioral health resources, vast geographical areas, traditionally underserved communities and a high reliance on government pay. ECU Health strives to sustain quality rural health care by building, educating and nurturing the next generation of health professionals through a variety of programs and thoughtful partnerships.”