Greenville Reporter

ECU Health, the healthcare system serving eastern North Carolina, reflected on a year of significant achievements in 2024. The organization reported advancements in clinical care, recruitment efforts, access to services, academic growth, and national recognition. These developments underscore its commitment to improving health outcomes for rural communities in the region.

"At ECU Health, 2024 was a successful year marked by groundbreaking innovations, impactful collaborations and significant achievements that solidify our position as a national model for rural health care," said Dr. Michael Waldrum, ECU Health CEO and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

Dr. Waldrum emphasized the dedication of their team members: "From advancing academic excellence and clinical innovation to expanding access to care, these milestones reflect the unwavering dedication and hard work of our exceptional team members. As an exciting new year begins, we remain committed to building on this momentum to address the unique health care needs of our communities with a focus on meeting our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina."

Among the notable highlights from 2024 were several key initiatives and recognitions. ECU Health celebrated its first graduating class from the Rural Family Medicine Residency Program while also planning future expansions. The organization invested in research with innovative technologies such as BEAR Implant, FARAPULSE, and EluPro BioEnvelope to improve patient outcomes.

The system received prestigious designations including becoming a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center—the only one in eastern North Carolina—and earning Electrophysiology Lab accreditation along with Magnet designation for nursing excellence.

Further accomplishments included receiving The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for brain tumor care at ECU Health Medical Center; strengthening networks with new facilities like Outer Banks Health Cancer Center; record recruitment of medical professionals; expansion in primary care access; initiation of fellowships in Electrophysiology and American Sign Language; groundbreaking for Brody School's new Center for Medical Education aimed at increasing student intake; and recognition from the American Psychiatric Association for ECU’s NC-STeP program.

For more detailed information about these milestones from 2024 visit ECUHealth.org/YearInReview2024.