Greenville Reporter

Fourth-year medical students across the United States, including those from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, learned where they would conduct their residency training on March 21, known as Match Day. The Brody School of Medicine has sustained its reputation as a leader in producing family medicine and primary care physicians. Notably, 47 percent of their class will undertake residencies in primary care fields. This year, 14 students, over 20 percent of the 68 who received matches, will remain in eastern North Carolina to complete their residencies with ECU Health.

Among these students is Sarah Waddell, who celebrated her birthday on Match Day and matched into family medicine at ECU Health Medical Center. "There’s just so many emotions, happy and excited for this new adventure, and getting to stay here and serve eastern North Carolina has always been a dream of mine," Waddell commented on her new journey. She expressed her eagerness to connect with future patients and further her education.

Waddell is an Elizabeth City native and attended Barton College in Wilson. She also matched alongside her best friend from medical school, Micah Lee. Lee, who is from Mount Olive, expressed her excitement about matching in pediatrics at ECU Health. "I grew up in eastern North Carolina, and I really care about the community here," Lee said, noting her passion for influencing young people and contributing to her community.

Jamie Lemons, another new resident, matched in pediatrics with ECU Health. Originally from western North Carolina, Lemons is thrilled to continue serving in a rural setting akin to her upbringing. "I think ECU Health focuses a lot on rural environments and some underserved areas, which is really similar to western North Carolina," Lemons remarked on her residency placement.

Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine, expressed pride in the graduating class. "These students understand what it means to answer the call of becoming a physician," Dr. Waldrum stated, noting the challenges faced during a historic pandemic and commending the qualities that will shape them into compassionate physicians.