ECU Health

Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and Dean of the Brody School of Medicine, joins the program to discuss the healthcare system’s role in serving residents throughout eastern North Carolina. He explores the challenges of delivering care in rural communities, the unique healthcare needs of the region, and ongoing projects and initiatives designed to address emerging needs.

Dr. Jason Higginson, Executive Dean of the Brody School of Medicine and Chief Health Officer at ECU Health, joins the conversation to discuss the mission and role of the medical school in eastern North Carolina. Topics include the expansion of medical education facilities, academic programs and specialties, emerging technologies, and efforts to address health disparities in rural and underserved communities.

This episode features Dr. Mary Catherine Turner, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at ECU Health Medical Center and the Brody School of Medicine. She discusses the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program and its 50 years of educating and training physicians while serving the healthcare needs of eastern North Carolina.

Dr. Matthew Colna Emily Knight (VAD Coordinator) shown with LVAD attendees Dr. Matthew Colna, Chief of Heart Failure and Medical Director at East Carolina University, and Emily Knight, VAD Coordinator at ECU Health Medical Center, discuss the LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device), a device that can support patients with advanced heart failure. They explain how the LVAD program works and the comprehensive support available to patients throughout their treatment journey.

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Ms. Noemi Rivera, Director of the TEDI BEAR Clinic at ECU Health, and Dr. Matthew Ledoux, Pediatrician-in-Chief at ECU Health, join the show to discuss the clinic’s vital services. As one of the largest child advocacy centers in North Carolina, the TEDI BEAR Clinic plays a critical role in supporting and protecting children and their families.

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Brenda Leigh, Director of Lifestyle Medicine at ECU Health, returns to the show to share practical advice on healthy living and making smarter food choices. She also discusses the services and programs offered through the clinic to support long-term wellness.

Dr. Ben Degner, Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiac Surgery, and Dr. Samuel Sears, Professor of Psychology and the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the Brody School of Medicine and ECU Health, join host Mark Woodson to discuss heart health. The conversation explores testing, screening, evaluation, and treatment options for cardiovascular disease, while also highlighting the emotional and personal impact heart conditions have on patients and their families.

Dr. Peter Jones, a Vitreoretinal Surgeon at ECU Health and Associate Professor at the Brody School of Medicine, talks about diabetes and its impact on vision. He explains his role as a retina specialist in managing and treating diabetic retinopathy.