LUMBERTON — Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine medical students began their early clinic experience work this month at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, which is a part of Southeastern Health.
During the visits, each student spends three hours with one of SRMC’s 23 hospitalists and may be assigned to interview patients, participate in patient education or shadow the hospitalist performing their clinical duties.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine for their first clinical experience,” said Dr. Robert Hasty, Southeastern Health vice president of medical education and regional associate dean for Campbell University. “I know that the medical students will have an excellent learning experience while helping to care for the amazing patients that we have the pleasure of treating in the southeastern North Carolina community. This also represents a milestone in the transformation of Southeastern Health into a world-class teaching health care organization.”
SRMC is the only site which was selected by CUSOM for this portion of the medical student’s training, which provides them with an introduction into health care at the bedside.
The Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and Southeastern Health announced a partnership on Feb. 19 at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton. The partnership with Southeastern Health would involve training opportunities for third- and fourth-year Campbell medical school students, with additional residency programs provided post-graduation. Students and residents would have the opportunity to train alongside primary care physicians at Southeastern Regional Medical Center as well as primary care physicians and specialists throughout Southeastern Health’s network of 40 affiliates.
Joann Anderson, CEO of Southeastern Health, said Campbell’s mission to prepare community-based osteopathic physicians to care for rural and underserved populations in North Carolina is a good fit for the purpose of her organization.
“I’ve seen the difference that a school like this can bring to a rural community that has huge challenges when it comes to health care needs,” said Anderson. “The mission of this organization and the mission of Campbell University are in alignment. Both organizations have people’s best interest at heart. We willing to commit the resources and meet the challenges in front of us to make sure that people have a better way of life and a hope for a future.”