Let’s face it; healthcare is changing. The current healthcare workforce is aging and the nature of healthcare delivery systems are evolving due to insurance, medical technology and other factors. In this environment, Campbell University is committed to opening North Carolina’s second largest medical school.
In 2013, 162 first-year medical students were welcomed at Leon Levine Hall of Medical Sciences, which is the first building on Campbell University’s new Health Sciences campus in Buies Creek. This means Campbell medical students are part of healthcare teams in five regions of North Carolina, including Fayetteville.
The mission of Campbell University’s Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine is “to educate and prepare community-based osteopathic physicians in a Christian environment to care for the rural and underserved populations in North Carolina, the Southeastern United States and the nation.”
That mission is being fulfilled. “We are thankful to have partners in medical education throughout North Carolina,” says Dr. John M. Kauffman, Jr., Dean of the medical school. “Cape Fear Valley Health in Fayetteville, Southeastern Health in Lumberton, Harnett Health in Dunn, Wayne Memorial in Goldsboro, WakeMed in Raleigh, Sampson Regional in Clinton and Novant Health in Salisbury—along with clinics and practices in these communities—are training the next generation of North Carolina physicians.”
Medical students from Campbell are easy to spot. On the left shoulder of their white coats, they sport a black-and-orange shield. Their class profile is quite diverse. There are students of the Health Professions Scholarship Program from all four branches of the military, Campbell University alumni and North Carolina natives from across the state.
Students hail from California to Maine and cultural backgrounds from across the globe. These students are advocates for quality healthcare and committed to serving those in need through medical missions locally and globally. By this time next year, the inaugural class, CUSOM 2017, will have graduated and will be matched into residency programs where they will complete their medical education in the specialty of their choice.
Campbell University is working with North Carolina community hospitals to establish new residency programs. These new residencies will give graduates of North Carolina medical schools more opportunities to complete their medical education in the state. To date, Campbell has 383 new residency positions approved in twenty programs with seven healthcare organizations including Cape Fear Valley Health, and, as of July 2016, ten of these programs will already be active with over seventy interns, residents and fellows enrolled since 2014.
“North Carolina has a physician shortage and a maldistribution of physicians,” says Dr. Kauffman. “Studies show the geographic location of where physicians complete their medical training has a significant impact on where they go into practice, so Campbell University is committed to working with North Carolina community hospitals to train Campbell physicians in North Carolina communities where they will remain to practice and meet our healthcare need.”
The medical school at Campbell University values teamwork, leadership, professionalism, integrity, diversity and the ethical treatment of all humanity and trains Campbell physicians to care for the mind, body and spirit of their patients.
“We learn whole-patient care,” said Melissa Davies, a Fayetteville native and Campbell University alumna who is among the 40 third-year Campbell medical students at Cape Fear Valley Health. “Being a Campbell physician means this perspective is ingrained as a part of our medical training. When we examine our patients, not only do we consider their acute physical condition, but we also evaluate the cultural, spiritual and community factors that impact their health. Campbell has provided the opportunity for me to complete my medical education in my hometown, which has been invaluable. It gives me a sense of being able to add value to my community."
“We are excited about changing the profile of healthcare in North Carolina,” said Dr. Kauffman. “Campbell physicians will join Campbell attorneys, Campbell pharmacists and Campbell physician assistants throughout out our communities and fill the need for healthcare providers in our state.” The next generations of physicians will include Campbell medical graduates in your community.
By: Sarah H. Bowman, JD
