As noted during Sampson Regional Medical Center’s 75th anniversary celebration last month, the hospital remains one of just a few independent community hospitals in the state. As such, the hospital is recognizing National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 20.
A press release from SRMC stated that this year’s observance “holds special meaning” as the hospital continues its 75th anniversary celebration all year long. “Since opening its doors in 1950, the hospital has remained steadfast in its mission to provide compassionate, accessible, and high-quality healthcare right here at home,” the press release reads.
While rural hospitals often struggle for funding and adequate staffing, SRMC leaders see the rural setting as a positive attribute. “What makes rural health care special is the personal connection,” explained Chief Nursing Officer Tammy King. “We know our patients; they are our neighbors, our teachers, our friends. When you care for people you see in the grocery store or at church, it deepens your sense of purpose. It’s about caring for the whole person, not just their condition.”
SRMC works to ensure that county residents don’t have to travel far to receive quality health care — and has done so since the hospital opened in 1950.
“For 75 years, our hospital has been a cornerstone of this community,” said Dr. Shawn Howerton, CEO and chief medical officer for SRMC. “National Rural Health Day reminds us of the unique role we play in ensuring that quality healthcare is available close to home. Our commitment goes beyond providing care; it’s about building relationships, supporting families, and strengthening the health of our community for generations to come.”
Employees throughout the hospital system also shared their sense of pride in working for a rural hospital like SRMC. “Serving in a rural hospital gives you the opportunity to care for all kinds of patients, and that variety keeps us sharp,” said Chief Resident Dr. Matthew Ammons. “You learn to adapt, think on your feet, and work as a team.”
Dr. Ammons is of course, part of the hospital’s Family Medicine Residency Program, which is operated in partnership with the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. “We’re able to recruit and retain young doctors because they came here, loved it and they wanted to stay,” Hospitalist Dr. Subodh Pal shared in an October interview with The Sampson Independent.
Both Dr. Allison Matte and her husband, Andrew Matte, RN, are examples of this. Dr. Allison Matte completed SRMC’s Family Medicine Residency program and is now a faculty member in family medicine, practicing at Sampson Medical Group of Clinton, and also guides future residents. In addition to being a registered nurse, her husband is a 13-year Navy veteran currently serving as a Nurse Corps Officer in the Navy Reserve and is an ICU nurse at SRMC, among other roles within the hospital. “When we came to Clinton from Madison Heights, Michigan, we were not expecting to make Clinton our home, but the community connection and the sense of family are what drew us to stay,” shared Dr. Matte.
Dr. Pal added that the physicians at SRMC don’t often send patients to larger hospitals, like UNC Health sends patients to Chapel Hill or ECU Health sends patients to Greenville. “The advantage is, we can actually take care of sicker patients here because we’re comfortable with that and we have the support from the staff that’s here to do that. We’re not having to transfer everyone who’s complicated to a bigger facility for the treatment they need. That means they get to see their family members, since they’re here locally.”
A lot of small town folks have a “phobia” of going to larger cities like Wilmington or Raleigh and fighting the traffic, he pointed out. “They’re much more comfortable if they’re able to stay here for their care.”
In addition to the residency program, the hospital partners with local community colleges to develop pathways for nursing, allied health, and technical careers. These collaborations help nurture local talent and provide students with opportunities to train and build lasting careers right here at home.
“Recruitment in rural communities can be challenging, so building connections early with students and residents has helped with retention of staff who are trained to meet the needs of our growing community,” stated Howerton.
Despite three-quarters of a century providing care to Sampson citizens, the hospital remains committed to its original mission and vision, Dr. Howerton said.
“Our mission has always been about more than just health care,” shared Howerton. “It’s about being here for our community — past, present, and future.”
For more information on the hospital’s history, visit www.SampsonRMC.org/75thAnniversary.