Sarah Lassiter grew up in Johnston County, watching her father struggle to find a doctor he trusted for his heart condition. “He would visit a new doctor, feel discouraged, and then avoid going back until he was in the hospital again,” she said. This experience motivated her to become a physician in rural North Carolina.
After graduating from Campbell University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lassiter completed her residency at Harnett Health. Now, as a family medicine provider at Cape Fear Valley Primary Care, she connects with patients who may feel wary of the healthcare system.
Remarkably, 65% of doctors trained in North Carolina end up practicing in the state, according to research from the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research.
To further address the need for healthcare professionals in rural areas, Methodist University in Fayetteville will soon welcome its first cohort of medical students. “This school exists because there is a pressing need for healthcare in the region,” says Dr. Hershey Bell, the school’s founding dean.
Other institutions are also stepping up. UNC Pembroke recently launched a doctoral nursing program and plans to open the state’s first public optometry program in 2027. Fayetteville State University is expanding its nursing programs, thanks to a generous donation of $2 million from Cape Fear Valley Health.
Southeastern North Carolina faces significant health challenges. Life expectancy in certain areas is 6 to 10 years less than the state average. The region also has higher rates of diabetes and heart disease. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, many counties in the area have a shortage of primary care and mental health providers.
Dr. Donald Maharty, overseeing residency programs at Cape Fear Valley Health, notes that establishing community-focused medical education can encourage students to stay local for their residencies. Since 2017, more than half of the residency participants have chosen to practice in the area.
Lassiter finds joy in working in Dunn, a small town. Her southern accent helps her connect with the farmers and workers she serves. “They remind me of my dad, who passed away from heart failure last year,” she shares. “I think my experiences helped me build trust with my patients.”
Research shows students are more likely to stay in the communities where they train. Erin Fraher, from the Sheps Center, points out that schools like UNC Pembroke and Fayetteville State focus on recruiting local talent. Fayetteville State has seen 85% of its nursing graduates work in southeastern North Carolina since 2023.
To attract local students, Methodist University is offering scholarships. Their medical school will have annual tuition of $68,500, but support from the community is helping reduce the burden. Cape Fear Valley Health has even created a loan repayment program for graduates who choose to work there.
This community-based strategy aims to create a sustainable healthcare workforce. By connecting students with local needs, schools hope to improve health outcomes in the region, creating a positive ripple effect.
As Dr. Bell puts it, “Students will learn that their work in medicine can impact entire communities.” With all these efforts combined, southeastern North Carolina aims to cultivate a strong healthcare workforce that truly understands the needs of its people.
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Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine,New Year New You,January 2026,Morgan Casey
