The Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine welcomed prospective students, community members, healthcare partners, and local leaders to campus Thursday for an Open House showcasing the University’s newest academic program and state-of-the-art medical education facility.
The Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine welcomed prospective students, community members, healthcare partners, and local leaders to campus Thursday for an Open House showcasing the University’s newest academic program and state-of-the-art medical education facility.
Throughout the afternoon, hundreds of guests explored classrooms, simulation labs, and clinical skills spaces while learning how the School of Medicine is preparing future physicians to serve North Carolina and beyond. Faculty, staff, and admissions representatives were available throughout the building to answer questions about the curriculum, admissions process, and the student experience. Community members also shared their excitement about what the new medical school means for the region.
“It’s amazing. I was born and raised in the area, and it’s something I think a lot of us are excited to see and maybe never thought we would,” said Amy Cox of Cape Fear Valley Health. “This is going to be a valuable contribution to the community and to our future physicians. I used to work in higher education, and I wanted to see what our future doctors are experiencing and see the beauty and hard work that has gone into it. It’s wonderful to see everyone come together for this.”
Visitors also had the opportunity to experience the innovative learning environment firsthand, gaining a closer look at the technology and collaborative spaces that will support the inaugural class of medical students that start later this month. Conversations throughout the event reflected the excitement surrounding the School of Medicine and its commitment to addressing physician shortages and improving healthcare access across Southeastern North Carolina.
“It was exciting to welcome so many community members and our inaugural students into the School of Medicine for our Open House,” said D’Asia Johnson, who connects medical education with meaningful community engagement in her role as the School of Medicine’s Service Learning coordinator. “Seeing them explore our building, connect with our students, faculty, and staff, and share in the beginning of this journey was truly meaningful. As we continue to build strong relationships with our community partners, events like this reflect our commitment to preparing community-focused physicians who will make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the communities they serve.”
The Open House provided prospective students with an opportunity to learn more about the admissions process, explore the curriculum, and envision themselves as part of the School of Medicine’s first classes. Community members and healthcare partners also had the chance to see how the partnership between Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health is creating new opportunities to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce.
“I wanted to come to the Open House so I could be prepared before classes begin,” said Evangelos Sistasis, an incoming medical student. “The first step to being successful is making sure you know what lies ahead. Everything is designed to support our learning and make us feel comfortable. We’ll be well taken care of here, and I’m glad I made the decision to enroll.”
The event marked another milestone for the School of Medicine as it prepares to welcome its inaugural class. As guests concluded their tours, many left with a deeper understanding of the school’s mission to educate compassionate, community-focused physicians who will make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
“I’m so glad we are able to welcome the public to the school. Since we are a community-based institution, it’s so important that we can open our space and engage with folks in the area,” said Alex Little, director of Admissions & Recruitment at the School of Medicine.
For more information and additional features about the School of Medicine, please visit methodist.edu/medicine.
About Methodist University
Methodist University is an independent, four-year institution of higher education with approximately 2,000 students from across the U.S. and more than 50 countries. MU offers nearly 80 undergraduate and graduate areas of study (including doctoral-level options and the new MD program at the new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine) on campus and online. MU has been ranked as the “No. 1, Most Diverse University in North Carolina,” features more than 70 student clubs and organizations, plus 20 NCAA intercollegiate sports (with more than 80 team and individual national championships). To learn more about Methodist University, please visit methodist.edu.