Sampson Regional Medical Center (SampsonRMC) is proud to announce the selection of four outstanding local students for its 2025 Pre-Medicine Rural Medicine Clerkship. This 10-week, paid summer program is designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare providers by giving them hands-on experience practicing medicine in a rural community.

The clerkship is a unique opportunity open to students interested in pursuing a career in medicine and who graduated from a Sampson County high school within the past four years. Participants receive a stipend for a 30-hour workweek and gain structured, skill-based experience that goes far beyond traditional job shadowing. Working directly with attending physicians, students build clinical and patient care skills while gaining valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of practicing rural medicine.

“This program is an investment in both our students and the future of healthcare in Sampson County,” said Chief Executive & Chief Medical Officer of Sampson Regional Medical Center Dr. Shawn Howerton in a press release. “By providing real-world experience and mentorship, we’re laying the groundwork for these students to build meaningful careers in rural medicine and inspiring them to return home to care for our community.”

Participants in the clerkship spend time alongside experienced physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals, rotating through various specialties and gaining exposure to inpatient and outpatient care. The program also emphasizes developing strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Meet this year’s selected clerkship students:

• Trent Sumner, a 2022 Clinton High School graduate and 2024 graduate of NC State University with a degree in Human Biology. Inspired by his childhood surgery at SampsonRMC, Trent plans to pursue medical school with an interest in anesthesia or general surgery.
• Chloe Boyette, a 2024 Midway High School graduate and current junior at NC State University majoring in Nutrition Science. Chloe looks forward to building clinical skills and giving back to the Sampson County community where she grew up. She plans to apply to medical or PA school after graduation.
• Ashton Brown, a 2022 Midway High School graduate and senior at East Carolina University majoring in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Science. Ashton discovered her passion for medicine through her EMT experience and hopes to explore hospital medicine and emergency care while strengthening connections with local providers.
• Diego Fleury Mendible, a 2021 Clinton High School graduate and recent graduate of UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Political Science, with minors in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. Diego hopes to explore the clinical side of medicine while considering pursuing a career in the medical field or moving into medical policy.

“Our goal with this program is to inspire future medical healthcare leaders to return and serve our rural communities,” added Howerton in a press release. “We are proud to support these exceptional students and look forward to watching them grow as they gain valuable skills and experiences this summer.”