On Friday, Oct. 10, Sampson Regional Medical Center celebrated 75 years of serving the people of Sampson County and beyond. The hospital gathered with local leaders, staff and community members to celebrate the legacy of SampsonRMC and the bright future ahead.

Three quarters of a century ago, our community came together with a vision to build a hospital that would care for our community, close to home. Since then, through every challenge, every triumph, we've maintained that mission,” remarked Chief Executive & Chief Medical Officer of Sampson Regional Medical Center Dr. Shawn Howerton during the celebration. “Our story isn’t written just in years, but in people, the dedicated staff, physicians, volunteers and board members who give their hearts every day, and the patients and families who place their trust in us.” 

Founded in 1950 as Sampson County Memorial Hospital, the facility opened its doors from a vision born from local leaders who wanted to ensure that healthcare was available close to home. 

Over the decades, the hospital has expanded and adapted to meet the changing needs of the community, growing into the regional medical center it is today. Among the most significant milestones have been the establishment of the Family Medicine Residency Program and the team’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For a rural hospital, launching a residency program was a strategic investment in the future. It has become one of our most effective tools for recruiting and retaining physicians, especially primary care providers and hospitalists. By training physicians here, in the community we serve, we’re building a sustainable workforce committed to rural medicine and ensuring continuity of care for years to come,” shared Howerton. 

“Equally defining was our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges of that time demanded innovation, adaptability and extraordinary teamwork. Our staff expanded capacity, implemented new safety protocols, led community testing and vaccination efforts and accelerated change to meet a crisis with resilience and compassion,” continued Howerton. 

Additionally, the hospital has continued to grow in ways that enhance access and quality of care. They’ve opened orthopedic and surgical practices, expanded primary care across Clinton, Spivey’s Corner, Newton Grove and Roseboro, and broadened their blood donor services. The introduction of an ambulance transport service and the expansion of the emergency department have strengthened care capabilities and turnaround times for those experiencing emergencies. Furthermore, the introduction of inpatient dialysis has enabled staff to care for more patients who otherwise would need to leave the community to be treated for acute medical conditions. The hospital also recently introduced a new electronic health record system, which we are in the process of upgrading now.

“These initiatives represent a commitment to keeping exceptional healthcare close to home and together, they position our hospital to continue growing a healthier community well into the future,” added Howerton.

Through the years, SampsonRMC has been more than just a hospital; it has been a place where generations of families have welcomed new life, received healing and found comfort during times of need. 

“What sets Sampson Regional Medical Center apart is that we are one of only a handful of independent, community hospitals remaining in the state. Our independence presents both challenges and op portunities, and it requires thoughtful, strategic leadership to remain viable while serving our community,” remarked Howerton. “We are fortunate to have a board of trustees deeply committed to preserving that independence. They trust hospital leadership to make difficult decisions that balance operational sustainability with our mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate care close to home. This combination of local accountability, community focus and nimble decision-making truly distinguishes us from many other hospitals both regionally and across North Carolina.”

Rural hospitals face unique challenges such as recruiting and retaining qualified staff, limited access to capital and modern infrastructure and vulnerability to changing health care regulations. Despite these pressures, SampsonRMC benefits from strong community relationships and the agility to implement innovative solutions quickly. 

To counter the national shortage of healthcare professionals, Samp sonRMC has adopted targeted strategies to strengthen workforce recruitment and retention. By staying competitive with wages and benefits, fostering a positive workplace culture and offering robust professional development opportunities, they aim to attract and keep skilled personnel. The residency program also helps nurture the next generation of healthcare providers, encouraging them to establish their careers within Sampson County. 

“The healthcare environment is always changing, and while we can’t predict exactly what it will look like in two years, let alone 10, we are committed to being intentional stew ards of our resources while pursuing opportunities to expand and enhance care for our community,” stated Howerton. “We anticipate substan tial facility upgrades in the coming years, which will allow us to modern ize and better meet the needs of pa tients while addressing the challenges of an aging facility. Ultimately, we’re focused on growth, innovation, and ensuring that high-quality healthcare remains accessible close to home.”