Dr. Pankaj K. Vyas, an internal medicine physician and founder, chief executive officer and medical director of Eastern Carolina Medical Center, has committed $1 million to the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine to support the school’s continued growth and establish an endowed scholarship for future physicians.

The gift comes as the School of Medicine welcomes its inaugural class of students. The commitment includes funding for start-up operations and creates the Dr. Pankaj K. Vyas Scholarship, an endowed scholarship that will help reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in medicine while strengthening the physician workforce across southeastern North Carolina.

Dr. Hershey Bell, dean of the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, said the gift reflects a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities and improving access to health care throughout the region.

“I had the remarkable opportunity to spend an afternoon with Dr. P.K. Vyas at his office in Benson,” Bell said in a press release. “Not only was I able to observe his commitment to patient care in his community, but also his dedication to supporting every aspect of that community. His generosity reflects the values at the heart of our medical school’s mission and will help educate future physicians while strengthening the communities they will one day serve.”

The commitment is divided into two parts. The first $500,000 will support start-up operations for the School of Medicine. In recognition of that contribution, two learning centers within the school will be named the Harnett County Room and the Sampson County Room, honoring the communities where Dr. Vyas has cared for patients throughout his career.

The remaining $500,000 establishes the Dr. Pankaj K. Vyas Scholarship, an endowed scholarship that will provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the School of Medicine. Eligible students may receive up to $5,000 annually for four years while completing their medical education.

In addition to financial assistance, the scholarship establishes the Vyas Pathway Program to encourage students interested in primary care. Participants will receive health care exposure, enrichment opportunities, pre-medical counseling and preparation and courtesy medical school interviews to help prepare them for careers in medicine.

“My gift to the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine is an investment in the future of the communities that have given me so much throughout my life,” Dr. Vyas said in a press release. “By supporting the education and training of future physicians, I hope to encourage students to build their careers here, providing compassionate, high-quality care to the people and places I love. It is my wish that this gift helps strengthen our local health care workforce and ensures these communities continue to thrive for generations to come.”