UNC Health Wayne

03/28/2026

If you had the chance to speak to an entire community, what would you want them to know?

In this clip, Dr. Katie Hile, Chief Nursing Officer at UNC Health Wayne, shares a message straight from the heart about the nurses who care for Wayne County every day. They are more than healthcare professionals. They are your neighbors, your friends, and your family and they are here for you when it matters most.

At UNC Health Wayne, trust, compassion, and community are at the center of everything our nursing team does

03/25/2026

When every second matters, preparation makes the difference.

At UNC Health Wayne, our team conducts STEMI drills to ensure we are ready to act immediately when a life is on the line.

A Code STEMI is called when a patient is experiencing a severe heart attack caused by a completely blocked artery. Without blood flow, the heart muscle begins to die, making a rapid response essential to survival.

During Code STEMI’s, more than 12 teammates come together, each playing a vital role. From capturing vitals and performing EKGs to coordinating care and moving swiftly to the Cath Lab, every step is designed to restore blood flow as quickly as possible. The faster we act, the more heart muscle and lives we can save.

This level of response takes constant training, trust, and teamwork.

03/23/2026

There’s nothing better than turning a great cause into a meaningful family moment.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, UNC Health Wayne raised over $10,000 for childhood cancer research through St. Baldrick’s. And to celebrate, Preston Vernon had some very special barbers step in—his kids Carter, Maggie, and Bodhi.

Watch the sweet (and a little funny!) moments as Preston Vernon’s kids take on the job of shaving their dad’s head—all for a great cause.

03/21/2026

We had a blast supporting St. Baldrick’s Foundation this year! 💚

Our very own Preston Vernon and Dr. Sochat took the stage and bravely went bald, all for a great cause. Thanks to the efforts of our teammates, and a final push at today’s event, they raised over 10,000 to support childhood cancer research.

03/20/2026

Our teammates raised over $5,000 for childhood cancer research!

Leading the way is Preston Vernon, Manager of Plant Engineering, who brought in an incredible $2,541.31 for St. Baldrick’s. Tomorrow, he’ll be getting his head shaved in downtown Goldsboro in support of this meaningful cause.

Every dollar raised goes directly to childhood cancer research, helping fund better treatments and brighter futures for kids and their families. We’re proud to be a community partner and even prouder of our teammates for stepping up in such a big way.

03/19/2026

Today we were proud to celebrate Certified Nurses Day with a special breakfast honoring the incredible nurses who have gone above and beyond to earn professional certification.

A certified nurse is someone who has taken the extra step to demonstrate advanced knowledge, skill, and expertise in a specialized area of care. This commitment not only reflects their dedication to their profession—but also ensures a higher level of care for our patients and community.

Join us in celebrating and thanking our certified nurses for all they do!

03/18/2026

Do you know how to filet a salmon? 👀🐟

Watch as our Executive Chef, Josh Liskowacki, shows our team how it’s done.

Through hands-on training like this, our Food & Nutrition staff continues to sharpen their skills and elevate the quality of every meal we serve. It’s all part of our commitment to providing fresh, nutritious, and expertly prepared food for our patients, teammates, and visitors.

Because at the end of the day, great care includes what’s on the plate.

03/13/2026

UNC Health Wayne is pleased to announce Dr. Joel Rose, MD as its new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Rose brings extensive experience in surgical care, physician leadership, and healthcare administration, along with a strong commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care.

Dr. Rose joins UNC Health Wayne from UNC Health Lenoir, where he has served on the medical staff since 2015 and played a key role in advancing general surgery and bariatric services as Medical Director of the hospital’s accredited bariatric program. In addition to his clinical leadership, he previously served as Executive Medical Director for the UNC Health Medical Group supporting both UNC Health Wayne and UNC Health Lenoir.

“Dr. Rose’s progressive leadership will help us successfully navigate the unprecedented clinical, operational, and financial challenges of the future,” said UNC Health Wayne President and CEO Dr. Jessie Tucker. “We are very excited to have such an exceptional surgeon, thoughtful leader, and patient-centered physician executive join our team.”

Goldsboro, N.C. | Dr. Joel Rose, MD, FACS, FASMBS, has been named Chief Medical Officer at UNC Health Wayne. Dr. Rose brings extensive experience in surgical care, physician leadership, and healthcare administration, along with a strong commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care.

03/12/2026

Seven of our team members are putting their hair on the line for kids with cancer. Now it’s your turn to decide who goes bald.

We’re raising money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding lifesaving childhood cancer research. Every two minutes a child somewhere in the world is diagnosed with cancer, and St. Baldrick’s supports the most promising research to help give these kids healthier futures.

Here’s how it works:�Donate to the participant you want to see get their head shaved. The person who raises the most money will take the chair and go completely bald at our event.

Participants:
• Dr. Jessie Tucker – President & CEO
• Howard Whitfield – COO
• Preston Vernon – Manager of Plant Engineering
• Patrick Lynch – Director of Laboratory Services
• Patrick Schultze – Physical Therapy Supervisor
• Dr. Samer Kasbari – Southeastern Medical Oncology
• Dr. Matthew Sochat – Southeastern Medical Oncology

Join us March 21 in Downtown Goldsboro at The Hub to see who loses their hair for a great cause.

Donate here and vote with your dollars:�https://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/142095/2026/participants
Help us raise funds, have some fun, and make a real impact in the fight against childhood cancer.

03/05/2026

There’s always something happening at UNC Health Wayne, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

From our Diabetes Support Group and Labor and Delivery Tours to Better Breathers Club and other community programs, we offer a wide range of opportunities to learn, connect, and take meaningful steps toward better health. Whether you’re preparing to welcome a new baby, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to stay informed, there’s something for you.

Stay in the know and get involved. Visit our Facebook Events page to see what’s coming up and make plans to join us soon.

03/04/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Greg Bauer for being named QDR’s Hometown Hero of this week! (Week on March 4, 2026.)

An orthopedic surgeon here at UNC Health Wayne, Dr. Bauer was nominated by his daughter Isabella, who shared how he “fixes people’s bones and helps them get back on their feet—literally,” and how he cares for every patient like family. She also described the loving, humble dad who balances late-night calls with always showing up for what matters most.

At UNC Health Wayne, we see that dedication every day. Congratulations, Dr. Bauer, and thank you for the compassion and commitment you bring to our patients and our community.