Clinton, NC, July 2026: As one of the few remaining independent rural hospitals in North Carolina, Sampson Regional Medical Center takes great pride in its ability to make decisions that are guided by the needs of its patients and community. That independence allows the organization to invest in innovative programs like its Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, strengthening rural healthcare, supporting the local economy, and creating opportunities that have a lasting impact for generations to come.
Beginning in September, two physicians who recently completed Sampson Regional Medical Center's Graduate Medical Education program will join the organization's medical staff. Dr. Matthew Ammons will join Sampson Medical Group of Roseboro, and Dr. Laurie Rodriguez will join Sampson Family Medicine of Clinton, choosing to continue their careers in the same community where they completed their residency training.
Graduate Medical Education provides physicians with hands on training in a rural healthcare setting where they gain experience caring for a diverse patient population and addressing the unique challenges of rural medicine. Throughout their residency, Dr. Ammons and Dr. Rodriguez worked alongside experienced physicians, cared for patients across Sampson County, and built lasting relationships within the community they now have the opportunity to continue serving.
Research consistently shows that physicians are more likely to establish their practices where they complete their residency training. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, more than 55.7 percent of physicians practice in the same state where they completed their residency. For rural communities, programs like Sampson Regional's Graduate Medical Education program help build a sustainable pipeline of physicians who understand the healthcare needs of the region and are committed to serving the communities where they train.
Throughout their residency, Dr. Ammons and Dr. Rodriguez cared for patients across Sampson County while working alongside experienced physicians and healthcare professionals. During that time, they developed strong clinical skills, built lasting relationships with patients, and gained a deep understanding of the community they now have the opportunity to continue serving.
"Training at Sampson Regional Medical Center showed me the incredible impact physicians can have in a rural community," said Dr. Laurie Rodriguez. "The relationships you build with patients go beyond the exam room, and you become part of the community you serve. Caring for patients in Sampson County has given me a deep appreciation for the unique needs and strengths of rural medicine. I am grateful for the education, mentorship, and experiences I received through the Graduate Medical Education program, and I am honored to continue caring for the families of Sampson County."
The impact of Graduate Medical Education extends well beyond patient care. The program attracts talented physicians and their families to the region, supports local businesses, contributes to economic growth, and helps create a strong healthcare workforce for the future. As an independent community hospital, SampsonRMC can continue investing in initiatives that improve healthcare close to home while creating opportunities that benefit patients, physicians, and the community for generations to come.
For Sampson Regional Medical Center, Graduate Medical Education is an investment in the future of rural healthcare. Every resident who chooses to remain in the community represents another step toward improving access to care, strengthening the local economy, and ensuring future generations have access to exceptional healthcare close to home.
While Dr. Matthew Ammons and Dr. Laurie Rodriguez begin the next chapter of their careers as members of the SampsonRMC medical staff, the future of the program continues to grow. On July 1, Sampson Regional welcomed its newest class of resident physicians, continuing its commitment to training the next generation of healthcare providers. As one class begins serving the community as practicing physicians and another begins its residency journey, the Graduate Medical Education program continues to build a stronger future for rural healthcare. Together, these milestones reflect Sampson Regional's long-term commitment to investing in its people, strengthening the communities it serves, and fulfilling its mission of Growing a Healthier Community, Together.
Patients interested in establishing care with Dr. Matthew Ammons at Sampson Medical Group of Roseboro or Dr. Laurie Rodriguez at Sampson Family Medicine of Clinton will be able to schedule appointments beginning in August. Additional information about Sampson Regional Medical Center providers and services is available at www.sampsonrmc.org.