RFC 2025-2026 Leadership Election

Mariam Awana

Internal Medicine/Pediatrics

Rising PGY-3

I have worked as the secretary of RFC for a year and have learned a lot about advocacy at this platform. I have worked closely with my fellow residents and have advocated for various issues . I want to now step to the next level and join as the chair elect for RFC. As a representative at monthly hospital system meetings, I would ensure that resident and fellow concerns are effectively communicated to hospital leadership while actively working to foster collaboration between trainees and administration. By coordinating monthly council meetings and supporting fellow leadership members, I aim to enhance engagement and drive initiatives that directly benefit residents and fellows. My goal is to empower my colleagues to voice their ideas and implement positive changes that improve education, well-being, and overall training experiences. Through this role, I am committed to strengthening the resident and fellow community while promoting policies that support our professional growth and development. Some ideas that I have for next year include

• Expand wellness activities for residents and fellows, really liked the pop ups and were welcomed a lot by residents

• Introducing work shops for career development via GME

• Career fairs to be announced for our residents, really liked recruiters input in our meetings

• Get vote for different topics that needs to be discussed via RFC

Harrison Jordan

Physical Medicine & Rehab

Rising PGY-3

As Chair Elect of the Resident Fellow Council at ECU Health, I plan to work closely and collaboratively with the Chair to have regular meetings and discuss key objectives with the goal of accomplishing larger tasks throughout the term. My diverse experience across multiple specialty programs within the ECU Health system during intern year further enables me to provide a unique, broad, and inclusive perspective, ensuring that the needs of all residents and fellows, regardless kif their specialty, are adequately represented to hospital leadership. Additionally, my experience serving on local and national committees within my specialty has equipped me with the leadership, communication, and advocacy skills necessary to represent residents and fellows as well as effectively improve on initiatives during the two-year term. As the group leader of a resident and fellow research committee for a national organization in my specially, I was able to coordinate regular meetings and collaborate with others to facilitate assistance with research projects and create modules to increase engagement in research activity. I hope to bring these same leadership and organizational skills to acilitate streamlined, diverse, and expanded research initiatives to both residents and fellows as well as students raining within the ECU health system. Through my prior committee experience, I have developed a commitment and passion for leadership experience and hope to continue this commitment to leadership within the ECU Health system and North Carolina throughout my healthcare profession. By serving during the first year as the Chair Elect, I aim to ensure that resident and fellow concerns are addressed in a way that leads to improvements in training and hospital operations. I am committed to improving the productivity of the Resident and Fellow Council by assisting the Chair in organizing monthly meetings and facilitating a collaborative environment to discuss key issues and develop reasonable solutions. Furthermore, I aim to assist the Chair on initiatives to improve the resident and fellow experience during the first year, while continuing to advocate for the development of trainees as the Chair during the term's second year. 

Kevin Chin

Physical Medicine & Rehab

Rising PGY-3

"Leave something (or someone) better than you found it." This simple yet profound principle has long been a guiding force in my life. While success is often measured by prestige, influence, or accolades, I find the deepest fulfillment in fostering pockets of community where individuals feel truly seen, valued, and heard. 

I am immensely grateful that ECU Health-a dynamic, resource-rich institution-took a chance on me, offering the opportunity to train and grow while serving the underserved population of Eastern North Carolina. Yet, with great demands often come great frustrations. It is my hope that, as Wellness Chair, I can channel my discontent with systemic imperfections into meaningful, productive contributions that enhance the hospital environment and experience for all. Having already initiated an anonymous encouragement program within the rehab community, I am eager to take my passion for uplifting others to the next level. Now more than ever, it is clear that delivering quality healthcare is a team effort, and fostering camaraderie among all hospital staff-from janitors to administrators-is essential to upholding that standard.

Though I have often preferred to serve from behind the scenes, I see this as an opportunity to step beyond my comfort zone and grow as a servant leader. At my core, I believe that each day presents an opportunity for improvement. Just as feeling appreciated fuels the passion to serve, I hope to champion creative, lighthearted initiatives that inspire my coresidents to persevere in our shared mission of healing and helping others.

John Woo

Psychiatry

Rising PGY-3

I am a second year psychiatry resident. previous intern of the year, and the allotted psychiatry resident this past year representing the program at monthly RFC meetings. I have been able to witness the mechanics of the RFC as well as see how important many of its functions can be in advocating residents' interests and of wellness. I am passionate about promoting wellness and anti-burn out initiatives. I believe Kylie has done some incredible work this past year however, I do believe that most of the buy-in in most programs is hard to obtain simply due to how demanding our hours and work load is. One proposal I would like to have is monthly get-togethers simply with leadership if possible at a local coffee shop or park or golf course. Additionally, I would like to continue to upgrade the amenities available in the WBZ. Residency is demanding and at times a very lonely experience particularly in such a rural and limited location like Greenville. I believe that I can be a good candidate along with new incoming board with Dr. Powell to at least bring some bright spots during a demanding career.