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By Meredith Ratledge

Word Master Media Group

Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center is a full-service hospital focusing on emergency and surgical care – including orthopedic and colorectal surgery.

In Davie County, Novant is partnering with the Ignite Davie (ID) College Promise program.

Alisha Hutchens, president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center and Novant Health Medical Park Hospital in Winston-Salem, said:

“We exist to create a healthier future for our patients. Our goal has always remained laser-focused on meeting our patients where they are and empowering them with the tools, resources, and care they need to lead healthy lives.

“Not only do we have a proud history of serving patients in this region, but we’re continuing to invest in the future of healthcare across the Triad.”

As part of that investment, Novant continues to open new community-based care clinics while adding advanced technology and surgical capabilities at community medical centers. The organization’s commitment to hiring the best team to care for patients remains unwavering.

“In Davie County, specifically, we’re focused on making care more accessible,” said Hutchens. “Frankly, for us, investing in our underserved and rural communities is the right thing to do. That’s why we’re continually adding new primary and specialty care services throughout Davie and surrounding counties.”

Novant Health maintains partnerships in Davie County with the YMCA, Smart Start, and Senior Services.

Its latest partnership includes Walk With a Doc, an international program that Novant Health is kickstarting in Mocksville. Community members are invited to walk at Davie County Community Park once a month on Saturdays, getting to know providers and the Novant Health team outside its clinical facilities.

“Ultimately, the goal of these community partnerships is to leverage our strength and integrate our health and wellness initiatives to create a healthier future for everyone,” Hutchens said.

Novant was also an early partner to ID and has provided financial support to the program since 2021.

“We are one of the largest employers in the Triad, so we’re constantly thinking about how Novant Health can help recruit and train the next generation of healthcare professionals,” Hutchen said.

“It’s no secret that there’s a shortage of physicians, nurses and several types of technologists nationwide. We are also seeing shortages in our nonclinical space, specifically in trade positions. We certainly feel these shortages on a local level as well.”

Hutchens and her team are grateful that ID is rising to the challenge to help address this need.

By offering tuition assistance to attend Davidson-Davie Community College (DDCC), ID seeks to raise the educational attainment of Davie students, removing financial obstacles and preparing students for careers in skilled trades like healthcare.

“Thankfully, this program is committed to cultivating local talent by introducing our students to a variety of healthcare opportunities and equipping them with the resources they need to take that next step in career development.

“That is something we care deeply about, so that helped us decide that we really needed to become an Employer of Choice.”

Novant Health was recently awarded the most “A’s” for patient safety in North Carolina from The Leap Frog group, and was recognized as the top joint replacement provider in the Triad by Healthgrades.

After ID became permanently endowed, Novant transitioned to becoming an Employer of Choice to stay involved with the program. This shift signifies Novant’s commitment to financially supporting workforce development and engaging with students as they prepare for professional journeys.

As an Employer of Choice, businesses are encouraged to work directly with ID students. This collaboration exposes students to local industry and career options while helping businesses stay top of mind as students enter the workforce after graduation.

Going forward, Novant aims to deepen its collaboration with DDCC.

“We look forward to working closely with the Health and Wellness and Skilled Trades programs at DDCC,” Hutchens said, adding that their plans include providing mentors, guest speakers, and hands-on learning experiences for students.

She emphasized the importance of nurturing talent and ensuring students have the skills they need to succeed in the healthcare industry.

Novant Health also looks forward to continuing its relationship with Davie County High School (DCHS) through career showcase events, classroom Q&As, and attending the Triad Regional Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Conference hosted annually by the high school.

“We decided to partner with Ignite Davie because it’s an organization that’s committed to investing in our most valuable local asset – our people,” Hutchens said.

She commended the program for working with local employers to prepare students for life and careers beyond the classroom.

Hutchens emphasized the potential for continued collaboration across industries, encouraging other businesses to consider similar partnerships with ID.

“This program is a strategic, community-focused initiative with huge return on investment potential. While Novant Health’s partnership focuses on healthcare, I see tremendous potential for other industries as they develop their own workforce,” Hutchens said.

“Frankly, investing in our local workforce is the right thing to do. It’s an investment that needs to happen. Not only will it lead to enhanced and sustainable healthcare services in our community, but it will also keep our local talent close to home,” she said.

To learn more about job opportunities at Novant Health, visit https://www.novanthealth.org/careers/.