Healthcare System Overview

An In-Depth Look into the Healthcare System

Based in Norfolk, Virginia, Sentara Healthcare stands as a prominent not-for-profit integrated health entity. With its roots tracing back to 1882, Sentara has grown to encompass regions in Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland. Today, it operates over 12 hospitals, 250+ medical practices, and boasts a workforce of more than 30,000, making it a leading figure in the Mid-Atlantic healthcare scene.

Awards & National Rankings
- A staple in Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" for 14 straight years.
- Placed among the top 100 hospitals nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.
- Holds a top-25 rank in areas like cardiology, orthopedics, and gastroenterology on a national scale.

Interesting Facts
- Holds the title as the prime non-governmental employer in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
- Stands out as a major provider of charity care in the Mid-Atlantic.
- Pioneered by being the world's first to achieve minimally invasive heart valve replacement surgery.

Organizational Structure
Directed by a board and a CEO, Sentara’s structure encapsulates hospital operations, physician practices, health insurance, and numerous research and education hubs.

Not-for-Profit Status
Functioning as a not-for-profit, Sentara prioritizes its communities over individual shareholders, and is steered by its board of directors.
 
Financial Status
Sentara boasts financial resilience, with a regular operating margin above 2% and a commendable balance sheet, marked by a minimal debt-to-equity ratio.

Why Physicians Choose Sentara
Physicians are drawn to Sentara for its:
- Reputed healthcare excellence and innovative streak.
- Competitive remuneration and perks.
- Potential for professional growth.
- Cohesive and nurturing work atmosphere.
- Modern facilities and cutting-edge tech.
- Real impact on patient and community well-being.

The Essence of Sentara
As a forerunner in healthcare, Sentara offers an environment where physicians collaborate, utilize the best facilities and tech, and truly impact their patients and communities. This is backed by Sentara's solid financial status.

Choose Sentara Medical Group
An integral part of Sentara Healthcare, the Sentara Medical Group represents its employed physicians. These professionals offer an extensive spectrum of services - from primary to specialty and hospital care, in a team-based care setting.

Being part of the Sentara Medical Group allows physicians to tap into the expansive resources of Sentara - top-tier facilities, technology, and support services. Additionally, Sentara's focus on professional growth is a major advantage.

For physicians eyeing a fulfilling career in a renowned healthcare system, Sentara Medical Group emerges as an optimal choice. 

Facility:
Sentara Pediatric Physicians-Albemarle is a leading healthcare provider serving the residents of northeastern North Carolina and the surrounding areas. Headquartered in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, the health system has been a trusted pillar of the community since its establishment in 1959.

As part of the larger Sentara Healthcare network, which operates across Virginia and North Carolina, Sentara Pediatric Physicians-Albemarle offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including advanced cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The system's flagship facility, Sentara Pediatric Physicians-Albemarle, currently a 182-bed acute care hospital, serves as the region's healthcare hub. However, Sentara Healthcare has broken ground on a new state-of-the-art 88-bed hospital to replace the current 60-year-old facility on North Road Street.

The new Sentara Albemarle Regional Health Campus, a $200 million project, will feature a modern, patient-centric design reflecting current trends in healthcare. The 135-acre campus, located at Halstead Boulevard Extended and Thunder Road, will include a 60,000 square foot medical office building and a cutting-edge hospital designed to grow with the community and new techniques and technologies.

"This new hospital will look nothing like the current one," said Teresa Watson, the new CEO of Sentara Pediatric Physicians-Albemarle. "It will be modern, efficient and reflect the current trends in health care. Just since we started planning this facility, the health care landscape has changed drastically. Surgeries that used to require days in the hospital are now outpatient procedures. Primary care visits are being done virtually. Patients can stay home, or check-in with their doctor during their lunch break at work. It's been amazing to watch this trend develop over a short amount of time."

The project includes a new linear accelerator to provide radiation therapy with pinpoint accuracy and improved connectivity to medical specialists through a new digital hub. The hospital's design, created by Innovate Architecture of Norfolk, incorporates a high-efficiency, patient-centric layout representing the trend toward preventive care, outpatient services using remote technologies, and minimal hospital stays.

"We're looking at this innovative model as an incubator for the rest of our system," said Howard P. Kern, president & CEO of Sentara Healthcare, who is retiring this year after 42 years with the company. "Our customer focused model of care is built for a lifetime. I appreciate local history connected to the current hospital, and I have no doubt this new campus will join that tradition and remain an integral part of the Sentara mission, with our long tradition of quality and patient safety."

Sentara Pediatric Physicians-Albemarle has garnered numerous accolades for its exceptional patient care and commitment to medical excellence. The health system consistently ranks among the top performers in North Carolina for patient safety and quality outcomes, reflecting its unwavering dedication to delivering the highest standard of care.

Operating as a not-for-profit healthcare organization, Sentara Pediatric Physicians-Albemarle is driven by a mission to improve health every day, with a focus on providing compassionate, patient-centered care. According to the American Hospital Directory (AHD), the health system maintains a strong financial position, enabling it to continually invest in its facilities, technology, and healthcare workforce.

One of the notable strengths of Sentara Pediatric Physicians-Albemarle is its robust service lines, which include a Level III Trauma Center, a comprehensive Cancer Center, and a state-of-the-art Cardiovascular Center. These specialized centers of excellence provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and advanced medical technologies, ensuring they receive the best possible care.

Sentara Pediatric Physicians-Albemarle offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for physicians to thrive professionally. The health system is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Physicians can expect to work alongside a talented and dedicated team of healthcare professionals, utilizing state-of-the-art resources to deliver exceptional patient care.

With its steadfast commitment to clinical excellence, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive work environment, Sentara Albemarle Regional Health presents an attractive opportunity for physicians seeking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients in northeastern North Carolina and the surrounding regions. 

© Copyright 2023 Pacific Companies. All Rights Reserved.