The sixth class of McLeod Foundation Fellows at Loris Seacoast graduated after receiving a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look into medicine and complex issues driving healthcare while demonstrating the continuing need for philanthropy. The graduates were conferred as McLeod Fellows by Christina Jackson, Director of the McLeod Foundation (Coastal Region), Kayla Thompson, Loris Seacoast Foundation Board Chair, and Monica Vehige, CEO of McLeod Health Seacoast, at a ceremony on Tuesday, June 7, at Pine Lakes Country Club.

The McLeod Fellows program is designed to give an inside look into the healthcare industry. This innovative program was introduced to McLeod Loris Seacoast in January 2016, and is composed of community leaders, elected officials and volunteers. During six monthly sessions, the McLeod Fellows class receives an intimate glimpse of the many facets of healthcare. The curriculum explores the mission of McLeod Health, healthcare finances, quality and safety, and McLeod Health service lines. Participants obtain a working knowledge of the healthcare needs in the region and how McLeod Health is meeting those needs. McLeod Fellows gain insight into medical and technological advances through access to areas of McLeod Loris Seacoast not commonly available to the public. In addition, the program gives business leaders and community members the opportunity to network with medical specialists.

The 2021 McLeod Foundation Loris Seacoast Fellows Class included: Miriam Arvizu, Wyatt Culler, Jamesha Gore-Coggin (McLeod Loris Seacoast Board Member), Mayor Todd Harrelson, Madison Cooper, Randy Davies, Adam Johnson, Melissa McGrath, Judy Wooten (McLeod Loris Seacoast Board Member), Robert Raff, Matthew Towns, Kelly Wilson, Lynda Hardee, Daryl LeDuc and Jennifer Wilbanks.