Sentara Health

Teresa Watson knew in 3rd grade she'd work in healthcare. What she didn't know was that one day she'd lead a hospital.

Now president of Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, Watson recently spoke with The Daily Advance about her lifelong commitment to patient care, her journey from medical assistant to hospital executive and her vision for transforming healthcare in Northeast North Carolina.

"We don't get a bye for being a smaller hospital; we have the same quality standards as Norfolk or any of our urban facilities. The only advantage we have is that we know our families, friends, and neighbors' names when they come. It's that care with the human touch, that is what makes us so special," she said during the interview.

"For Sentara, it really is about continuing the mission to improve health wherever we are. And it happens to be that my career has always been in rural America, so it is a personal desire for me to make the most difference for the people I live in the community with."

Hear the full conversation on the "Voices of the Albemarle" podcast. Link in the comments 👇

After a sudden asthma attack causing cardiac arrest left 21-year-old Cherrish Faith Rodgers brain dead, her mother made an extraordinary decision: donate her heart, liver, pancreas, and kidneys.

Five people across the country now have a second chance at life.

“You never know when God will turn someone’s tragedy into another person’s blessing,” said Casanadra Hall, Rodgers' mom.

On Sunday, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital honored Cherrish with an emotional honor walk — her one-year-old daughter at the foot of her bed as staff lined the hallways in silence.

“She’s not dead,” Hall said. “She’ll live on through the lives she saved and through her children.”

A legacy of love, generosity, and hope.

Helping patients stay ahead of heart failure 💙

Our team is now using innovative monitoring technology to better manage heart failure and reduce hospital visits. Chelsea Christensen, PA-C at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, recently shared insights on this approach at the annual American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions.

It’s one more way we are using data and technology to support better outcomes for our patients.

Making care more accessible for our school communities in Elizabeth City 💙

Pasquotank County High School now has a telehealth clinic directly on campus, connecting students and staff with licensed medical providers through virtual visits.

This milestone reflects Sentara’s first school-based telehealth program in North Carolina and a growing partnership with Truist to bring care closer to the communities we serve.

It’s all about removing barriers to care and supporting healthier students, stronger schools, and better outcomes.