Health & Fitness
ECU Brody Executive Dean and former D-1 athlete compete in shot put contest
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, July 31st 2025 at 17:49 GMT by WNCT Greenville🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Today at East Carolina University, a friendly competition on the track and field campus took place, but not between Pirate track stars. The Executive Dean of the Brody School of Medicine challenged a current Brody Scholarship award winner to a shot putting contest; the catch is that this scholar is a [ ]
ECU Brody School of Medicine Appoints New Executive Dean with Storied Background in Pediatric Care and Leadership
In a significant move for medical education and healthcare leadership in North Carolina, East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine has announced the appointment of Dr. Jason Higginson as its new executive dean. This development comes at a pivotal time for the institution, which has long been recognized for its commitment to serving underserved communities in the eastern part of the state. Dr. Higginson, a seasoned pediatrician and administrator with a wealth of experience from prestigious institutions, steps into this role with a vision to enhance the school's mission of training compassionate physicians and advancing rural health initiatives.
Dr. Higginson's journey to this position is marked by a distinguished career that spans clinical practice, academic leadership, and innovative healthcare delivery. Originally hailing from a background in pediatrics, he has built a reputation as a forward-thinking leader who prioritizes patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration. His previous roles have equipped him with the tools to navigate the complexities of modern medical education, including adapting to technological advancements and addressing healthcare disparities.
Before joining ECU Brody, Dr. Higginson served in key leadership positions at several notable institutions. Most recently, he was affiliated with the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, Virginia, where he held the position of executive vice president and chief operating officer. In this capacity, he oversaw operational efficiencies, strategic planning, and the integration of pediatric services across a network that serves a diverse population. His tenure at CHKD was characterized by initiatives that improved patient outcomes, streamlined administrative processes, and fostered partnerships with community organizations to enhance child health services.
Prior to his time at CHKD, Dr. Higginson made significant contributions at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), where he served as chair of the Department of Pediatrics. There, he was instrumental in developing residency programs that emphasized hands-on training and research in pediatric subspecialties. His leadership helped elevate the department's profile, attracting top talent and securing grants for studies on childhood diseases, preventive care, and mental health support for young patients. Colleagues from EVMS have praised his ability to mentor emerging physicians, often describing him as a "bridge-builder" who connects academic theory with real-world application.
Dr. Higginson's academic credentials are equally impressive. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, followed by a residency in pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He further honed his expertise with a fellowship in pediatric critical care at the University of California, San Francisco. These experiences not only solidified his clinical skills but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for evidence-based medicine and ethical decision-making in high-stakes environments.
What sets Dr. Higginson apart, however, is his passion for addressing healthcare inequities, particularly in rural and low-income areas. This aligns seamlessly with the core ethos of ECU's Brody School of Medicine, which was founded in 1977 with a mandate to train primary care physicians for North Carolina's rural eastern regions. The school has a storied history of producing graduates who choose to practice in underserved communities, boasting one of the highest rates of alumni retention in rural practice nationwide. Dr. Higginson has expressed enthusiasm for building on this legacy, stating in a recent interview that "the future of medicine lies in empowering communities through education and accessible care."
In his new role as executive dean, Dr. Higginson will oversee a broad portfolio that includes academic affairs, faculty development, student admissions, and research initiatives. He inherits a school that is part of a larger health sciences division at ECU, which encompasses nursing, allied health, and dental programs. This interdisciplinary framework provides fertile ground for collaborative projects, such as those integrating telemedicine to reach remote patients or developing curricula that incorporate social determinants of health.
One of the immediate challenges Dr. Higginson faces is navigating the post-pandemic landscape of medical education. The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated changes in how students learn, with a greater emphasis on virtual simulations, hybrid learning models, and mental health support for trainees. At Brody, efforts are already underway to expand simulation labs and incorporate artificial intelligence in diagnostic training. Dr. Higginson's experience in operational leadership will be crucial here, as he works to ensure that the school remains competitive in attracting top students amid a national shortage of healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, Dr. Higginson's appointment underscores ECU's commitment to diversity and inclusion in medical education. The Brody School of Medicine has made strides in recruiting underrepresented minorities into its programs, reflecting the demographic makeup of the regions it serves. Dr. Higginson has a track record of promoting inclusive environments; at CHKD, he spearheaded programs that increased diversity in hiring and provided cultural competency training for staff. He plans to expand similar initiatives at Brody, potentially through scholarships, mentorship programs, and partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities in the state.
Research will also be a focal point under Dr. Higginson's leadership. The Brody School of Medicine is home to several research centers focusing on areas like cardiovascular health, cancer disparities, and infectious diseases—issues that disproportionately affect rural populations. Dr. Higginson aims to bolster these efforts by fostering collaborations with external partners, including pharmaceutical companies and federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health. His own research background in pediatric critical care has included publications on topics such as sepsis management and neonatal intensive care, contributing valuable insights to the field.
Community leaders and ECU stakeholders have welcomed Dr. Higginson's appointment with optimism. ECU Chancellor Philip Rogers highlighted the dean's "proven track record of innovation and dedication to pediatric health," noting that his expertise will help advance the university's strategic goals. Similarly, representatives from local healthcare providers, such as Vidant Health (now part of ECU Health), expressed excitement about potential synergies in clinical training and patient care delivery.
Looking ahead, Dr. Higginson envisions a Brody School of Medicine that not only educates the next generation of physicians but also serves as a catalyst for economic development in eastern North Carolina. By producing skilled healthcare workers, the school contributes to job creation and improved health outcomes, which in turn bolster the region's vitality. Initiatives like expanding community clinics and mobile health units could become hallmarks of his tenure, directly impacting the lives of thousands.
Dr. Higginson's personal story adds a relatable dimension to his professional achievements. A father of three, he often draws parallels between nurturing young patients and guiding medical students through their formative years. His hobbies, including outdoor activities and community volunteering, reflect a balanced approach to life that he encourages in his teams. This holistic perspective is expected to resonate with Brody's student body, many of whom come from rural backgrounds and seek mentors who understand their unique challenges.
As Dr. Higginson settles into his role, the broader implications for North Carolina's healthcare landscape are profound. With an aging population and persistent rural-urban divides, leaders like him are essential for bridging gaps and ensuring equitable access to quality care. His appointment signals a continued evolution for ECU Brody, positioning it as a leader in innovative medical education and community-focused health solutions.
In summary, Dr. Jason Higginson's transition to executive dean at ECU's Brody School of Medicine represents a fusion of clinical expertise, administrative acumen, and a heartfelt commitment to service. As he embarks on this new chapter, the institution stands poised to make even greater strides in fulfilling its mission, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of North Carolinians for generations to come. This development not only highlights individual achievement but also underscores the ongoing importance of strong leadership in academic medicine. (Word count: 1,048)
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