Residency Experience in Wilmington

Complete your medical training on the NC coast

Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center is proud to offer exceptional medical residency programs. Based in Wilmington, NC, each of our residency programs offers a unique experience with smaller class sizes that foster individual support and guidance, access to procedures, and focused well-being.

10+ public beaches
3% lower-than-average cost of living
Voted America's best riverfront
Mild climate year round
World-recognized surfing
400+ film-related credits
Embrace An Active Lifestyle at New Hanover Regional Medical Center

Explore life in Wilmington

See what it’s like to live and work in Wilmington, NC. Training at New Hanover Regional Medical Center offers the added benefit of living on the beautiful coast of Southeastern North Carolina. Ranked 7th out of the 25 Most Fun, Affordable U.S. Cities by Bloomberg Business Week, Wilmington has no shortage of activities to enjoy.

You'll never run out of things to do in Wilmington

Beach goers can choose from miles of beaches that are easily accessible, while the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway are perfect for water sports. Wilmington’s communities also offer miles of trails and parks, a wide variety of festivals, markets, and performing arts, as well as opportunities to participate in conservation efforts, including sea turtle rescue activities. 

Novant Health is the official sponsor of local sport organizations like the annual Wilmington Marathon and Trackhouse Racing.

View of a bridge in Wilmington North Carolina during a clear day.

Historic charm

Founded in 1739 on the banks of the Cape Fear River, historic downtown Wilmington is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the U.S.S. Battleship North Carolina. As for more recent history, Wilmington is known as "Wilmywood" because of all the many TV shows and movies filmed here, such as "One Tree Hill."

Strolling downtown during the day offers a variety of shops, galleries, museums, theaters and restaurants. At night, the picturesque downtown comes alive with some of the area's best night life.

Having grown up in a small coastal community, I have a deep appreciation for the area's natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The people here are welcoming, hardworking and have a strong sense of community. Together, these qualities make Wilmington feel like home.
Caitlin Blades, MD, General Surgery Resident, PGY-1
I chose Wilmington because it offers the perfect balance of community-based medicine and a supportive environment to grow as a resident... Wilmington’s coastal charm and strong sense of community make it an ideal place to live, learn and give back.
Ami Changela, DO , Internal Medicine Resident, PGY-2
My favorite thing about living in Wilmington is the access to beaches and great parks, and that it's family and kid friendly. There is always something to do!
Jared Jackson, MD, OB/GYN Resident, PGY-4
My favorite thing about living in Wilmington is living near the beach, being able to stay active outdoors, and the tons of restaurants and coffee shops!
Binal Patel, MD, OB/GYN Resident, PGY-2
I chose Wilmington because it has a great balance of community, nature, and opportunity. The best part is being close to the water and surrounded by people who genuinely care about what they do.
Sujin Seo, DO, Family Medicine Resident, PGY-2
One of the things that drew me to Wilmington is the unique balance it offers between the charm of a small town and the amenities of a larger city. It has a close-knit, welcoming community where people know and support each other, which creates a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Haden Tobola, DO, Psychiatry Resident, PGY-2

Wilmington, NC residencies

We offer the following nationally recognized, ACGME-accredited residency programs. Individual programs may offer additional benefits and well-being resources.

Wilmington, NC internal medicine residents learning with faculty in the simulation lab

Novant Health simulation lab

As a ​​Novant Health medical resident, you'll have access to our dedicated simulation lab. Here, you can replicate real-life scenarios — from an outpatient clinical setting to an operating room suite — to get hands-on experience responding to a range of medical conditions and emergencies. Our lab offers immersive learning, advanced recording and playback capabilities, and real-time feedback as you practice clinical and diagnostic skills.