Dr. Neal retirement celebrated

UNC Health Southeastern Vice President/Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joe Roberts, left, is pictured with Dr. Walter Neal, Jr., and his wife, Teresa, along with UNC Health Southeastern President/CEO Chris Ellington following the unveiling of Dr. Neal’s portrait in recognition of his 39 years of services as an OB/GYN affiliated with UNC Health Southeastern.

UNC Health Southeastern celebrated Dr. Walter Neal, Jr.’s, 39 years of service during a reception held June 13 in the cafeteria at UNC Health Southeastern. The celebration had been delayed since Dr. Neal’s actual retirement in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Neal practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Lumberton from 1972-1978 and 1987-2020.

UNC Health Southeastern President/CEO Chris Ellington joined Vice President/Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joe Roberts to present Dr. Neal with a crystal tower engraved with his years of service to the medical staff as a gift from the UNC Health Southeastern Board of Trustees. Dr. Roberts, along with Dr. Neal’s wife, Teresa, also unveiled a portrait of Dr. Neal as a gift from the UNC Health Southeastern Medical Staff.

“I am so happy for Dr. Neal in his retirement,” said Dr. Roberts. “He was an outstanding OB/GYN provider in our community for almost 40 years and was a role model for younger providers. He provided quality care to our region and to UNC Health Southeastern.”

Dr. Neal earned an undergraduate degree from Davidson College. He earned a medical degree from Medical College of Virginia in 1966. He completed an internship in 1968 and a residency in 1970 both in obstetrics and gynecology at Medical College of Virginia. He was board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.