State leaders applaud as TidalHealth opens Edward Q. Wilgus Clinic

SALISBURY, Md. — TidalHealth cut the ribbon Thursday on its newest community clinic, with a focus on healthcare equity as Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined the health system to celebrate the opening.

Moore said the clinic would set a “gold standard” for healthcare services, particularly for those in rural areas. “Living in large cities should not be a prerequisite to having proper healthcare,” he said.

The clinic, named the Edward Q. Wilgus Community Clinic, marks a significant milestone for the region. Maryland Housing and Community Development Secretary and former Salisbury Mayor Jake Day said the development symbolized the full circle of progress for the area.

“All of these things help change the neighborhood from a place with a reputation of not being safe to one that gives back, generates jobs, and produces better health outcomes in rural Maryland,” Day said.

Simona Eng, associate vice president for medical education at TidalHealth, called the opening one of the proudest moments of her career. Eng will oversee the training of future physicians at the clinic, but emphasized the ongoing challenges in rural healthcare.

“The biggest issue for us is the shortage of physicians in rural areas. Investing in rural healthcare and medical education is essential,” she said.

Governor Moore underscored the significance of the clinic, calling it a historic investment in rural healthcare. “This is a continuation of this administration’s commitment to prioritizing rural healthcare and ensuring that when we say ‘leave no one behind,’ it’s not just a statement, but a governing philosophy,” he said.