South East Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC) recently held graduation ceremonies for the latest group of physicians completing the residency program.

The SEAHEC class that graduated in June included 19 residents in the areas of family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN and general surgery.

Of those graduating, four have decided to remain in the area to practice, officials said.

The next group of residents begins their programs this month, according to SEAHEC administrators.

Affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, SEAHEC provides medical training for residents throughout its five-county region of New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Duplin and Columbus counties.