2025 WVSOM Fall Magazine: Strategic Framework

M A G A Z I N E FALL 2025

WVSOM INVESTS IN THE FUTURE WITH A NEW

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

W e s t Vi r g i n i a S c ho ol of O s t e opat h i c M edi c i n e

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• INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Writers Ken Bays Tiffany Wright

Designer

WVSOM Bio

Abigail Sinclair

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10 • WVSOM Bio Summit

Expansion reinforces robust research endeavors

Photographers Druann Dalton Mary Claire Ickes Jesse Jones

12 • Commencement Ceremony celebrated Class of 2025

18 • Graduates received $87,400 at awards ceremony

21 • Legacy graduates 22 • Graduate profile: Natalie Fabrizio, D.O. 24 • Graduate profile: Cody Fuller, D.O. 26 • Graduate profile: Isabella Lane, D.O. 28 • Graduate profile: Rommy Obeid, D.O. 30 • MSBS graduate profile: Kyle Hawthorne 32 • MSBS graduate profile: Ellie Lepkowski 34 • Spring Awards Ceremony provided more than $119K to students

38 • WVSOM Foundation Scholarship pays tribute to late alumnus

40 • Class of 2025 students achieved 100% residency placement rate

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42 • WVSOM awarded 10-year

accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

43 • WVSOM makes strides toward better

health with Mountaineer Mile initiative

44 • WVSOM strengthened effort to

encourage global rotations for med students

48 • Two WVSOM alumni inducted into Health Care Hall of Fame

49 • Chelsea Feger, D.O., received

statewide ‘40 Under 40’ honor

50 • WVSOM’s counseling team honored as ‘Mental Health Care Hero’

51 • New hires and transitions 55 • Class notes 56 • Gifts to WVSOM

Contributor Marcus Constantino

Correction In the spring 2025 issue of the WVSOM Magazine, Mary Claire Ickes was inadvertently omitted from the list of photographers. Her photography is also included in this issue.

A message from the president

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At WVSOM we believe in preparing for today’s needs with an eye toward the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This mindset is at the heart of our strategic planning, a process that helps us remain true to our mission while adapting to an evolving medical education and research landscape. Doing so ensures that we can continue producing exceptional physicians and support cutting-edge science — both of which are critical to improving the health of patients in West Virginia and beyond.

Strategic planning allows us to identify areas of growth, evaluate new opportunities and respond to emerging challenges. In this issue of the WVSOM Magazine, you will read about the school’s new five-year strategic framework, which encompasses four pillars: educating the health care workforce, advancing research and clinical service, investing in our people and culture, and driving sustainability and innovation. I believe all these elements are essential to WVSOM’s future.

“Connecting our educational mission with broader goals supporting health and scientific advancement will help position WVSOM to expand its economic footprint.”

Mission Statement The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine empowers students to find health within themselves and the people and the communities they serve.

One area of growth we are focusing on is expanding the school’s research footprint. As research experience plays an increasingly important role in the selection process for the most competitive residency programs, we have announced a $35 million expansion of the Fredric W. Smith Science Building. Increased lab space will give students additional opportunities to take part in groundbreaking research with our exceptional biomedical sciences faculty, while also allowing collaborating scientists to bring fresh ideas and new partnerships to WVSOM. The addition will include a third-floor space for economic development with the goal of partnering with companies to create a biotech hub in the Greenbrier Valley. By welcoming private research companies with highly skilled employees to our expanded facility, we will create a space where scientists and students can work together to address critical health needs.

Connecting our educational mission with broader goals supporting health and scientific advancement will help position WVSOM to expand its economic footprint.

It is an exciting time at WVSOM, and as we move forward we are committed to ensuring that each step is in the best interests of our students and the communities we serve.

In the following pages you will read of how WVSOM continues to innovate and serve the health care needs of our state, including the accomplishments of our talented alumni, faculty and staff — and, of course, our remarkable medical students, who again achieved a 100% residency placement rate this year.

It’s proof that together, we can accomplish the incredible!

Best regards,

We advance health and well‑being in West Virginia and beyond through cutting‑edge training, pioneering research and immersive clinical experience. By blending innovation, compassion and a deep‑rooted dedication to osteopathic principles, we are shaping the future of health.

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INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

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FOUR PILLARS ARE BEHIND WVSOM’S NEW STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK WVSOM has always been guided by a foundational concept that drives the school toward success. Now, four pillars will help to guide the medical school as part of its an updated strategic framework, which includes an updated vision, mission statement and strategic goals for the next five years.

“A strategic plan is an essential part of any higher educational institution’s growth and will allow us to be successful in continuing to evolve as a respected school,” said James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOM’s president. “We never want to rest on our laurels, which is why it’s always important to reevaluate where we want this school to go in the future. Defining specific areas of importance, along with actionable goals to implement, will ensure we deliver an exceptional education for our medical students and graduate students.”

The WVSOM Board of Governors approved the institutional strategic framework for the 2025-30 academic years at a meeting in March 2025. It focuses on a new WVSOM vision where people can find health through osteopathic principles.

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The five-year framework encompasses four strategic pillars: • Educate the health workforce for West Virginia and beyond.

• Advance research and clinical service to improve health and well-being in West Virginia.

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Invest in our people and our culture.

• Drive sustainability and innovation throughout WVSOM. Additionally, the mission statement was revised to focus on cutting‑edge training, an increase in research endeavors and incorporating the school’s new curriculum.

“Many of the changes to the mission statement were made because we knew we wanted to answer the question, ‘What is WVSOM?’ Since the Finding Health curriculum has become our new focus, we wanted to make sure we were capturing all the ways WVSOM is finding health,” said Machelle Linsenmeyer, Ed.D., the school’s assistant vice president of institutional effectiveness and academic resources.

In June 2025, the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation executive committee approved the school’s new mission statement.

“The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine empowers students to find health within themselves and the people and the communities they serve.

We advance health and well-being in West Virginia and beyond through cutting-edge training, pioneering research and immersive clinical experience. By blending innovation, compassion and a deep-rooted dedication to osteopathic principles, we are shaping the future of health.”

Linsenmeyer said representatives from administration, alumni, the WVSOM Board of Governors, faculty, staff, students and members of the Lewisburg community were involved in determining the pillars.

CHP Mintz, a consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., assisted with collecting, synthesizing and reporting on information from all stakeholders.

“We engaged our stakeholders while creating the draft that moved forward for approval. Everybody across campus had an opportunity to provide feedback on what is important, what the institution should focus on and where we should be headed in the next five years,”

Linsenmeyer said. “We care about all the individuals who make up WVSOM, and their voices were heard. That helps in bringing everybody together in moving the plan forward.”

To ensure the strategic pillars are successful, WVSOM senior administrators are creating action strategies for each goal. These will be evaluated annually.

In recent years, WVSOM has put a greater emphasis on ensuring its financial sustainability to support long-term growth and fuel economic development. One way the school did that was through a new Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree program, which in its second year has more than doubled its class size.

Aside from avenues such as adding more graduate programs at WVSOM the institution is exploring potential revenue streams beyond traditional ways to increase profits.

The first is the renovation and expansion of its Fredric W. Smith Science Building, in which additional space will encourage external research partners to locate lab operations in the facility, as the school is dedicating the third floor to private and public research space. [See story on Page 8.]

Other alternative options for revenue that have been discussed are day care and school-provided housing, Nemitz said.

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FOUR PILLARS

OF WVSOM'S STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

Educate the health workforce for West Virginia and beyond.

Recruit students from West Virginia and across the country who have the potential to be exceptional osteopathic physicians, scientists and other health professionals.

Develop a long-term plan to build the school’s research enterprise, prioritizing areas where WVSOM can make a distinctive contribution.

Equip students with the knowledge, skills and values to prepare them for residency and personal and professional success.

Improve community health in the state and region through research, evidence-based programs and community outreach.

Increase the number of residency slots in West Virginia, emphasizing high-need graduate medical education residency positions.

Increase access to clinical care through integration with the Robert C. Byrd Clinic and investments in WVSOM’s Statewide Campus system.

Determine the feasibility of program expansion and potential new degree programs in the sciences and health professions.

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Advance research and clinical service to improve health and well‑being in West Virginia.

Increase the number of graduates practicing in rural health and primary care in West Virginia.

Invest in our people and our culture.

Recruit, develop and retain the exceptional faculty and staff needed to advance our mission and goals.

Build a healthy and supportive community.

Enhance organizational culture, live our values and increase engagement.

Strengthen board governance to ensure effective oversight and leadership for the future of the school.

Drive sustainability and innovation throughout WVSOM. Ensure financial sustainability to support ongoing operations and long-term growth.

Develop leaders at all levels and create succession plans for key roles.

Invest in the infrastructure, technologies, systems and processes needed to support the school’s short-term operations and long-term future.

Position WVSOM for success in the increasingly competitive environment for medical and health professions education.

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WVSOM BIO SUMMIT CELEBRATED RESEARCH EXPANSION, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

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WVSOM is geared for growth and looking toward economic opportunity with its first-ever WVSOM Bio, an event that included celebrating the expansion of one of its buildings and an economic forum where panelists from the bioscience and pharmaceutical industries spoke to the importance of research.

Distinguished guests of WVSOM joined the school in celebrating a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Fredric W. Smith Science Building in August during the event’s first day.

WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., said the building has been valuable in its use for medical education and research efforts, but is operating at capacity, lacks room for expansion and is in need of renovation to correct and improve functionality.

“When we were putting together our master plan a number of years ago, I said to the administration and to the Board of Governors that we need an inspirational project. We need something that will move WVSOM forward, and there is need to improve the existing research facility to provide opportunities for our students and for our faculty and staff,” he said.

U.S. Congresswoman Carol Miller said a modern facility is important to conduct research at the medical school.

WVSOM Bio

“This will allow faculty and students to collaborate on so many things — histology, microscopy, imaging — but I’m from West Virginia and I’m also serving on the [House] Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and I understand West Virginia’s challenges with obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. We are going to be doing that kind of research right here,” she said.

The project is funded by a $29 million appropriation from the West Virginia Legislature and a $6 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. Justin McAllister, WVSOM’s chief financial officer, who oversees campus facilities, expects construction to begin in spring 2026 with an estimated project completion in 2027.

WVSOM will encourage external research partners to locate lab operations in the facility, as the school is dedicating the third floor to private and public research space.

WVSOM is collaborating with the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, the West Virginia Bioscience Association, Bio International, West Virginia University and Marshall University to attract investment in the region and to the state.

“By working together, there is a greater chance to serve as an

economic engine for West Virginia,” Nemitz said. “One of WVSOM’s goals is to establish the institution as a bioscience research hub in the region and contribute to West Virginia’s bioscience ecosystem.”

“This addition will foster research collaborations, particularly in the areas of obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. By working together, we can further our mission of delivering quality health care to West Virginians,” she said.

The second day of WVSOM Bio consisted of an economic development forum intended to address the idea of the Greenbrier Valley becoming a hub for excellence in the bioscience and pharmaceutical industries. It was attended by industry representatives, executives from agencies who work to attract business, and state and local government representatives in addition to WVSOM personnel.

That spirit of collaboration also echoed through the remarks of members of state government. West Virginia Sen. Tom Takubo, D.O., a graduate of WVSOM’s Class of 1999, said teamwork can happen more efficiently in this state than in some others.

The forum featured discussions about the opportunities and challenges of growing the bioscience presence at WVSOM, and in the Greenbrier Valley and West Virginia. Ruthana Beezley, executive director of Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation, said the region’s varied industries — from manufacturing and agriculture to tourism and hospitality — serve as examples of what can be accomplished.

“We have a rich and diverse economy,” Beezley said. “The same things that bring millions of visitors through our region make us a beautiful place to live. But the Greenbrier Valley is much more than a pretty face. The presence of the osteopathic school and the expansion of our medical facilities make health science and health care one of our top three industries in terms of employment.”

Several bioscience industry representatives participated in the event, including Patrick Plues, senior vice president of state government affairs and affiliate relations for Bio International. He said the industry employs about 2.3 million direct employees and 11.5 million in supporting roles nationwide, accounting for roughly $3.2 trillion of the U.S. economy. West Virginia currently has about 5,700 bioscience workers.

Plues said the nation’s top geographic centers for clinical trials have certain characteristics in common, including access to diverse patients, the workforce to run trials efficiently, laboratory capacity, financial support, connectivity and infrastructure, and quality of life.

In a video broadcast at the forum, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, who helped secure $6 million in federal funding for the project through her work on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she is pleased that the expansion will encourage private and public partnerships.

“West Virginia is great because we’re large enough to make exceptional things happen, but small enough that at any given time, I can talk to the chairman of the House Finance Committee, the Secretary of Economic Development, the governor and the president of the osteopathic school, and in minutes to hours you can get collaboration that you can’t see in other places,” Takubo said.

West Virginia Del. Vernon Criss, who chairs the House Committee on Finance, said the state legislature appropriated $29 million for the research expansion because it knows it will see a return on investment — a priority for West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

“We want to make sure members of the Senate and House are spending citizens’ dollars wisely. The money we gave is one of those things that we know down the road will be the wisest thing we can do toward the betterment of the health of our people,” Criss said.

Tammy Tincher, Greenbrier County commissioner, pointed out that there are challenges in attracting businesses to the state and region, but said West Virginia’s leaders have a record of overcoming them.

“West Virginia is a state that has aged infrastructure, and everyone recognizes that,” she said. “We’ve done a tremendous job over the last several years to make sure those issues are being addressed.”

Nemitz pointed to scientific work currently happening in West Virginia as evidence that the infrastructure and workforce for research opportunities are in place.

“There are numerous examples of quality research conducted here,” he said. “We’re proud of the work done at WVU, Marshall and other institutions, including WVSOM. We need to identify our strengths, work together and set realistic goals. If we collaborate, West Virginia’s bioscience ecosystem can grow. We are better when we work together.”

SCIENCE BUILDING EXPANSION REINFORCES ROBUST RESEARCH ENDEAVORS

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WVSOM understands that research opportunities help students remain competitive when looking for residencies and help faculty create robust professional portfolios. It’s why the medical school continues to amp up its research endeavors and prove research is a priority.

During the next few years, words will turn to action as WVSOM moves forward with a $35 million renovation and expansion of its Fredric W. Smith Science Building.

WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., said the project is just the beginning of WVSOM’s plan to continue growing its research.

“This investment in our research enterprise will spark new efforts to address health equity, benefit our students when applying for residency programs, aid in faculty recruitment and retainment, and serve as an economic engine for the school and southern West Virginia,” he said. “As someone who began work at WVSOM as an anatomy professor, I have a great sense of pride in witnessing the growth of research at WVSOM as president. I could not be happier to be part of this moment in history for a medical school that is so dear to my heart.”

WVSOM is engaged in biomedical, clinical and translational research, community-based participatory research and public health research. The research facility expansion will fuel WVSOM’s ability to remain competitive with other medical schools in the state and nation and increase WVSOM’s medical and scientific influence. The addition is expected to be complete in 2027.

Facts 26,927 square feet

Size of addition:

28,523 square feet

Lab spaces:

7 faculty labs

2 open research labs to accommodate 9 PIs 2 anatomy labs 1 fresh tissue lab 5 lab support rooms

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The project is designed to elevate research capabilities, attract toptier faculty and researchers and position the institution as a leading center for advanced research and education.

Highlights of the project include: • Expanded facility: A new three-story addition featuring research laboratories, an anatomy lab, a vivarium and support spaces.

• Open-lab concept: Incorporates shared support areas and dedicated office spaces, with a design that emphasizes transparency and visibility to highlight ongoing research activities.

• Locally inspired design: Utilizes materials and colors that reflect WVSOM’s brand identity and the natural beauty of West Virginia.

• Broadened impact: The facility will expand WVSOM’s research and technical workforce, generate new job opportunities and foster collaboration with private industries.

Team

Size of existing building:

Estimated completion:

Overview

2027

Architects:

Edward Tucker Architects Hasenstab Architects

Engineers:

Scheeser Buckley Mayfield Schaefer Consulting GAI Consultants

The renovation and expansion will utilize materials and colors that reflect WVSOM’s brand identity and the natural beauty of West Virginia. The facility is expected to expand WVSOM’s research and technical workforce, generate new job opportunities and foster collaboration with private industries.

Offices: Dedicated office space features abundant windows to bring in natural light and includes an administrative suite.

Vivarium: Designed to accommodate nine primary investigators, with health, comfort, energy efficiency and collaboration in mind.

Lab support space: This space will be used for microscopy, histology and cell cultures.

Conference rooms: These spaces are available for faculty to meet, collaborate and offer presentations.

Research labs: New lab space employs an open design that emphasizes transparency and visibility to highlight ongoing research activities. In all, lab space for the WVSOM community will nearly triple.

Fresh tissue lab: This space will facilitate training in surgical preparation and will include two tables.

Computer lab: This space will accommodate eight desks.

Second floor

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing: The expanded facility will feature high‑efficiency mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems designed to optimize performance, reduce energy use and ensure continuous operation.

Gross anatomy suite: The existing classroom space will be expanded. New features include virtual reality and a fresh tissue lab.

First floor

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2025 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY CELEBRATED

185 NEW PHYSICIANS

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In May, members of WVSOM’s Class of 2025 had something to dance about. A pediatrician noted for encouraging his patients to exercise through rhythmic movement was the keynote speaker for a Commencement Ceremony observing the conferral of medical degrees to 185 new physicians.

This year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone for the school: The inaugural class of 24 students in its new Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree program shared the celebration with those receiving medical degrees. A majority of those earning master’s degrees were accepted into WVSOM’s osteopathic medical program for the 2025-26 academic year.

Under a graduation tent on the school’s Lewisburg campus, Tyree Winters, D.O., known as “Dr. Tye: Hip Hop Dance Doc,” told the Class of 2025 that patients deserve the best from their physicians every day.

“You’ll see a numerous amount of patients, but they will only see one of you,” Winters said. “Don’t take that lightly. You fought hard and long to get this privilege, so hold on to it."

Winters is vice chair of education and director of graduate medical education for Nemours Children’s Health-Delaware Valley in Wilmington, Del., and assistant designated institutional official for Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pa. He recently became president of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians.

His interest in helping young people combat obesity led him to create a dance exercise program and adopt his “Dance Doc” moniker. Through his passion for dance, Winters promotes the benefits of an active lifestyle and inspires children to make healthy choices.

In his speech, he reminded the audience that physicians are called to advocate for those in need. He asked graduatesto turn to the class members sitting on either side of them and say, “Neighbor, you are an advocate.”

“Everyone’s advocacy is unique,” Winters said. “You don’t have to go into communities to combat childhood obesity through dance. You don’t have to be on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and speak on behalf of children and citizens who are afflicted with preventable diseases. What you can do is advocate, in your own way, for those who are important to you.”

He offered advice to the new class of physicians, encouraging them to participate in hobbies outside of medicine, to accept imperfections in themselves and others, to ask for help when needed and to stay in contact with the families and loved ones who supported them.

Winters also asked graduates to feel empowered by the uniqueness of their osteopathic education.

“When someone writes ‘M.D.’ behind your name, correct them every time and tell them you are a D.O.,” he said.

“Be proud of that.”

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CLASS OF

2025 185

GRADUATES

100%

RESIDENCY PLACEMENT RATE

98

GRADUATES ENTERING PRIMARY CARE RESIDENCIES

13

GRADUATES RECOGNIZED FOR MILITARY SERVICE

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James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOM’s president, noted in his opening remarks that the school’s D.O. Class of 2025 had a 100% residency placement rate. He reminded the class that WVSOM is an institution with more than a halfcentury of history behind it and that they are joining that history.

“I’m proud of what has been accomplished in the past 50 years. Please know that your school continues to be a leader in medical education. You are now a part of WVSOM’s legacy and you will help write our story for the next 50 years. I’m extremely proud of you and what you’ve accomplished, and I’m confident you’ll continue to represent yourself and WVSOM with the same level of enthusiasm, service and professionalism you have demonstrated as students,” Nemitz said.

Linda Boyd, D.O., the school’s chief academic officer, told those assembled that the Class of 2025 will always be meaningful to her.

“You were the first class I welcomed in orientation after starting as WVSOM’s dean in 2021, so you are a special group to me,” she said. “It’s been my pleasure and honor to get to know you and work with you during the past four years, and I know that today we are graduating some of the finest future physicians in the United States.”

Mark Wagner, president of WVSOM’s D.O. Class of 2025, addressed his fellow graduates, urging them to begin their careers knowing they have the ability to spark change. He echoed Winters’ call for patient advocacy.

“Each of us holds the potential to make a profound difference, not just in individual lives, but in communities, in systems, in the very way health care is delivered,” he said. “It doesn’t take fame, prestige or wealth to make that difference. It takes showing up. It takes listening. It takes caring enough to stay five minutes longer, to ask one more question, to advocate when no one else will.”

Following the D.O. portion of the event, Timothy Garrow, Ph.D., WVSOM’s retired associate dean for graduate programs, shook hands with each student who completed the school’s new master’s degree program as they crossed the stage to receive diplomas.

“Today is a special day, because last fall this institution established a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, a one-year intensive program whose goal is to prepare students for the rigors of medical school and other health care careers.

Today we have the honor of conferring this institution’s first graduate degrees to our brave inaugural class,” Garrow said.

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“Each of us holds the potential to make a profound difference, not just in individual lives, but in communities, in systems, in the very way health care is delivered.”

Mark Wagner, D.O., WVSOM 2025 class president

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GRADUATES RECEIVED

$87,400 AT AWARDS CEREMONY

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WVSOM students in the Class of 2025 were recognized for their achievements in medical school during a Graduation Awards Ceremony on May 1. Graduation awards totaled $87,400 with students being recognized in 33 categories including awards, scholarships and membership in national organizations.

This year’s class consisted of 185 graduates, with 98 graduates entering primary care residency programs and a 100% residency placement rate for the class.

The event recognized 19 students who graduated with honors. In addition, 28 students were recognized as members of Psi Sigma Alpha, a national osteopathic scholastic honor society. Twelve students were recognized with American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow-Rubin Certificates of Commendation for Academic Achievement. Thirty-one students received cords reflecting their membership in Sigma Sigma Phi - Nu Chapter, a national osteopathic medicine fraternity that supports medical scholastic excellence.

Thirty-one students from the Class of 2025 were inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, a national honor society comprising medical students, physicians and leaders who have been recognized for compassionate care. Thirteen graduates were recognized for their military service.

WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., said the ceremony is an exciting opportunity to celebrate and reward students for their achievements.

“I am proud of all of our students and their many accomplishments. It is truly remarkable to see such gifted individuals dedicate their lives to serving others,” he said.

This was the inaugural year for the Triplett Scholarship, which was distributed through funds by the WVSOM Foundation, a supporting organization of WVSOM whose goal is to serve the school and its students by securing, managing and allocating the financial contributions of businesses and individuals.

The scholarship was created to recognize a graduate of George Washington or Man high schools who is in the top 10% of his

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or her class. Alternatively, students from Kanawha or Logan counties are considered. This year’s recipient was Madison Marshall.

Marshall, a native of St. Albans, W.Va., said she is grateful to be the first WVSOM graduate selected for the school’s newest scholarship.

“This award — especially with the West Virginia criteria — makes me proud. Being from a smaller town and being honored for this scholarship means the world to me,” she said. “I feel blessed that someone was willing to pay it forward and give back to future physicians. I’m glad there are people who feel it in their hearts to give back and ease the debt for us, and hopefully I can do the same in the future.”

Marshall will enter an orthopedic surgery residency at Community Memorial Health System in Ventura, Calif.

Donette Mizia, WVSOM’s executive director of foundation relations, said witnessing the growth of scholarships is promising for the continued support of future WVSOM graduates.

“It’s always inspiring to see our students recognized for their hard work, and the Graduation Awards Ceremony highlights what a difference donor support can make,” she said. “Watching our scholarship funds’ growth, including the Triplett Scholarship’s introduction, is exciting and shows how our community is stepping up to invest in the next generation of physicians. We are deeply grateful to our donors, whose generosity directly supports the success of our graduates.”

The Graduation Awards Ceremony celebrates fourth-year students’ memberships in various national scholastic honor societies, but it also includes scholarships and awards specifically created for WVSOM through the school’s WVSOM Foundation and WVSOM Alumni Association. Those who wish to become financial supporters have a variety of options to contribute and can do so online at www.wvsomfoundation.org/ give-online or by calling 304-793-6852.

Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award Presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation to recognize one graduating medical student and one faculty member who exemplify humanism in patient care. These individuals are recognized by their peers for consistently demonstrating exceptional dedication in providing care to those in need.

Olivia Claire Obrokta Pediatric Award Recognizes a student who is committed to serving in a pediatric specialty. Deena Obrokta, D.O., Class of 1994, established the award after losing her granddaughter shortly after her birth.

CLAIRE DROTMAN MICHAEL PETERSON, D.O.

WVSOM’s Rural Health Initiative (RHI) Recognized 16 graduates who participated in the program.

The RHI program is designed to enhance the rural primary care curriculum at WVSOM and produce graduates uniquely qualified to practice medicine in underserved communities in rural West Virginia.

Student D.O. of the Year Acknowledges a student’s commitment to his or her school and community and to the osteopathic profession.

COURTNEY MERWIN WVSOM Alumni Association Roland P. Sharp Graduate Award Created to honor the values of WVSOM’s first president. The award honors graduating students who exemplify Dr. Sharp’s vision of holistic care and service.

CALEB DUNCAN WYATT BELL ZOE HAROLD Olen E. Jones Jr. and WVSOM Foundation Academic Achievement Award Presented to a student graduating in the top 10% of the class.

NATALIE FABRIZIO Opal Price Sharp Memorial Fund Award Created in memory of the wife of WVSOM’s first president, Dr. Roland P. Sharp. Opal Price Sharp worked alongside Dr. Sharp in the early years of the school, using her journalistic skills to promote WVSOM’s mission throughout West Virginia.

CHRIS RODITIS

DONALD ADKINS NICHOLAS ADKINS CODY CAWTHON ALYSSA CHAFIN CALEB DUNCAN NATALIE FABRIZIO CODY FULLER CHARLES LAFFERTY MARIA MACE LAUREL MARKERT DOMINIC MUTTILLO KYMBRE ROBINSON MADISON ROBINSON SARAH SOCRATES BRENNA TAYLOR HANNAH WHITE MSOPTI West Virginia Primary Care Scholars Award Aims to increase the likelihood that students from West Virginia medical schools will self-select residency programs located in the state, establish a relationship in the community and commit to practice medicine in that area.

NICHOLAS ADKINS EMMA ELLIS BRIAN TYLER MOORE

West Virginia Emulation Endowment Trust/ Dr. Olen E. Jones Jr. Scholarship Established in 2016 and named after Olen E. Jones Jr., Ph.D., who served as president of WVSOM from 1987 to 2009. The scholarship is awarded to West Virginia students based on literary and scholastic attainments, morality, leadership and physical vigor.

Donald Newell Sr. Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior Presented to a student who, in the opinion of his or her classmates, best exemplifies the qualities of scholarship, osteopathic professional interest, leadership and citizenship.

HANNAH BREHM CALEB DUNCAN CODY FULLER

Gwen Clingman Memorial Scholarship Presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated a commitment to community service throughout his or her time in medical school.

WVSOM Foundation Scholars Given to West Virginia residents with satisfactory academic performance who plan to stay in West Virginia after residency to practice. Preference is given to students from Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Nicholas, Roane, Summers, Wayne, Webster or Wyoming counties.

HANNAH BREHM ABIGAIL EFFINGHAM NTUMBA Legacy Scholarship Endowment Created by the WVSOM Foundation in an effort to help offset the cost of medical school for WVSOM students.

CLAIRE DROTMAN Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia Farson-Smith-Earley Award Presented to a graduating student who has matched to a West Virginia primary care residency with the intent to practice in a rural area.

DOMINIC MUTTILLO

CODY FULLER

KAYLA UNDERWOOD Drs. John and Nancy Chambers Memorial Scholarship Fund Award Given to a student who intends to practice medicine in an underserved community and who had a strong academic performance. The scholarship honors two former WVSOM professors.

OLIVIA GEORGE Stephanie Dawn Barragy Memorial Scholarship Established to honor Charles and Jean Cornell’s daughter, who was a victim of suicide. The scholarship recognizes a student committed to working on behalf of mental health issues, with a focus on patient care and intervention.

KORIE ROBINSON Dr. Catherine A. Bishop Scholarship Fund Award Recognizes a graduating student committed to a residency program in West Virginia.

HANNAH BREHM

OLIVIA GEORGE

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 19

David Hinchman, D.O., Emergency Medicine Award Created by Brant Hinchman, D.O., Class of 2012, to honor his retired father, from WVSOM’s Class of 1982, and others who have helped medical students become emergency medicine physicians.

The award is given to a graduating student who intends to enter an emergency medicine residency.

KAYLA UNDERWOOD Dr. William R. Holmes Jr. Scholarship Award Given to a student who has shown determination, persistence and commitment in pursuing a medical education.

CLAIRE SCHOYER

Triplett Scholarship This was the inaugural year for the Triplett Scholarship, which was created to recognize a graduate of George Washington or Man high schools who is also in the top 10% of his or her class. Alternatively, students from Kanawha or Logan counties are considered.

MADISON MARSHALL West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians Award Each year, the organization recognizes one student from each of the three medical schools in West Virginia whose performance in clinical rotations reflects an understanding of and commitment to the delivery of emergency care.

SARAH MCQUEEN Eugene McClung, M.D., Family Scholarship Created by McClung’s family to honor his service to the medical profession. McClung was a graduate of the Duke University School of Medicine and was a U.S. Army Purple Heart recipient. He practiced internal medicine in Lewisburg from 1957 until his death in 1988.

The scholarship recognizes a first-generation college graduate who exhibits a strong interest in community involvement.

COURTNEY MERWIN

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Order of Vesalius Award Presented to students who have served as graduate teaching assistants in the biomedical sciences department.

JOSHUA LAWSON

RAMS Head Award The award is given to students who served as graduate teaching assistants in the osteopathic principles and practice department.

CENTRAL EAST REGION:

JESSICA COXON DANIEL HUSSION

CENTRAL WEST REGION:

Clinical Sciences Award Recognizes a student who served as a graduate teaching assistant in a clinical sciences or family medicine capacity.

OLIVIA BELL ZOE HAROLD Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award Recognizes an osteopathic medical student’s spouse or partner. The recipient exemplifies the role of a professional’s partner in providing support to their family and the osteopathic profession.

KENESHA BELL, SPOUSE OF WYATT BELL Statewide Campus Outstanding Student Awards Students from each of WVSOM’s seven Statewide Campus regions received Statewide Campus Outstanding Student Awards for their third- and fourth-year clinical rotations.

NATALIE FABRIZIO PALMQUIST RILEY

GILLIAN GAUNT LOUIS MAURO EASTERN REGION: ANTHONY GRILLO CAROLINE KAYES NORTHERN REGION: JILLIAN KEYTE CASEY O’DOHERTY SOUTH CENTRAL REGION: STEVEN CELMINS JOHN TYLER CRAIG MADISON MARSHALL SARAH MCQUEEN SOUTH EAST REGION: JASON MITTON ALYSSA TURNER SOUTH WEST REGION: JENNIFER ALI SHASHANK SINGH

LEGACY D.O. GRADUATES BRENDAN BOARDWINE SON OF WALT BOARDWINE, D.O., CLASS OF 1985

CALEB DUNCAN NEPHEW OF ANDY TANNER, D.O., CLASS OF 1999

MARIA MACE

SISTER OF MICHAEL SAVILLA, D.O., CLASS OF 2018

JOY MILLS

CHASE SHANK

BROTHER OF DANIEL SHANK, D.O., CLASS OF 2018

LEGACY BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES GRADUATES LOGAN BOGGS COUSIN OF PHILIP LEGG, D.O., CLASS OF 2003

DAUGHTER OF ANGELA MILLS, D.O., CLASS OF 2009 JOHN MILLS, D.O., CLASS OF 2010

EMILY LINTON

KUNTAL PATEL

KENNEDY PUGH

COUSIN OF SUNNY PATEL, D.O., CLASS OF 2016

CLAIRE SCHOYER COUSIN OF AMELIA MCPEAK, D.O., CLASS OF 2000

GRANDCHILD OF RONALD GREEN SR., D.O., CLASS OF 1982

NIECE OF RYAN FITZWATER, D.O., CLASS OF 2006

KAYLEE TOLER DAUGHTER OF BILLIE TOLER, D.O., CLASS OF 2002

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 21

“At WVSOM there is the potential to learn everything. Even though WVSOM touts primary care, you can learn whatever you’d like once you get here.”

Natalie Fabrizio, D.O. 22 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

Graduate leaves West Virginia hills to offer

MEDICAL CARE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

I

In the eyes of many of her classmates, Natalie Fabrizio, D.O., is a leader. While she may desire being a physician in a small rural town, her classmates thought she was poised to do big things in her career, naming her “Most Likely to Become Dean of a Medical School” in their class superlatives.

Student leadership positions were a large part of Fabrizio’s experience during her time at WVSOM. “For me, a really impactful time was when we made Mini-Med School available to all high school students in addition to community members,” she said. “We provided information on smoking cessation, the dangers of vaping and how to recognize the signs of a stroke. We discussed the social determinants of health and food deserts. That was our big project of the year, and it was great to see it come together. To see how you can be a leader in the community and for your peers was a learning moment. I think my communication and organization skills improved from that.”

Fabrizio was also a member of national osteopathic organizations including the Gold Humanism Honor Society, Psi Sigma Alpha and Sigma Sigma Phi. She graduated with honors at the Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony, and at the Graduation Awards Ceremony she was recognized with three awards: the American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for Academic Achievement; Olen E. Jones Jr. and WVSOM Foundation Academic Achievement Award; and Statewide Campus Outstanding Student Award.

Fabrizio also was a member of WVSOM’s Rural Health Initiative, which was significant in helping her fulfill her desire to practice in rural primary care after graduating.

“Through that program I learned how to delve into a community and think, ‘How are things different here that would impact patients when they come in the office and how do I treat that,’” she said.

Since Fabrizio decided she wanted to become a doctor, she has been intrigued with the philosophies of osteopathic medicine and the way D.O.s consider lifestyle factors when it comes to treating patients. Her interest in the profession grew after spending time with an osteopathic physician in her home state.

“I shadowed a doctor in a rural town in New Hampshire and I thought her practice was so cool. She performed a lot of OMT [osteopathic manipulative treatment] while I was with her, and she had community gardens outside her office. She was a true primary care physician,” Fabrizio said. “That all felt very much like what I wanted in my future. It was my first exposure to osteopathic medicine.

Fabrizio also took advantage of elective opportunities that allow students to dive deeper into their personal interests — in her case, rural health and wilderness medicine. The elective aimed to teach students and resident physicians how to care for medical conditions that arise in wilderness environments.

“I’m an adrenaline junkie and I enjoy the outdoors, so I knew wilderness first aid would be important for search and rescue,” Fabrizio said.

She completed a monthlong wilderness medicine elective in her last rotation, which took place at the University of New Mexico.

The first week, participants were provided survival training and taught environmental stewardship. Fabrizio also took part in a backpacking trip 11,000 feet into the mountains of Taos, N.M., where she experienced altitude sickness firsthand.

During the last week of the rotation, participants completed a whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River, where they learned to swim through rapids, flip boats and rescue stranded swimmers.

“On the last day, a group of us went down Class IV rapids and a boat flipped, so all the things we learned that week we were able to put into practice and help everybody get to a safe place,” Fabrizio said. “It was a full-circle moment because during the first week of medical school some WVSOM students went whitewater rafting at the New River Gorge, and a boat flipped and there was an injury. The eight of us in that boat were watching as they put this person on a backboard, and even though we were medical students we couldn’t help other than to take turns carrying the person to land. At that time we didn’t know anything, so to be able to help at the end of medical school was great.”

Having a medical school that supports students exploring their interests is a valuable draw to potential applicants, Fabrizio said.

“You can do anything you want if you are able to find a doctor who also does it,” she said. “At WVSOM there is the potential to learn everything. Even though WVSOM touts primary care, you can learn whatever you’d like once you get here. If that’s an interest in global health, you can do international medicine. There are so many options.”

Fabrizio may one day utilize her wilderness medicine training to assist someone in the mountains of New Hampshire, which supply ample opportunities for recreation. She is completing a family medicine residency at New Hampshire Dartmouth Family Medicine at Concord Hospital.

“I knew I wanted to work in family medicine, and I love that you can do a little bit of everything as you find your niche,” she said. “I like practicing OMT. I like sports medicine. I like working with kids and making sure little athletes are healthy. I like women’s health and family planning. I like it all.”

Though her hospital system is in the state capital, she is completing a rural health track in the small town of Hillsboro. She said it’s a place where everybody knows your name.

“At the clinic, everybody knows each other and it’s a supportive environment that is similar to the Robert C. Byrd Clinic and the town of Lewisburg. It’s why I wanted to be there,” she said.

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 23

Urology resident says stem cell donation

LED TO MEDICAL CAREER

Cody Fuller, D.O.

24 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

C

Cody Fuller, D.O., of WVSOM’s Class of 2025, was an undergraduate at Marshall University when a series of events cemented his decision to pursue a career in medicine.

The Bluefield, W.Va., native was an exercise physiology major when a friend studying nursing asked him to sign up to see if he was a match for a stem cell donation. If his friend signed 90 people, he’d earn bonus points on an exam.

“I swabbed my cheek, put my Q-tip in the bag and didn’t think anything of it,” Fuller said. “The chances are one in a million that you’ll match and go through with the transplant, but I knew that if I was called on, I would do it.”

His human leukocyte antigen genotype was a perfect match for a 1-year-old girl with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive cancer that can be fatal if left untreated. Fuller donated stem cells at a hospital in Cincinnati, and they were transplanted to a girl named Ella, of the Chicago suburb Glenview, Ill., the next day.

When Fuller married his wife in 2023, Ella was the flower girl. Ella, now 6 years old, told a teacher that her friend Cody saved her life.

When the teacher asked how, she said, “He took my cancer away.”

Fuller said the experience changed his life and helped lead him to pursue a medical education.

“I knew I wanted to work in health care, and toward the end of my undergrad I was pondering all sorts of career paths. I considered physical therapy, pharmacy and optometry, but my organic chemistry and biology teachers were saying medical school would give me more options. I knew it would be a long, tough road, and I was doubting whether it was the right decision. But being able to help someone so directly, I took that as a sign and ran with it,” he said.

Fuller spent time observing his father’s friend, Ryan Waddell, D.O., in his practice at Pulmonary Associates of Charleston, where another WVSOM alumnus, Tom Takubo, D.O., is also a partner. Both physicians suggested that Fuller consider attending their alma mater.

He applied to other medical schools, but ultimately chose WVSOM for its reputation as a leader in medical education and its proximity to Bluefield.

“I had no doubts about coming here,” Fuller said. “I felt like this was where I could get the best training in the state, and I could be home to my parents and grandparents in an hour and a half. When I was accepted, I canceled interviews at two other schools.”

At WVSOM, he was a member of the Rural Health Initiative, in which selected students learn about local industries and the daily lives of West Virginians. He also was involved with ongoing research in conjunction with Charleston Area Medical Center’s (CAMC) Department of Urology, helping with a study of the pulmonary limitations of the Trendelenburg position in robotic prostatectomy following COVID-19 infection.

“When people have their prostate removed using this procedure, they’re in a position called Trendelenburg, which puts their feet above their head and moves their bowels out of the pelvis to allow more room when operating. We know there’s a risk of pulmonary complications after prostate surgery, so the project looked at whether there was a correlation between people who’d had COVID-19 and people with pulmonary complications after this surgery. The research showed there wasn’t a correlation,” he said.

W.Va. In 2024, Fuller presented a case study involving one of Payne’s patients at the WVSOM Alumni Association’s Summer Seminar.

His dedication to the specialty paid off. He matched to CAMC’s urology residency, making him one of only four physicians in West Virginia who begin training in the specialty each year.

Fuller said the five-year program can lead to work in general urology or serve as a precursor to a fellowship in an area such as reconstructive urology, andrology, uro-oncology or endourology, a subspecialty that focuses on minimally invasive surgical techniques.

“WVSOM looked at me as a whole person and a whole applicant.

I was more than a score and more than a CV. I felt like they took my life story into consideration. As a student, the faculty was there for me the whole way. The coursework and exams were demanding but fair, and I felt prepared for the next step at the end of my training.”

“I wanted a specialty that gave me a good mix of office time and procedures.

Talking and connecting with people is one of my strong suits, and it’s a great specialty to fill my passion for operating while maintaining relationships in the office,” he said. “You also get to see all types of patients — male, female, kids, the elderly. There’s a lot of variety.”

At WVSOM’s 2025 Graduation Awards Ceremony, Fuller received the Donald Newell Sr. Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior and the West Virginia Emulation Endowment Trust/Dr. Olen E. Jones Jr. Scholarship, as well as recognition for his Rural Health Initiative participation.

He said he appreciates WVSOM’s admissions staff and faculty for providing the opportunity for him to become a physician.

“WVSOM looked at me as a whole person and a whole applicant. I was more than a score and more than a CV. I felt like they took my life story into consideration. As a student, the faculty was there for me the whole way. The coursework and exams were demanding but fair, and I felt prepared for the next step at the end of my training,” Fuller said.

He also remains thankful for his bond with Ella. He still sends her toys and letters at birthdays and Christmastime, and her family sends gifts as well.

“I just did what anybody would do, and I’m as thankful for the experience as they are,” he said. “There’s a part of me that lives in Ella. We’ll always be connected.”

Fuller gained additional understanding of urology while on rotation with Faith Payne, D.O., a WVSOM alumna who practices in Beckley, WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 25

Graduate hopes importance of family unit continues with her work as

PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN

I

Isabella Lane, D.O., grew up wanting to provide care — whether that meant tending to neighborhood animals, caring for the elderly through her work at a nursing home or providing comfort food to patrons of her grandparents’ Italian restaurant.

As a teenager, Lane wanted to be a veterinarian.

“I have always loved animals and wanted to have all kinds.

When I was little, I used to make friends with people who had cool pets,” she said. “It wasn’t until my mom asked if I needed to take care of animals or just have some myself that I realized I might need a little farm to be fulfilled. I started to wonder that if I wasn’t going to be a veterinarian, maybe I would take care of people.”

She spent two years after undergraduate school to gain experience and try to decide what type of health care she was interested in. Lane was a resident aide at a nursing home for about a year, a job she said she looked forward to every day.

“It’s extremely difficult work and I give everybody credit who does it as a lifelong career, because it is truly the Lord’s work,” she said. “It’s tough, exhausting and sad at times. I knew I wanted to be part of these peoples’ lives, and I saw the attention they weren’t getting. The geriatric community is often forgotten, and I wondered where their advocates were.

I wondered if there was a physician who could prescribe therapy or social hour.”

In addition to working at the nursing home, Lane was taking courses to become an EMT. While ambulance rides were exhilarating, Lane didn’t think it was a career she could have for a long time because of the extreme shifts between periods of intensity and calm.

“I needed more follow-up,” the Greensburg, Pa., native said.

“We would drop someone off at the emergency room and I’d never hear what happened to them. I was curious to know a person’s entire story. That’s when it clicked that I need to oversee people’s care. Those experiences helped me realize that I was passionate about overall well-being, which drew me to primary care.”

Lane was drawn to the personable environment she felt at WVSOM when she completed her admissions interview. She eventually became a medical student and was involved with the Wilderness Medicine Club and the Wellness Committee.

While growing up, Lane helped her family at Lombardozzi’s, an Italian restaurant her grandparents owned for decades in Pittsburgh.

“Growing up, my mom and her brothers worked there. It’s very much a family restaurant. You have Yolanda rolling the

26 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

gnocchi in the back, my brother and I helping with meatballs and my nonna stirring the sauce — it was a group effort,” Lane said.

For the better part of 15 years, Lane helped the family business on weekends, in the summer and during Italian festivals.

“When the family was called upon, you better believe you were working,” she said. “Those are some of my best memories.”

Lane expanded her knowledge of food’s impact on health by taking part in WVSOM’s Culinary Medicine elective, where she learned about nutrition and healthy eating.

“We all know that if you eat well, you’ll feel better, but in my family food is love. Nobody is counting calories. When you’re making a sauce, you just make the sauce taste good. Don’t skimp on anything. It’s all about the flavor,” she said. “With culinary medicine you learn how to better fuel your body. What we eat is the foundation of our health, and it’s something we can all control.”

Lane said that even with years of restaurant work, the culinary medicine information broadened her knowledge. She is pleased that more residency programs are incorporating the subject at hospitals.

“My hospital has a huge industrial kitchen where we will learn about a new topic every few weeks,” she said. “When I was auditioning there, the topic was budgeting — how to help patients with little income make nutritious and affordable meals. I never thought you could get such a variety of foods from the dollar store, but it was delicious.

The more experiences and exposure you have to this kind of information, the better you can serve your patients. I think the knowledge gained in these types of courses is hugely beneficial for prevention, maintenance and sometimes reversal of certain health conditions.”

Lane is completing a family medicine residency at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals in St. Joseph, Mich. She enjoys the range of patients’ ages and health cases her specialty allows her to see.

“When I was rotating with a family medicine doctor, he saw newborns and 100-year-olds. We were taking off cysts, injecting joints, performing wellness checks — we were doing it all. We saw a person who almost cut off their finger while cutting potatoes, and we sutured it,” she said. “With family medicine, I don’t have to choose. I can do everything. I know that I can specialize if I want to and there are so many opportunities within family medicine to find your niche or practice broad spectrum. It feels perfect.”

“My hospital has a huge industrial kitchen where we will learn about a new topic every few weeks. When I was auditioning there, the topic was budgeting — how to help patients with little income make nutritious and affordable meals.”

Isabella Lane, D.O. WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 27

Graduate enters coveted

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY RESIDENCY

A

Among medical specialties, plastic surgery is one of the most competitive. With only about 200 positions for new graduates to train in annually in the U.S., entering a residency means beating out numerous applicants. No WVSOM graduate has matched directly into a plastic surgery residency for at least 33 years — as far back as the school’s records reach — and according to National Resident Matching Program data, only eight D.O. graduates nationwide have matched directly into plastic surgery residencies since 2019.

Rommy Obeid, D.O., of WVSOM’s Class of 2025, said his successful placement in the Cleveland Clinic’s plastic and reconstructive surgery residency program was the result of years of preparation.

“I worked hard,” Obeid said. “It didn’t matter which rotation I was on, I’d get up as early as I could and I wouldn’t go home until 8:30 or 9 p.m. Then I’d wake up the next day and do the same thing. I tried to take on as much responsibility as they would give me.”

Born in Greensburg, Pa., just outside Pittsburgh, and raised in Hollidaysburg, Pa., Obeid first witnessed a plastic surgery procedure while visiting his cousin in Syria, his family’s country of origin. His cousin had just become a plastic surgeon and allowed Obeid to scrub in on abdominoplasty, liposuction and other aesthetic procedures. The experience piqued the third-year student’s interest, but he couldn’t see himself performing elective procedures as a career.

When Obeid returned to West Virginia, he contacted Justin McKinney, D.O., a plastic surgeon at Charleston Area Medical Center. That’s where he learned he was more interested in the reconstructive side of the specialty than the cosmetic side.

“What amazed me was being in the operating room with Dr. McKinney,” Obeid said. “The first time I met him, I introduced myself and asked if I could watch. He was treating a patient with a large lower leg burn and was doing a gastroc flap, using the calf muscle to cover the burned area so that it’s not

28 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

exposed. He took the flap and rotated it to cover the defect, and I thought it was incredible.”

Obeid explained that while the public perception of plastic surgery focuses on procedures such as facelifts and breast augmentations, the specialty also includes medically necessary surgeries that improve patients’ health or even save lives.

“A lot of specialties do the important work of removing a defect. For example, when a patient has breast cancer, the general surgeon’s job is extremely important in saving the person’s life and giving them another chance. But a plastic surgeon’s job is to put everything back together to make them feel whole again, to restore what was taken from them. That’s what appealed to me,” he said.

Obeid grew up playing a variety of sports, and while attending WVSOM he was a member of the student chapter of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine as well as vice president of the school’s Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Club, a position that allowed him to organize intramural activities in football, basketball, soccer and volleyball. He drew a parallel between athletics and his medical specialty.

“I love the technical aspect of it,” he said. “Hand surgery and microsurgery, for example, require precision, because you’re handling soft tissue. When you play soccer, golf or basketball, all your focus is on doing something technically difficult with your hands. Plastic surgery is the same way.”

During his time in medical school, Obeid also spent the better part of a year as a microsurgery lab research fellow with the Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Plastic Surgery, where he helped conduct translational and clinical studies on three topics. He said he’s certain he wouldn’t have been placed in the clinic’s residency program without that experience — which he attributes to the guidance of Linda Boyd, D.O., WVSOM’s chief academic officer.

“Medicine itself is a different language, and then you go through medical school and you find out that in plastic surgery, it’s even more so. It has different lingo, different terms and a totally different thought process, so it can be difficult to grasp.”

“I approached Dr. Boyd about doing a research year,” Obeid said. “She wanted to talk about what was going through my head, and when she heard what I was planning, she was supportive and made it so that I could take that year and stay with the school.”

Obeid said part of what makes plastic surgery more challenging than some other medical specialties is that it has its own language.

“Medicine itself is a different language, and then you go through medical school and you find out that in plastic surgery, it’s even more so. It has different lingo, different terms and a totally different thought process, so it can be difficult to grasp,” he said.

His advice to other students seeking to enter competitive specialties? Start learning about the field early and dedicate yourself to it.

“The earlier you start, the more experience you’ll get, the more information you’ll have about the specialty and the more people you’ll meet,” he said. “And if you’re going to go for it, try as hard as you can. It’s your future, and if you work hard and do things the right way, it will work out.”

Rommy Obeid, D.O.

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 29

Green Coat program helped MSBS graduate gain insight into

HEALTH CARE

M

Morgantown, W.Va., native Kyle Hawthorne was familiar with WVSOM even before the school’s Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program launched.

As the son of a family medicine physician, he’d grown up playing tennis with other doctors and listened to them talk about how much they enjoyed their jobs. His middle school discovery of an interest in biology and chemistry further pushed him toward medicine.

“Dissecting frogs in my first science lab in eighth grade got me invested in biology, and we learned about different chemical reactions that I thought were cool. I’ve also always been a math person, so I didn’t mind the math that came with science,” he said.

During his sophomore year at Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va., a WVSOM admissions counselor visited to talk to students about osteopathic medicine. Hawthorne found the presentation fascinating.

“I became aware of the health care shortage in West Virginia, especially in smaller towns,” he said. “I loved the idea of contributing to fighting that shortage.”

Hawthorne, who earned an MSBS degree with WVSOM’s inaugural class this spring and entered the D.O. Class of 2029 in the summer, took part in the school’s Green Coat program as a senior at Davis & Elkins. A partnership between the osteopathic medical school and several West Virginia undergraduate institutions, Green Coat allows students to shadow health care professionals, assist staff and communicate with patients while learning what it’s like to work in a hospital.

Hawthorne, then a biology and chemistry major with a pre-med specialization, said the experience cemented his desire to attend medical school.

“I knew I wanted to go into health care but wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a physician. That solidified it for me,” he said.

“I did 18 rotations with physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and physical therapists at Davis Medical Center, and it gave me insight into how all the pieces of the health care system fit together for a common mission.”

Hawthorne found that some physicians assumed he was a medical student. As a result, he was permitted to watch surgeries and learn what makes them successful.

“The No. 1 lesson I learned is that communication is an important factor in practicing medicine,” he said.

“If everyone communicates well, a good providerpatient interaction usually goes along with it. That was something the physicians I observed focused on and patients appreciated.”

30 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

Hawthorne played on the Davis & Elkins men’s tennis team for four years, the last two of which he served as captain. When he came to Lewisburg for WVSOM’s MSBS program, he learned that Greenbrier East High School was in need of a tennis coach. Hawthorne became the school’s assistant coach for men’s and women’s tennis in March 2025.

He said he thinks his coaching experience will be beneficial in his future career as a physician.

“It’s good practice, because physicians have to be leaders,” he said. “I’ve been a player for 15 years, but coaching lets you see the sport from a new perspective. I make sure everyone’s on the same page and on task at practice. It’s about motivating players not just athletically, but helping them become better people.”

Inspiring young people to find the determination to reach their potential is also personally rewarding, Hawthorne said.

“People say tennis is 90% mental and 10% physical, and it’s true. I’ve had matches where I’ve noticed I’ve helped the kids, because someone on my team is struggling, getting frustrated and starting to shut down and I’ve been able to talk them through it to the point that they end up coming back and winning the match,” he said.

Since becoming a student at WVSOM, he also has found himself enjoying the tennis-adjacent sport of pickleball.

Last fall, Hawthorne and teammate Linda Garrow, Ph.D., a clinical sciences faculty member who works with the MSBS program, came in second in a tournament the school hosted for students and employees.

“I’d never played before I came here, but Lewisburg is a huge community for pickleball,” Hawthorne said. “They have a nice facility at Hollowell Park where I’ve played with several professors, and it’s been a lot of fun. When I started, I would play with some of these people and then I’d later see them on campus. It’s been a good way to develop personal relationships outside classes.”

He said WVSOM’s MSBS program taught him the learning techniques and self-assurance necessary to flourish in postgraduate education.

“I learned that studying is so different than in undergrad, and it took me a while to realize there wasn’t much homework and that your grades primarily come from exams and quizzes, so you have to be consistent in studying,” Hawthorne said. “It gave me the confidence to say that if I can succeed in this program, I’ll succeed in medical school.”

“I learned that studying is so different than in undergrad, and it took me a while to realize there wasn’t much homework and that your grades primarily come from exams and quizzes, so you have to be consistent in studying. It gave me the confidence to say that if I can succeed in this program, I’ll succeed in medical school.”

Kyle Hawthorne WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 31

“I viewed this master’s degree as a bridge to help me change careers. ... I was an adult learner and had been out of the classroom for a couple of years, so this gave me the tools and skills I needed to be successful going forward.”

Ellie Lepkowski

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Nurse used new

MASTER’S PROGRAM

as gateway to medical school

E

Ellie Lepkowski spent nearly five years working as a nurse in Michigan, but a digital ad for WVSOM’s inaugural Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program sparked her desire to become a physician.

She was in charge of a group of 10 students who experience clinical settings including emergency rooms and intensive care units, while also learning about pediatric and obstetric cases.

Lepkowski grew up and attended college in Ohio. She shifted from attending a small, Catholic, all-female high school to a large academic university but felt overwhelmed in a large system. In college, she majored in nursing.

“I’ve always had a passion for teaching and medicine. I was used to mentoring and precepting in my previous job and I wanted to get involved in the rural health aspect of medicine when I moved here that I’d never worked in before,” Lepkowski said.

Lepkowski moved to Michigan for work after college.

Shortly after beginning her career, she decided to work toward becoming a physician.

There were moments in the classroom when Lepkowski was able to apply the knowledge she learned from the program to real-life scenarios.

After a bit of research, discussions with the MSBS program director and an application, Lepkowski became a student in the newly accredited MSBS program at WVSOM. She was one of 24 students in the Class of 2025 to graduate from the nine-month program.

“Biochemistry has been my favorite course. One of the main reasons I came to this program and am inspired to go into medicine is because I want to know the ‘why’ behind things. In nursing you are told why, but sometimes you get caught up in what you’re doing and you’re not thinking about what is happening with the body,” she said.

“Biochemistry has been interesting because it tells you exactly what’s happening. For example, we were talking about a patient who had a urea cycle disorder who needed a liver transplant, and I took care of a baby who had the same enzyme deficiency who needed to have a liver transplant. That was a full-circle moment.”

“It was scary at first. I left a career that was stable and dropped everything to come here. It took a lot of trust in myself and a lot of hard work, but it’s doable,” she said.

Lepkowski was accepted into the D.O. program and began her first year of medical school in July, which she said was her ‘Plan A’ since deciding to become a doctor.

“I viewed this master’s degree as a bridge to help me change careers. I’d completed all my undergraduate requirements and prerequisite classes but wasn’t successful in my first medical school application cycle.

I was interested in WVSOM for the D.O. program and I thought the MSBS degree would be a great way to transition. I was an adult learner and had been out of the classroom for a couple of years, so this gave me the tools and skills I needed to be successful going forward,” she said.

The smaller, more intimate campus drew Lepkowski to WVSOM. “I realized when I interviewed and toured campus that everyone was so nice and the campus was small enough that people knew your name. I felt like the faculty and staff have your best interest at heart and there wasn’t a competitive nature that you feel at other schools,” she said. “People want to see you succeed.”

Lepkowski’s nursing career focused on pediatrics, a specialty that’s close to her heart. She would love to work as a pediatric gastroenterologist.

Long before she knows her residency, before the countless hours of studying for medical boards, Lepkowski understands that her time in WVSOM’s Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program was historic — the first-ever at a medical school that offered only D.O. degrees for more than 50 years.

“I think this is a great asset for WVSOM and a step in the right direction,” she said. “This program might bring more students into medicine who have stories like me, who may have been overlooked in a traditional application cycle. These students might have a real passion or skill they can bring to medicine and may not have been given the chance.”

Personal success can also include giving back to others.

During Lepkowski’s time in the MSBS program, she was able to pass on her nursing knowledge to others. On weekends, she works for West Virginia Junior College, where she teaches nursing clinicals at CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 33

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SPRING AWARDS CEREMONY PROVIDED MORE THAN $119K TO STUDENTS

While spring is typically a season for growth and development, it is also a season for celebratory events, and for higher education that means awards and commencement ceremonies. WVSOM recognized medical students for their achievements in academics and community involvement during the school’s annual Spring Awards Ceremony.

The event took place March 21, and recipients received a total of $119,150 through 37 scholarships, awards and certificates of appreciation. Awards are provided by an endowment or funds established at the WVSOM Foundation.

WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., said he is grateful to WVSOM’s donors for recognizing the importance of giving back to the next generation of health care professionals.

“A gift to WVSOM is a gift to a future physician. The impact these scholarship dollars have on students is profound,” he said. “The work that the WVSOM Foundation, along with the WVSOM Alumni Association, puts in to secure these donations should also be recognized. It isn’t always easy to raise scholarship dollars, but these organizations work tirelessly to share the message of the positive impact donations make for our students.”

The WVSOM Foundation is a supporting organization of WVSOM whose goal is to serve the school and its students by securing, managing and allocating the financial contributions of businesses and individuals. Along with the WVSOM Alumni Association, the foundation is the main organization responsible for philanthropic efforts at WVSOM. This year, new awards were The Chancellor’s Scholarship, Faheem Family Scholarship, Ghiathi Scholarship, Andy R. Tanner and D. Dewayne Duncan Diversity Scholarship, and Hamza Syed Recognition Award.

Four of the five new scholarships were secured through the WVSOM Foundation. Donette Mizia, WVSOM’s executive director of foundation relations, said new scholarships are proof that alumni and businesses continue to recognize the importance of investing in future doctors.

“We are excited to introduce four new scholarships this year, a clear reflection of the continued support from our alumni and friends of WVSOM. Investing in our students through scholarships is crucial, as it ensures that talented and driven individuals have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors,” she said. “This support helps alleviate financial barriers, allowing our students to focus on their education and ultimately make a lasting impact on health care in our communities and beyond.”

The Faheem Family Scholarship recognizes a student who exemplifies strong academic qualifications and has a desire to practice in West Virginia after graduating. The award is given to a student from Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Nicholas, Roane, Summers, Wayne, Webster or Wyoming counties in West Virginia.

Ahmed Faheem, M.D., is a psychiatrist and preceptor who was interested in starting a scholarship because he saw the caliber of medical students who shadowed him in his Beckley, W.Va., office. Preceptors assist and provide guidance to WVSOM students in their third- and fourth-year clinical rotations.

“During the last 30 years I’ve seen how WVSOM has grown and the quality of students they have had, and I know how successful these students are once they graduate,” he said. “I’ve been so impressed by the success of this school that I thought there would be no better cause than to support these students who are willing to stay in West Virginia and give back.”

Logan Christian, a WVSOM Class of 2026 student, was the first recipient of the Faheem Family Scholarship. He said scholarships, especially in his clinical years, will help offset the cost of applications for audition rotations, books, supplies, taking board exams and other tests necessary for medical education. He said he is grateful to be the first student recognized with this award.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized for this award. The Faheem Family Scholarship is for students in West Virginia who would like to practice here in the future. I think that’s a way to encourage students to stay in West Virginia. We need more physicians in the state, so that’s a great thing,” Christian said.

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2025

$119,150 awarded

DR. ROLAND P. SHARP PRESIDENT AND FOUNDATION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Given to a first-year student based on academic performance, osteopathic professional interest, leadership and citizenship.

Ian Smith

U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH AWARD Recognizes medical students who have positively impacted public health in their communities.

It is given to a student who has developed and implemented a program advancing the overarching goals and achieving the objectives of Healthy People 2030.

Breanna Onusko

STUDENT RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR Each year one student from each osteopathic medical school that is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine can be selected as Student Researcher of the Year.

The award recognizes students for their research accomplishments in medical school.

Leya Givvines

WVSOM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS Given to students who exemplify scholarship, osteopathic professional interest, leadership and citizenship.

Anika Iyer Barry Ndeh Raymund Reyes

WEST VIRGINIA EMULATION ENDOWMENT TRUST/DR. OLEN E. JONES JR. SCHOLARSHIP Established in 2016 and named after Olen E. Jones Jr., Ph.D., who served as president of WVSOM from 1987 to 2009. The scholarship is awarded to West Virginia students based on literary and scholastic attainments, morality, leadership and physical vigor.

Niraj Nepal Scott Wentz

WVSOM FOUNDATION SCHOLARS AWARDS Given to West Virginia residents with satisfactory academic performance who plan to stay in West Virginia after residency to practice. Preference is given to students from Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Nicholas, Roane, Summers, Wayne, Webster or Wyoming counties.

Logan Christian Allison Harman Kennedi Lewellyn Gatlin Spangler

THE CHANCELLOR’S SCHOLARSHIP A new award granted to 10 exceptional first-year students. The scholarship recognizes individuals who demonstrate a consistent pattern of academic excellence, possess a strong commitment to volunteer service in West Virginia and at WVSOM, and exhibit initiative and responsibility in leadership.

Holden Ammons Alexis Earley Troy Holsworth Andreus Jordan Emma McCormac Stefanie Mullins Megan O’Loughlin, Alexander Phung Madison Schmerder Natalie Smith

JARRELL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP Established by Greg Jarrell, D.O., Class of 1997, and his wife, Penny, to be awarded to a female student in her second year of medical school who is from Fayette, Raleigh, Summers or Wyoming counties.

Rhae Eisenman

WEISSER SCHOLARSHIP FUND Established by Lydia Weisser, D.O., of WVSOM’s Class of 1992. The scholarship is awarded to a student who took a nontraditional path to medical school or who left a previous career to attend medical school. Preference is given to a student who is considering entering psychiatry.

Caitlin Zovack

FAHEEM FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP A new award that recognizes a student who exemplifies strong academic qualifications and has a desire to practice in West Virginia after graduating. The award is given to students from Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Nicholas, Roane, Summers, Wayne, Webster or Wyoming counties in West Virginia.

Logan Christian

GHIATHI SCHOLARSHIP A new award that is awarded to a student from an underrepresented population. Preference is given to individuals from ethnic minorities who are first-generation college students and individuals from rural counties that are defined as medically underserved.

Casey King

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 35

ANDY R. TANNER AND D. DEWAYNE DUNCAN DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

DR. WILLIAM B. MULLEN AND JENNIFER WHITE SCHOLARSHIP

PAUL G. KLEMAN, D.O., FAMILY PRACTICE STUDENT AWARD

Another new scholarship presented this year.

Andy Tanner, D.O., of WVSOM’s Class of 1999, and his husband, Dewayne Duncan, established the scholarship in their name to provide financial support to a WVSOM student who has served as an advocate for LGBTQ+ students and individuals.

Preference is given to students who are active in equity and inclusion groups, such as the WVSOM chapter of the Medical Student Pride Alliance.

Created in recognition of Dr. William B. Mullen of Logan, W.Va., a physician who cared for his patient, Jennifer White, who passed away in 2011.

Recognizes a student who plans to use osteopathic manipulation in treating patients and is willing to instill the importance of osteopathic principles and practice in the next generation of WVSOM students.

Stephanie Puckett

ANTOLINI FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP Created by Michael Antolini, D.O., Class of 2012, this scholarship was created to recognize a student who demonstrates leadership and who has positively impacted the campus or community.

Kate Altmanshofer

LORETTA MOORE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Nicholas Collins

RON BILLIPS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Established by a 2002 WVSOM graduate to honor his friend and classmate killed in a car accident.

The award is given to a first-year student who is a graduate of Big Creek, Iaeger, Mount View, Princeton or Bluefield high schools in West Virginia or Graham, Tazewell, Richlands or Pocahontas high schools in Virginia.

Caden Fuller

RANDY DAILEY MEMORIAL AWARD Given to a second-year student from West Virginia who demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence and service.

Recipient is chosen by first-year students and given to a classmate who has overcome obstacles in order to succeed.

Chrisanna Dailey

Leya Givvines

Established by Kokott’s four children in 2020 to honor a woman who, against all odds, became a physician at the age of 50 (from WVSOM’s Class of 1993). Kokott helped hundreds of patients in her 20 years as an internist, and her hope was that others could do the same.

ANNA MARIE COUNTS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Established by her family and WVSOM staff in 2018. Counts was the director of accreditation at WVSOM from July 2013 until her untimely death in August 2017. The scholarship is given to a female second-year student from West Virginia who exemplifies the characteristics that Counts embodied, which included getting things done behind the scenes, leading by example, and being compassionate, an untiring advocate of support for others and a community volunteer.

Chrisanna Dailey

FREDRIC W. SMITH MEMORIAL FAMILY PRACTICE SCHOLARSHIP Awarded to a student completing his or her second year of medical school. The student must be a West Virginia resident who plans to practice family medicine and has a strong interest in the school and community.

LIBBY KOKOTT, D.O., MEMORIAL GRANT

Lauren Hoffpauir

WEST VIRGINIA STATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ALLIANCE SCHOLARSHIP FUND Established by a 2002 WVSOM graduate to honor his friend and classmate killed in a car accident.

The award is given to a first-year student who is a graduate of Big Creek, Iaeger, Mount View, Princeton or Bluefield high schools in West Virginia or Graham, Tazewell, Richlands or Pocahontas high schools in Virginia.

Kennedi Lewellyn Charles McCool

GREENBRIER MILITARY SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

Erin McGowan

Presented to two students who excel academically and show strong leadership, determination and discipline.

SAMANTHA KETCHEM MUNCY PRIMARY CARE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Casey Donahoe Troy Holsworth

Established by Muncy’s parents to memorialize their daughter whose life ended too soon. The scholarship is awarded to a third-year medical student from Barbour, Harrison, McDowell, Preston or Taylor counties in West Virginia who plans to remain in the state to practice in a primary care specialty.

Katherine Stalnaker

36 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

DRS. CHERYL AND MICHAEL ADELMAN WVSOM LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP Awarded to a student who has demonstrated character and leadership during their time at WVSOM and who has the potential to be a future leader in the osteopathic profession.

Ethaniel Galloway

Stephanie Puckett

MOSS SCHOLARSHIPS Established by the late Marlene Wager, D.O., to support out-of-state students. This year, 15 students received the scholarship.

Maral Aibyek Heshani Amugoda Alyssa Caradonna Nicholas Cunningham Catherine Ebrahim Sarah Evans Jaycee Fallatt Raima Mian Taylor Montue Sarah Patsell Michael Reese Madison Schmerder Danya Tabesh Jacob Wellek Marissa Williams

JAMES R. STOOKEY, D.O., MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP Created in honor of James Stookey, WVSOM’s vice president for academic affairs and dean from 1988 to 2002. The scholarship is given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in manipulative medicine.

Gregory Hedrick

MARLENE A. WAGER 10-FINGERED OPP SCHOLARSHIP Created by the osteopathic principles and practice department in 2008 to recognize a second-year student with outstanding skills in osteopathic manipulative treatment. Candidates are nominated and voted on by classmates. The winner has his or her name engraved on a plaque that is displayed in the osteopathic clinical skills lab.

Mohamed Abouseria

WVSOM FAMILY PRACTICE SCHOLARSHIP Awarded to a second-year West Virginia student who has intentions of practicing family medicine upon graduation.

Caitlyn Huntley

EVA TETER HAMMER DIVERSITY AWARD Given to a student who demonstrates an interest in osteopathic medicine and in eliminating the inequities of individuals.

Cameron Jackson

HAMZA SYED RECOGNITION AWARD This award was established to honor the legacy of Hamza Syed, a WVSOM student who passed away, by recognizing a student who embodies the qualities that defined Syed’s character. The award is presented to a second-year student who demonstrates empathy, altruism, collaboration, commitment and humility in their interactions with peers, faculty and the community. The award aims to acknowledge a student who consistently goes above and beyond in their dedication to the well-being and success of others, leaving a positive and lasting impact on the WVSOM community.

Adil Riaz

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION STUDENT LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP Presented to first-, second- and third-year students who go above and beyond to serve other students through leadership and who contribute to the betterment of the WVSOM community.

Zachary Collins - Class of 2028 Jacob Bartlett - Class of 2027 Gaspareantonio Fabio Greco - Class of 2027 Ethaniel Galloway - Class of 2026

JOIN US:

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION STUDENT COLLEGIALITY SCHOLARSHIP Presented to first-, second- and third-year students who cultivate strong relationships with their peers and strive to improve the lives of students. The scholarship recognizes students who go above and beyond to serve and support other students.

Omar Abdelaal - Class of 2028 Thomas Murphy - Class of 2027 Michael Arpasi - Class of 2026

FREDRIC W. SMITH COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Recognizes a campus organization or club that demonstrates a commitment to the Lewisburg community, the WVSOM community and classmates.

WVSOM chapter of the Geriatrics Club

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS WITH STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Maya Berger Emily Fox Ethaniel Galloway Gaspareantonio Fabio Greco Courtney Merwin Martin Nguyen Jacqueline Shoemaker

SPECIAL AWARD PRESENTATION Recognizes service and leadership to WVSOM and the student body.

SGA President Jacqueline Shoemaker SGA Vice President Maggie Bartony

OSTEOPATHIC PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE (OPP) INTEGRATION TEACHING AWARD Given to faculty members for their efforts in teaching and for excelling in integrating OPP into their classes.

Courtney Eleazer, Ph.D. (biomedical sciences) Christopher Kennedy, D.O. (clinical sciences) Amber Warren, D.O. (adjunct clinical sciences preceptor)

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION APPRECIATION RECOGNITION Given to employees by SGA members for their work and support on behalf of medical students.

Student Affairs Testing Center

WVOMA IS YOUR VOICE AT THE LEGISLATURE, REPRESENTING YOUR PROFESSION AND YOUR PRACTICE

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.wvoma.org • 304.793.6842

CONFERENCE 123 RD ANNUAL CME NOV. 6-9, 2025 THE GREENBRIER

CONFERENCE 124 TH ANNUAL CME NOV. 5-8, 2026 THE GREENBRIER

*Credits are recognized by the AOA Council on CME. The complete program schedule will be posted when it becomes available.

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 37

Scholarship pays tribute

TO LATE ALUMNUS,

CO-FOUNDER OF OVP HEALTH

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When WVSOM alumnus Stephen C. Shy, D.O., passed away in 2020, he left behind a legacy of health care service that extended far beyond his Huntington, W.Va., home base. As a co-founder of Ohio Valley Physicians — today known as OVP Health — Shy and his business partner Robert Hess, M.D., created a company that now serves portions of four states and has more than 350 employees.

The story of OVP Health is one of two like-minded physicians coming together to create something larger than themselves.

In the late 1990s, Stephen C. Shy was practicing in Huntington, where Hess was president of an area multi-specialty group.

The two family medicine providers decided to form a company specializing in staffing physicians for hospitals. Hess said shared ideals helped make the partnership work.

A graduate of WVSOM’s Class of 1982, Shy had long wanted to support students at the medical school that made his career possible. Now, his son, Stephen Shy II, D.O., a Class of 2001 graduate, has worked with Hess and other OVP Health administrators to establish the Stephen C. Shy, D.O., MBA, Memorial Scholarship endowment.

“We had the same values, and we both believed in integrity — that if mistakes are made, you don’t sweep them under the rug, you deal with them,” Hess said.

“My father wanted to give back to the school and support its mission,” said Shy, who serves as the company’s vice president and emergency medicine director. “By helping students for years to come, they’ll be able to touch countless lives and strengthen their communities, just like he did.”

Incoming first-year students from West Virginia’s Wayne County will receive first consideration for the scholarship, while those from Cabell County will receive second consideration. Students from elsewhere in West Virginia will receive third consideration.

OVP Health initiated the endowment with a gift of $25,000.

Its affiliated nonprofit organization, the OVP Foundation for Healthier Communities, subsequently contributed $10,000 and has committed to increasing the endowment by an additional $100,000 during the next few years.

38 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

To stand apart from other staffing services, the pair devised a business model that included embedding an OVP executive at each hospital the company serves. Hess said this more personal approach makes it easier for hospital administrators to address any issues that arise.

“If there’s a problem, the CEO doesn’t have to try and reach one of us in Huntington. He can walk down the hall to the OVP employee’s office and work it out, although we’ll also deal with it on our level. That system works well,” he said.

Today, OVP Health has grown to include 13 locations in West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky, and provides emergency department and hospitalist staffing to facilities in all but the latter of those states. In addition, the company offers primary care services as well as treatment and counseling for individuals with substance use disorders.

“All our facilities offer outpatient medication-assisted treatment, and we have a 91-bed inpatient facility in South Point, Ohio,” Stephen Shy II said. “Most of our rehabilitation services are in rural areas because those communities are our niche. We want to be there for underserved populations that struggle with finding care.”

Morgan Christian, a WVSOM Class of 2028 student from Barboursville, W.Va., is the scholarship’s inaugural recipient. She said funds from the award will help keep her mind on her studies rather than on the stress of paying for medical school.

Other members of the Shy and Hess families now help lead OVP Health as well, an arrangement that some physicians didn’t think would lead to success.

“This award allows me to give more back to my community and to my home state of West Virginia and focus less on the financial burden of medical school. Giving back helps keep medical students in the state so we can continue to help our population,” Christian said.

“When Steve and I started, it was just two of us in an ER. A lot of people told us a two-family company wouldn’t work. We’ve proved them wrong,” he said.

Stacey Shy, OVP Health’s CEO and another son of the elder Shy, said the scholarship is a way to ensure his father’s humanitarian legacy lives on.

Stephen Shy II credited the company’s success to his father’s and Hess’ unflinching work ethic.

“He was the most selfless person I’ve ever met. He never made a decision that would personally benefit him,” Stacey said.

“When he passed, we talked about the impact his life had on so many people and how great it would be to create a vehicle that would continue his generosity. Today we service thousands of patients, improving the health of people far beyond my father’s own life, and that’s what’s special about what he and Dr. Hess accomplished. The scholarship adds to that, allowing us to give back to the next generation of providers.”

“My dad was an extremely hard worker,” Shy said. “After high school he went into the Army, then to Alderson Broaddus College, working night jobs to support himself and my mom. Going through medical school with kids, it was just the two of them with no help. If something needed done, he did it and didn’t ask questions. That was the kind of personality he had. He and Dr. Hess started from scratch and they both worked all the time. That dedication made the company what it is today.”

The Shy and Hess families hope students selected to receive the new scholarship will work just as tirelessly to become skilled, compassionate physicians who treat their patients with kindness and respect.

Those who wish to donate to the Stephen C. Shy, D.O., MBA, Memorial Scholarship can do so at wvsomfoundation.org/give-online.

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 39

ENT M E L AC P C Y ATE5 N E R f 202 D

I RES

so

Clas

FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

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With the beginning of a new season, a spirit of change was in the air as fourth-year students at WVSOM learned where they will complete the residencies that give them hands-on experience in specific medical specialties.

For the third consecutive year, students attained a 100% residency placement rate. One hundred eighty-four members of WVSOM’s Class of 2025 will have jobs as resident physicians following their completion of medical school. New physicians typically serve in residency programs for three to seven years to qualify for medical licensure.

During an on-campus event on March 21 — designated as Match Day by the National Resident Matching Program, the organization responsible for placing U.S. medical school graduates into residency programs — students gathered on WVSOM’s Lewisburg campus and at locations across WVSOM’s Statewide Campus to share the training sites and specialties they are entering.

Linda Boyd, D.O., WVSOM’s chief academic officer, congratulated students on a successful match and thanked the school’s graduate medical education staff for the role they played in helping students find residencies.

“It takes a village to create a physician, and our faculty and staff contribute to that effort. But the people who put in the most work are our students,” Boyd said. “You’ve worked hard to get good grades and earn your placements, and you’ve had to be ‘on’ during all your rotations to earn great evaluations. That puts you in a great place and enables you to get great matches.”

A total of 98 students in the Class of 2025 entered primary care residency programs, encompassing family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics. A total of 35 students matched to family medicine residencies, 48 matched to internal medicine and 13 matched to pediatrics.

Other popular specialties for this year’s class included emergency medicine, with 26 students; psychiatry, with 16 students; and obstetrics and gynecology, with eight students.

Several students matched to specialties that are considered especially competitive. No WVSOM student has received placement in a plastic and reconstructive surgery residency in at least the past 33 years, and in 2024, only one D.O. student nationwide was selected

40 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

to enter the specialty. This year, a WVSOM student began training at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, to become a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. (See story on page 28.)

Other highly competitive specialties in which members of the Class of 2025 were placed include anesthesiology, with nine students; neurology, with five students; diagnostic radiology, with four students; physical medicine and rehabilitation, with three students; and dermatology, with one student.

A total of 31 students matched to residencies in West Virginia, including placements at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) and hospitals in Beckley, Bridgeport, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg and Wheeling.

Among the students accepted to in-state residencies is Caleb Duncan, who began a family medicine residency at CAMC after graduation. Duncan is from Seth, W.Va., a town in Boone County about 25 miles from Charleston.

“Primary care is something I’m passionate about and really wanted to go into,” he said. “I’m excited to go back to the community I’m from.

Being close to home will be an awesome experience.”

Abigail Frank, D.O., WVSOM’s associate dean of graduate medical education, acknowledged students for reaching this point in their careers.

“Your dedication has brought you to this pivotal moment. May your residency be a time of impactful learning and meaningful service, shaping not just your careers but the lives of your future patients. You are embarking on a journey filled with challenges, growth and the profound privilege of caring for others. Embrace the next step with courage and compassion,” Frank said.

Jason Mitton, of Pleasant Grove, Utah, matched to an anesthesiology residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Lititz, Pa. Mitten emphasized the importance of believing in one’s self amid the pressures of medical school.

“You’re always a little nervous about whether you’re going to match, and I’m happy to be on the other side of that now,” he said. “But when it feels like the odds are against you, it’s important to make sure you have faith in yourself. That’s something I’ve been trying to do during this match cycle. I’m grateful that the school has given me this opportunity.”

98

matched to primary care residencies

35

matched to family medicine residencies

48

matched to internal medicine residencies

13

matched to pediatrics residencies

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION AWARDED WVSOM

10-YEAR ACCREDITATION

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WVSOM was granted continued accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) with the next reaffirmation in 10 years. The milestone marked the culmination of a years-long effort to prepare for the commission’s review.

The commission accredited the school with no concerns, which indicates that the institution has no areas that need improvement.

As one of seven institutional accreditors in the nation, the HLC accredits about 950 colleges and universities primarily in the central portion of the U.S., in 19 states ranging as far west as Arizona and as far east as West Virginia. Besides WVSOM, 12 other osteopathic medical schools have or are seeking HLC accreditation.

James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOM’s president, said he is pleased with the commission’s findings and appreciative to the administrators, faculty and staff who helped the school meet HLC requirements.

“The Higher Learning Commission’s report shows that WVSOM is adhering to the highest standards of compliance while preparing students for careers as competent, compassionate physicians,” Nemitz said. “I’m proud of all those who have helped make this accreditation a success. A stamp of approval from a prestigious organization like the HLC will have positive implications for WVSOM for years to come.”

The comprehensive evaluation included an assurance review of arguments and evidence provided by the institution demonstrating compliance with the commission’s accreditation criteria; a student opinion survey; and an on-site review conducted by peer reviewers who are trained to evaluate how institutions apply the commission’s requirements. A final review and action, based on the site team report, was determined by an HLC decision-making body.

Andrea Bucklew, J.D., WVSOM’s director of accreditation and continuous quality improvement, said the HLC requires institutions to prove they meet five sets of criteria.

“First, we have to show that our mission statement guides our decisions. Second, we have to act with ethics and integrity. The third and fourth criteria deal with teaching: Are our students learning? Do they have good outcomes? Are they able to match to residencies? And the fifth criterion deals with planning and institutional resources,” she said.

42 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

Bucklew said the school’s high performance prompted the commission to allow WVSOM to choose an “open pathway” for its next accreditation cycle. Institutions permitted to gain reaccreditation through the open pathway are considered to have few accreditation concerns, more financial stability and a stronger culture of compliance.

“The open pathway requires an institution to determine a strategic initiative and report the progress of that initiative to the HLC. The timing is good because we’re already in the process of doing that as part of our strategic planning,” Bucklew said.

Machelle Linsenmeyer, Ed.D., WVSOM’s assistant vice president for institutional effectiveness and academic resources, said the successful reaccreditation will lay a foundation for the school’s continued growth.

“Accreditation shows that we are a school with processes in place and continuous quality improvement projects that meet the standards not only of our programmatic accreditor, but of an institutional accreditor. We’re thrilled that we got the highest recommendation, and we now have the opportunity to move forward with the open pathway, which is important for the expansions we want to make for new opportunities at WVSOM,” she said.

The programmatic accreditor for the school’s D.O. program is the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. WVSOM has continued accreditation status for the program through academic year 2029-30.

Linsenmeyer noted that Bucklew’s predecessor at WVSOM, Mary Norris, Ph.D., who retired in early 2025, was instrumental in the accreditation process.

“Dr. Norris worked closely with the on-site teams who wrote the assurance arguments and collected supporting evidence, was the editor for the final report, and oversaw the logistics of the site team visit including close communication with site visitors throughout the process,” Linsenmeyer said. “I’m thankful to her, our teams and everyone at WVSOM for successfully navigating this process.”

WVSOM makes strides

TOWARD BETTER HEALTH WITH MOUNTAINEER MILE INITIATIVE

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WVSOM has stepped up its exercise game by establishing a campus program utilizing Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s “Mountaineer Mile” walking initiative.

WVSOM’s Mountaineer Mile provides an opportunity every Monday for students, faculty and staff of the medical school to walk a mile on its Lewisburg campus with President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., or another member of WVSOM’s leadership team.

Nemitz said he is excited to be part of an initiative to promote healthy behaviors among West Virginia’s citizens.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our state to move the needle when it comes to reducing obesity and positively impacting chronic disease,” he said.

“I’m proud to lead the governor’s Mountaineer Mile initiative on our campus.”

WVSOM’s Mountaineer Mile initiative also establishes weight loss goals for members of the campus community; allows students, faculty and staff to log their weekly steps and weight loss; and uses the school’s Center for Rural and Community Health to educate and offer resources to help communities in the Greenbrier Valley to follow Morrisey’s Mountaineer Mile walking initiative.

WVSOM’s program began in April, with Nemitz leading the first one-mile campus walk.

In summer 2024, WVSOM launched a new “Finding Health” curriculum that incorporates wellness, nutrition, exercise, lifestyle and preventive medicine into medical students’ education. Physical activity is integral to osteopathic medicine, whose tenets state that the person is a unit of body, mind and spirit and that the body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing and health maintenance.

Nemitz said he hopes all West Virginia higher education institutions will implement their own versions of the governor’s initiative.

“I challenge other schools to adopt the governor’s Mountaineer Mile walking initiative in the hope that we can work together to improve the health of our population. WVSOM teaches future physicians that physical movement is an important part of maintaining patients’ well-being, and we believe higher education can play a role in establishing habits that lead to better health,” he said.

Drema Hill, Ph.D., WVSOM’s chief operations officer, said exercise is a necessary part of staying healthy and that she is eager to participate in the school’s initiative.

“As a person who has lost 160 pounds, I know weight loss is not easy,” Hill said. “I applaud the governor for taking a personal stand to set an example. I look forward to walking many Mountaineer Miles, and I hope all West Virginians will follow his lead so that we can get healthier together.”

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WVSOM strengthened effort to encourage

GLOBAL ROTATIONS FOR MED STUDENTS

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There was a time when WVSOM students were providing care to patients from Bangladesh to Bolivia and Sierra Leone to South Korea. But when the world was navigating a pandemic, international rotations ceased.

These organizations are known for providing humanitarian or faith-based international work, similar to Doctors Without Borders or Samaritan’s Purse, and have ties to the U.S. with established international infrastructures.

WVSOM has moved toward again having an international presence with its newly created Rural and International Medicine (RIM) Center, formerly known as the Center for International Medicine and Cultural Concerns, established in 2009.

“We want to be able to build and arrange visits so that patients will eventually be able to have good continuity of care and it’s not just a one-and-done experience. We have to have organizations that have sound infrastructures to partner with. Our resources are the students, who have so much enthusiasm and intelligence, and we plug into what’s already there to provide better care,” Waddell said.

“During COVID, the world completely shut down, so we weren’t able to do some of the international rotations or medical service trips that had been done before. It became apparent to WVSOM that we needed to step onto the global stage again and we started picking things back up in 2023,” said Mark Waddell, D.O., who has been charged with growing the center and increasing student interest in international or rural rotations. Clinical rotations are the time students spend in their third and fourth years of medical school at clinics, hospitals and other sites applying their knowledge in realworld settings.

When international rotations were at their peak, more than 20 WVSOM students were completing them during their clinical years.

In 2024, five students and one faculty member from WVSOM’s chapter of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations traveled to the Dominican Republic for a mission trip, and 19 students and two faculty members from the school’s chapter of DOCARE International provided care in Peru. Additionally, four students completed elective international rotations in Honduras, Costa Rica and Mexico.

In 2025, five service trips were scheduled — two of which took place during spring break — in addition to four confirmed international electives.

For Waddell, expanding partnerships with international organizations is more important than ensuring a desired number of students participate in global rotations.

“I want to be affiliated with about 12 different organizations that provide opportunities for international electives all over the world so that students in their third and especially fourth year will be able to go anywhere in the world to experience other cultures and other ways of doing things,” Waddell said.

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Currently, WVSOM is affiliated with six service organizations that work with WVSOM to offer elective rotations in 23 different countries.

The RIM Center’s mission is to help promote interest in and aid in the recruitment of students and physicians who desire to practice in rural, underserved communities at home and abroad. In doing this, the center aids WVSOM in producing osteopathic physicians who are culturally experienced and globally functioning.

Waddell said it has been shown that medical students who participate in international service projects are more likely to enter primary care specialties and are more likely to practice in rural areas, both key components of WVSOM’s mission.

“Once you have stepped out of your comfort zone and into a more resource-poor environment and experience other cultures and people, you have immense personal growth,” Waddell said. “In all the international work I’ve done, the personal growth is huge. When students return, they have that in the back of their minds and in their hearts, and that’s one of the things they want to continue to do, so they’re more likely to practice in primary care or rural areas.”

One of the main hurdles for students looking to have international experiences is money — not for personal expenses, but for the luggage loads of medicine and supplies that are brought to provide care to patients.

The International Festival, which takes place each winter, is the school’s biggest fundraiser for the DOCARE spring break trip to Peru.

Additionally, the club hosts smaller fundraisers such as holiday wreath sales, candle sales and bake sales.

Megan Kelley, a Class of 2025 recent graduate, completed her first international rotation at a clinic in Roatan, Honduras, in March. She said she was interested in having an immersive experience where her knowledge of medical Spanish would be useful.

“I have been interested in global health and international travel since 2012.

When this opportunity presented itself, I didn’t hesitate to start the process,” Kelley said. “I think it’s important to have a basic understanding of medical systems in other countries and how they solve problems in resource-poor areas. You never know when the tips and tricks you learn will be beneficial in your own practice.”

WVSOM also had a footprint in Rwanda, with Class of 2026 student Taylor Strait completing an international rotation in the African country in April. He participated in a pediatric urologic surgery workshop with the International Volunteers in Urology (IVU), assisting two pediatric urologic surgeons and an anesthesiologist.

“I have always been interested in expanding access to care, particularly in underserved areas, and this opportunity will allow me to contribute in a meaningful way,” Strait said. “What makes this experience impactful is that it is not just about observation. I will be assisting to support IVU’s mission of teaching pediatric urologic procedures to in-country urologists. The goal is to provide sustainable education so that these surgeons can continue offering these procedures long after the workshop ends.”

Strait said he was eager to experience how medicine extends beyond one individual, institution or country.

“Medical school is a structured and demanding path, but I saw this as an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, broaden my perspective and engage in something that aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a well-rounded, service-oriented physician,” he said. “More than anything, I hope to gain a better understanding of how surgery is approached in resource-limited settings and how international collaboration can strengthen local health care systems in a lasting, meaningful way. I know that adaptability is a critical skill in medicine, and I hope this experience will help me develop the ability to function effectively in different clinical environments. That ability will serve me well as I continue my training in medical school, residency and beyond.”

Rural and international clinical experiences provide more than can be taught in the classroom. They teach students how to be osteopathic physicians, according to Waddell.

“It’s not just osteopathic manipulation, it’s learning how to listen to your patients, to touch your patients, to perform good physical examinations and determine your differential diagnoses to come up with what is best for your patients with the resources you have,” he said. “Those are huge lessons students learn.”

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 45

WVSOM CELEBRATED

WEST VIRGINIA DAY

BY HONORING EMPLOYEES, RETIREES

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WVSOM took time to celebrate current employees with an event that unofficially began the summer. The school’s Employee Celebration, hosted by WVSOM’s Office of Human Resources, took place in June.

It recognized employees who go above and beyond in their work, employees with milestone years of service and retirees.

WVSOM distributed 18 awards in six categories.

Leslie Bicksler, WVSOM’s chief human resources officer, said it’s important to take time to recognize employees who make a daily commitment to educating future osteopathic physicians.

“This celebration is all about you — the incredible individuals who keep WVSOM moving forward. It’s our opportunity to honor your contributions, celebrate retirements, recognize career growth and enjoy time together as a community,” Bicksler said to kick off the event. “What sets us apart isn’t just our mission, it’s our people. Your integrity, your dedication, your passion — those are the things that make WVSOM the kind of place you want to work, stay and even retire from.”

The event recognized 11 new retirees: Suzanne Fry, Tim Garrow, Ph.D., Joan Gates, Dale Jackson, Charles McClung, D.O., Mary Norris, Ph.D., Ernest Piercy, Cliff Stone, Jack Thatcher, Ph.D., James Wadding, D.O., and Cheryl Workman. Piercy, the institution’s warehouse supervisor and WVSOM’s longest-serving employee, has worked at the medical school for more than 47 years.

The Rising Star Award honors a newly hired employee who has already demonstrated a strong commitment to the school, an understanding of how their position supports the school’s mission and a commitment to working with others to engage the school’s future. This year was a tie with winners Gretell Celeiro, a campus service worker, and Daniel Cook, WVSOM’s former network manager.

The Statewide Campus Pride Award recognizes an employee in one of WVSOM’s seven Statewide Campus regions who goes above and beyond in their service to WVSOM and the students they serve.

The employee recognized is people-oriented, respectful, innovative, dedicated and effective. Michael Peterson, D.O., regional assistant dean of the South Central Region of the Statewide Campus, was this year’s recipient.

This was the first year WVSOM presented the Gwen Clingman Heart of Gold Award, which celebrates the life and legacy of community member Gwen Clingman. A cousin of Roland Sharp, WVSOM’s first president, Clingman’s connection to the medical school ran deep. She supported students by providing meals from her downtown Lewisburg store and offered mentorship and emotional encouragement. The award will be given annually to an employee who embodies Clingman’s spirit of service, compassion and integrity. Honorees are recognized for their unwavering dedication, professionalism and ability to foster connection across the institution. This year’s inaugural winner was Andrea Nazar, D.O., a professor and, at the time, chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences.

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The Living Our Mission Award recognizes WVSOM staff who exemplify professional excellence, an understanding of and commitment to WVSOM, and a commitment to achieving the school’s mission. Not only are these employees living the mission, they are also working to engage WVSOM’s future. This year’s winners were Chad Burns, Julie Stadtfeld, Sarah Day, Eric Dixon, Hilary Hamric, D.O., Sherri Miller, Julie Morgan, Derrick Poage, Jason Thomas and Mark VanBuren.

The President’s Outstanding Faculty Award is provided to two faculty members in recognition of their excellence in teaching and commitment to osteopathic medical education. Courtney Eleazer, Ph.D., and Kathleen Martin, M.D., received this year’s awards.

The President’s Outstanding Employee Award, given annually to two individuals identified through a vote by WVSOM faculty and staff as outstanding employees for the current academic year, recognizes exceptional and dedicated service. This year’s winners were Mara Davis, program coordinator of graduate programs, and Scott Maxwell, graduate medical education technical manager.

The celebration also recognized employees for years of service.

Thirteen employees achieved 15 years of service as of June 2025 and six achieved 20 years of service. Kim LaBrie, admissions program coordinator, achieved 25 years of service and Chester Loudermilk, a landscape worker, has been with WVSOM for 30 years.

WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., said the event celebrates the dedicated faculty and staff whose talent, energy and unwavering commitment make WVSOM an inspiring place to learn, grow and thrive.

“Each of you plays a vital role in our mission and I want to take this moment to say thank you,” he said. “Whether you’re teaching in the classroom, supporting our students behind the scenes, maintaining our beautiful campus or leading from your corner of campus — you are the heart of this institution.”

Nemitz introduced faculty promotions and tenures that took effect July 1.

Brian Griffith, Ph.D., a faculty member in the school’s Department of Biomedical Sciences, was promoted to professor, and Andy Kelso, Ph.D., of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, was promoted to associate professor. Chelsea Feger, D.O., and Christopher Kennedy, D.O., both of the Department of Clinical Sciences, received tenure and were promoted to associate professor. Aaron McGuffin, M.D., of the Department of Clinical Sciences, received tenure and was promoted to professor.

WVSOM currently employs about 310 people.

PRESIDENT’S OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE AWARD

PRESIDENT’S OUTSTANDING FACULTY AWARD

RETIREES

Suzanne Fry

Tim Garrow, Ph.D.

Joan Gates

Dale Jackson

Charles McClung, D.O.

Mary Norris, Ph.D.

Ernest Piercy

Cliff Stone

Jack Thatcher, Ph.D.

LIVING OUR MISSION AWARD

RISING STAR AWARD

GWEN CLINGMAN HEART OF GOLD AWARD

James Wadding, D.O.

Cheryl Workman

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 47

DARA ALIFF, D.O., AND STEVEN ESHENAUR, D.O., RECOGNIZED IN

HEALTH CARE HALL OF FAME

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Two WVSOM alumni entered West Virginia Executive magazine’s Health Care Hall of Fame, which recognizes West Virginians who go above and beyond in the health care industry and supporting industries.

Dara Aliff, D.O., of WVSOM’s Class of 1999, and Steven Eshenaur, D.O., of the Class of 1996, were inducted into the hall along with nine other health care professionals during a Feb. 25 ceremony in Charleston, W.Va. Aliff has been co-owner of Premier Women’s Health Specialists, a Charleston-based provider of OB-GYN services, since launching the practice with her husband in 2009. She is active in advocacy for West Virginia’s women and children through her status as a section president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and her work as a board member of the West Virginia Women’s Alliance. Aliff also is a member of the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership Committee.

She said she enjoys her efforts to advocate for the health of residents of the state in which she was born and raised.

“I’m proud of the work these organizations do to guide and change health care policy and policies that affect working women and mothers, such as child care and maternity leave issues,” she said.

“It felt like the right thing to do to stay and give back to the state that developed me into the person I am. It’s an honor to be able to serve the women of West Virginia.”

Aliff, who serves as a preceptor for WVSOM and for the West Virginia University Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC), was president of the student body and of the Class of 1999 while attending WVSOM. She said medical school played a crucial role in how she practices medicine today.

“It was the most formative part of my life. I’m still best friends with several of my classmates. We’ve been able to call, text and consult with one another. The school instilled in me a love for the art of medicine, and the support I’ve received as an alum has been a game changer,” she said.

Aliff also is on the board of directors for MagMutual Insurance, which provides professional liability insurance for physicians.

Steven Eshenaur, D.O., has been executive director and public health officer of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department since 2022. After graduating from WVSOM and completing a residency at CAMC, he was state surgeon for the West Virginia Army National

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Guard — a position in which he was responsible for ensuring West Virginia’s 4,100 soldiers were medically fit for potential deployment — and worked as director of the emergency department and outpatient clinics at WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital in Ripley, W.Va. He also served as volunteer medical director for the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, W.Va. Eshenaur is an outspoken advocate for immunization in children and adults, making him a respected resource for educating the public and a source of information about public health. In addition to his role with the health department, Eshenaur still works in emergency rooms, primarily at Jackson General Hospital and WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, W.Va. “I continue to work in clinical medicine in emergency rooms in West Virginia, which lets me see firsthand the effects of deficiencies in public health,” he said. “That encourages me to continue to strive to improve our public health and keep people out of the hospital.”

He said the “whole person” approach to medicine taught by WVSOM and other osteopathic medical schools, and WVSOM’s significance in producing physicians who practice primary care, make the school a valuable resource for the health care needs of the Mountain State.

“Patient-centric medical education has helped drive my personal approach. And I’m proud that WVSOM puts more primary care providers into our communities than the other medical schools.

We desperately need that, especially in rural communities,” Eshenaur said.

Eshenaur previously was named a “Sharp Shooter” by West Virginia Executive in 2018, a designation recognizing West Virginians who stand out in their respective fields, participate in community service, achieve philanthropic endeavors and work to move West Virginia forward.

James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOM’s president, praised both physicians for the impact their work has had on the state.

“Drs. Aliff and Eshenaur are outstanding WVSOM alumni who have made significant contributions to health care in our state,” Nemitz said. “They are both exceptional physicians who are committed to making a difference in the lives of West Virginians.”

David Ramsey, who served on WVSOM’s Board of Governors from 2013 to 2021, was also inducted to the Health Care Hall of Fame.

Ramsey is president and chief executive officer of Vandalia Health.

CHELSEA FEGER, D.O., RECEIVED STATEWIDE

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‘40 UNDER 40’ HONOR Chelsea Feger, D.O., a faculty member in WVSOM’s Department of Clinical Sciences, was among this year’s recipients of the “Generation Next: 40 Under 40” award by The State Journal, a publication that covers business, government, education, health care and related topics in West Virginia.

The Generation Next program pays tribute to young professionals whose work makes the Mountain State a better place to live, raise families and conduct business. Feger, a WVSOM associate professor, was one of 40 West Virginians recognized during a June awards ceremony.

The Maxwelton, W.Va., resident said she is pleased to be acknowledged for her contributions to health care, education and community service.

“It’s an honor to be included alongside so many inspiring individuals who are working to make a difference in West Virginia,” Feger said. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the teams I’ve worked with, from my colleagues at WVSOM and the Robert C. Byrd Clinic to the communities I serve. It’s gratifying to know the work I’m doing in health care, education and my community is having a positive impact.”

Feger earned a medical degree from WVSOM in 2017 and joined the school’s faculty three years later, specializing in multiple primary care topics and assisting with hands-on instruction in osteopathic manipulative medicine. She has served as a director of clinical skills courses and has developed curriculum, written cases and conducted learning sessions for interprofessional education events involving medical and nursing students.

She has received multiple awards during her time as a WVSOM faculty member, including the Rising Star Award, which honors a new employee who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the school; the Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) Integration Teaching Award, recognizing faculty who excel in incorporating OPP into their teaching; the President’s Outstanding Faculty Award, honoring excellence in teaching; and the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, recognizing individuals dedicated to caring for those in need.

Feger also is chair of the Department of Medicine at Lewisburg’s Robert C. Byrd Clinic, where she sees patients and serves as a preceptor to WVSOM’s third- and fourth-year students. Additionally, she is associate program director of the family medicine residency at CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Ronceverte, W.Va., and serves as a physician with Peyton Hospice House in Fairlea, W.Va. She has led multiple projects to help improve women’s health care for rural West Virginians, including projects aimed at increasing screenings for cervical cancer. She also assisted in establishing a Robert C. Byrd Clinic project devoted to medication for opioid use disorder.

Earlier this year, she led resident physicians in their participation in a school health fair. The group taught high school students intubation skills and worked to increase students’ interest in health care by describing what it’s like to be a physician.

Andrea Nazar, D.O., immediate past chair of WVSOM’s Department of Clinical Sciences, praised Feger for her work since joining the school.

“It’s wonderful to see Dr. Feger recognized for her valuable contributions to our state in patient care and in medical education. Her commitment to training future physicians is likely to result in sustainable improvement in health care in West Virginia for decades to come. She inspires lifelong learners who become responsible, highly qualified physicians,” Nazar said.

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WVSOM’s counseling team honored as

‘MENTAL HEALTH CARE HERO’

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Medical school is challenging for even the most promising students. At WVSOM, the Academic Support and Intervention Resources (ASPIRE) department helps future physicians navigate the rigors of medical school by providing personal counseling and teaching academic support skills.

Now, the department has received statewide recognition for its work. ASPIRE was named a “Mental Health Care Hero” by WV Living magazine and Moodr Health, a company based in Morgantown, W.Va., that equips health systems, insurance providers and other organizations with tools for remote behavioral health management.

that because acceptance to medical school is so competitive, some students are surprised to find themselves not achieving at the level they’re used to.

“These students have been top performers previously, and they come here and suddenly instead of being a one-percenter, they may be in the bottom 10%,” he said. “Anxiety starts to manifest.

They have insecurities and feelings of ‘I’m not good enough.’

We’re the ones who see their struggles as human beings, because there’s a guardedness about saying you’re having a hard time when you’ve been a high achiever.”

In its spring 2025 issue, WV Living included WVSOM’s ASPIRE team among 15 organizations and individuals working to contribute to the progress of quality mental health care in the state. The magazine stated that ASPIRE has “a keen understanding of the demanding environment students are navigating.”

The ASPIRE staff works with students for the duration of their four years of medical school, from orientation to graduation. A student may come to the department for assistance on their own, or be referred by a dean if they are struggling academically.

Quick said the department continually works to improve its effectiveness by asking students how the counselors could better assist them.

The department is pleased to receive the honor, said Ginger Conley, one of the school’s four learning specialists and student counselors.

“We conduct an exit survey at the end of every academic year that goes out to all classes, and we make sure we take to heart what changes they tell us we need to make,” Quick said.

“We spend our time working one-on-one with students day in and day out, and other members of the school community often don’t get a chance to know who we are, so it’s nice to be acknowledged for our work,” Conley said.

James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOM’s president, praised the department for its work in ensuring medical students reach their full potential while maintaining wellness — a renewed priority for the school following the implementation of the “Finding Health” curriculum that launched in 2024.

The ASPIRE team, made up of three licensed professional counselors, one licensed master social worker, a program assistant and an intern, counsels medical students who are experiencing stress, depression, low self-confidence or other mental health concerns, as well as difficult life circumstances such as illness, relationship problems or the loss of a loved one.

But WVSOM’s counselors are also trained as learning specialists who support students in overcoming academic difficulties, said Julianna Quick, another ASPIRE counselor.

“We have continuing education to make sure we’re current on the latest updates on best practices in learning and helping students,” Quick said. “We make sure the time they spend studying is effective, and we help them with active learning, time management, test taking and other skills.”

The most common issue ASPIRE assists students with is anxiety.

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“The members of the ASPIRE department are superstars,” Nemitz said. “They are a vital resource to WVSOM students, helping them balance the stress of medical school with the challenges of daily living. Success and mental well-being are the focus of this amazing team of mental health care heroes.”

Beswick said being named a Mental Health Care Hero is gratifying, but seeing the results of the counselors’ work is the real reward.

“It’s nice to have somebody tell us we’re doing a good job, but it’s more important to know we’re helping people on a daily basis. The ongoing award I’ve had throughout my career is having people say, ‘You made a difference’ or ‘You helped me get through a tough time in my life,’” he said.

New Hires ANDREA BUCKLEW, J.D.

JUSTIN MCALLISTER

Director of Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement

Vice President of Finance and Facilities/Chief Financial Officer

Andrea Bucklew, J.D., joined WVSOM on Jan. 21. She works with the assistant vice president of institutional effectiveness and academic resources to organize, oversee and develop accreditation documentation, visits and reports required by national and regional accreditation agencies, and collaborates with campus departments as part of the continuous quality improvement process. Bucklew received a J.D. degree and a B.S. degree in business administration from West Virginia University. She has more than 12 years of experience working in assessment, including serving as a Higher Learning Commission peer reviewer and an accreditation liaison officer at two universities. She has served as a Quality Matters peer reviewer for five years.

Justin McAllister joined WVSOM on June 14. As WVSOM’s chief financial officer, he advises the president on matters related to finance, budgeting and facilities. McAllister’s responsibilities include overseeing financial planning and forecasting to support short- and long-term strategic decisions. He leads the development and management of the institutional budget and ensures effective accounting, fiscal reporting and budgetary controls. McAllister most recently served as senior vice president for strategic finance, operations and chief innovation officer for West Virginia State University.

He has an executive master’s degree in forensic accounting from the University of Charleston and brings more than a decade of experience in business development, finance and information technology, including roles in West Virginia state agencies.

JOHN LEONARD, PH.D.

JOSEPH CROSS, PH.D.

Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences

Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences

John Leonard, Ph.D., joined WVSOM on June 30. He received a B.S. degree in psychology from Virginia Tech prior to receiving a Ph.D. degree in biology from the University of Virginia, with a concentration in neurobiology and behavior. Leonard has been an adjunct instructor at Radford UniversityCarilion, a postdoctoral associate at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Lynchburg. His research interests include pathology associated with the brain, focusing on conditions such as frontal dementia, traumatic brain injuries and epilepsy.

Joseph Cross, Ph.D., joined WVSOM on July 21. He received B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in genetics from La Trobe University/Australian National University in Melbourne, Australia. Cross was a postdoctoral fellow at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, La. For the past 15 years he has taught molecular and cellular biology and genetics to graduate and medical students throughout the West Indies.

His research has involved the molecular characterization of water quality and developing a DNA barcoding program.

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New Hires KRISTY HENSON

AMY RUBRICH, D.O.

Anatomy Postdoctoral Fellow

Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences

Kristy Henson joined WVSOM on July 21. Henson teaches medical gross anatomy, playing a key role in delivering laboratory instruction in the team-taught gross anatomy curriculum for the D.O. and MSBS programs. She is completing a Ph.D. degree in bioarcheology at the University of Leicester and has an M.S. degree in biological sciences and a B.A. degree in anthropology from Marshall University. Henson has been an assistant professor of forensic science at Fairmont State University.

Amy Rubrich, D.O., joined WVSOM on July 21. She is a graduate of the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to attending medical school, Rubrich received a B.S. degree in biomedical sciences from Southeast Missouri State University. She completed an osteopathic neuromuscular residency at CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Ronceverte, W.Va. Rubrich has led smallgroup discussions in WVSOM anatomy lab to identify anatomical structures, presenting clinical correlates and teaching about ultrasound.

THERESA STEPANEK, D.O. Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences

Theresa Stepanek, D.O., joined WVSOM on July 21. She is a graduate of Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lillington, N.C. Prior to attending medical school, Stepanek received a B.S. degree in neuroscience from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. She completed a family medicine residency at Southern Regional Area Health Education Center in Fayetteville, N.C.

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AMANDA SLOTTER, PH.D.

MARIA MERZOUK, D.O.

Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences

Regional Assistant Dean of the Statewide Campus Eastern Region

Amanda Slotter, Ph.D., joined WVSOM on July 28. She has a Ph.D. degree in evolutionary anthropology from the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University and is an affiliated graduate student at the Institute of Human Origins, researching early human ancestors by analyzing morphological changes in the jaws and teeth of hominin fossils found in Africa. Slotter also is a graduate teaching assistant at Arizona State and a teaching associate at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, where she provides instruction in medical/clinical gross anatomy. She received B.A. degrees in anthropology and evolutionary biology from Case Western Reserve University and an M.A. degree in evolutionary anthropology from Arizona State.

Maria Merzouk, D.O., joined WVSOM on Aug. 1. A 2001 graduate of WVSOM, she received a B.S. degree in biology from West Liberty State College. After completing a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Reading Hospital and Medical Center in Reading, Pa., Merzouk started her academic career as an assistant professor at the West Virginia University School of Medicine.

Her academic and leadership roles include multiple appointments as OB-GYN associate director of medical student clerkships and memberships on WVU’s Academic Professional Standards Committee and M.D. Curriculum Committee. Most recently, Merzouk contributed to the education of future physicians through medical student rotations at Meritus Women’s Health Specialists in Hagerstown, Md.

Transitions BRIAN LUTZ, J.D.

MARINA DIIOIA, PH.D.

General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer

Associate Dean of the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences

Brian Lutz, J.D., was named general counsel/chief legal officer in December 2024. Lutz served as WVSOM’s interim general counsel since July 2024. He has a J.D. degree from Elon University School of Law in North Carolina and a B.A. degree in economics and business from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. Prior to joining WVSOM as associate general counsel in 2016, Lutz worked for the Office of the West Virginia Attorney General as an assistant general counsel, providing legal assistance and representation to public colleges and universities throughout West Virginia.

Marina Diioia, Ph.D., was named associate dean of the graduate program in biomedical sciences starting May 31. She is responsible for planning, directing and administering the program. Diioia joined WVSOM in 2020 as an associate professor of microbiology and immunology before becoming vice chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and director of WVSOM’s Human Gift Registry.

She received a Ph.D. degree in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and a B.S. degree in biology from California State University-San Marcos.

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 53

Transitions

54 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

GAIL SWARM, D.O.

AARON PHILLIPS, PH.D.

Interim Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

Interim Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator

Gail Swarm, D.O., was named interim senior associate dean of academic affairs starting May 31. She provides leadership for the planning and implementation of components of WVSOM’s D.O. program including clinical education, Academic Support and Intervention Resources (ASPIRE), the Exam Center, the Office of National Boards, Graduate Medical Education and the Clinical Evaluation Center.

Aaron Phillips, Ph.D., was named interim associate dean of student affairs and Title IX coordinator starting June 14, a position in which he serves as the leading voice in matters pertaining to student success and well-being. Phillips received B.S. and B.A. degrees from Eastern Kentucky University, a master’s degree in college student personnel services from the University of Louisville and a Ph.D. degree in counseling and personnel services with an emphasis in college student personnel, also from the University of Louisville. Phillips joined WVSOM as assistant dean of student affairs in 2023.

LORI MCGREW, PH.D.

CHRISTOPHER WOOD, D.O.

Vice Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences

Chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences

Lori McGrew, Ph.D., was named vice chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences starting July 1. McGrew joined WVSOM in 2024 as a professor of pharmacology. She has a Ph.D. degree in pharmacology from Vanderbilt University and a B.S. degree in biology and chemistry from Guilford College. McGrew’s previous leadership roles include serving as coordinator of the neuroscience program at Belmont University and as research director and chair of the Institutional Review Board at Lincoln Memorial University.

Christopher Wood, D.O., was named chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences starting July 1. A 2008 WVSOM graduate, he has been an associate professor at the school since 2021, most recently serving as his department’s vice chair. Wood completed an internal medicine residency and geriatric medicine fellowship at the Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Va. In addition to a clinical practice in internal and geriatric medicine, he has been an assistant professor of internal medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and medical director of Raleigh Court Healthcare Center in Roanoke. He also has contributed to the education of future physicians in various residency and fellowship programs.

CLASS NOTES 1985 and 2011 Mitchell Fuscardo, D.O., Class of 1985, and his daughter, Jesamyn Fuscardo, D.O., Class of 2011, will open a practice, Fuscardo Family Urgent Care in Weirton, W.Va., in late fall.

Thomas Gibbs, D.O., retired from full-time family practice in May. He

continues to work in addiction medicine at Phoenix Rising in Alliance, Ohio, and as medical director at Safe Harbor, a group of recovery residences in Warren, Ohio.

1989 Matthew Watkins, D.O., is director of anesthesia/perioperative services

Miles Medina, D.O., relocated from Atlanta to Fayetteville, Ga. He is

credentialed at Piedmont Fayette Hospital as a PRN emergency medicine physician while maintaining associate medical directorship at a Level III trauma center at Piedmont Henry Hospital. Medina is director of the emergency medicine observation unit and leads emergency department trauma operations.

2021 Carson Clabeaux, D.O., was appointed an assistant professor of surgery

at the Uniformed Services University. He serves as a staff ophthalmologist at the Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., and as an ophthalmologist with the 53rd Medical Brigade Head and Neck Surgical Team.

at WVU-Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale, W.Va., and an adjunct faculty member at WVSOM and WVU. He is married and has five children.

2023

1997

Consortium Family Medicine Residency through Holzer Health System and plans to practice at Holzer following residency.

U.S. Air Force Ret. Col. Jennifer Ravenscroft, D.O., was selected for inclusion in the biographical reference work Marquis Who’s Who.

2003 U.S. Navy Medical Corps Capt. Roderick Doss, D.O., is completing his

Alex Somerville, D.O., is chief resident at the Marshall University

BIRTHS 2007

first year as executive officer of Field Medical Training Battalion-East Command, after returning from Okinawa, Japan, in summer 2024.

Wes Lafferty, D.O., welcomed a daughter, Zadah Erin Lafferty, on April 25.

2004

2012

Max Baumgardner, D.O., was appointed vice president and chief medical

Timothy Snow, D.O., and his wife, Caroline, and son, Sterling, welcomed a

officer of AdventHealth Apopka in Apopka, Fla., overseeing clinical operations for a 200-bed hospital.

2009 Michael Bowling, D.O., joined Anesthesiology Associates of Radford in Radford, Va., in February.

Lane Holbrook, D.O., joined Pocahontas Memorial Hospital Rural Health Clinic in Pocahontas County, W.Va., as a primary care physician.

2010 Sarah (Volz) Claussen, D.O., relocated to Spokane, Wash., in June and

Zadah joins her brother, Liam Lafferty.

daughter, Lily, on Jan. 24 in Charlottesville, Va.

2015 and 2012 Jill Nicholas, D.O., and Derek Ballas, D.O., welcomed a son, Jett Bennett Ballas, on July 31.

2021 Brooke Kania, D.O., and David McNamara, D.O., welcomed a son, Callan Reed McNamara, on July 23.

IN MEMORY OF

joined the neonatal intensive care unit at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in July.

1982

Catherine Feaga, D.O., works in full-scope osteopathic integrative family

Gregory Wehunt, D.O., passed away Jan. 10. Wehunt earned a pharmacy

2012

degree from Mercer University in Macon, Ga., before attending WVSOM. He operated a medical practice in Georgia’s Paulding County until his 2009 retirement, then served as a physician for the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department.

Todd Jamrose, D.O., became the first psychiatrist to have the role of chair

1984

medicine with non-operative obstetrics in Hagerstown, Md. She teaches residents and medical students and serves on various hospital committees.

of the Department of Medicine at Marion General Hospital in Marion, Ohio.

2013 Brittany Smirnov, D.O., specializes in complex medical dermatology

and dermatologic surgery at her northern Virginia practice. She joined Arcutis’ speaker panel, educating health care professionals and patients about advances in topical treatments for psoriasis and eczema. She serves on the American Academy of Dermatology’s Philanthropic Relations Committee and chaired the academy’s Art of Skin Gala. Smirnov continues to conduct free skin cancer screenings for firefighters and service industry workers. Additionally, she was selected as a top doctor by Arlington and Washingtonian magazines for 2025 and 2026.

2017 Nick Burock, D.O., practices at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center in Ashland, Ohio, as medical director of the hospitalist group. He married his wife in 2023.

Jeff Harris, D.O., of West Union, W.Va., passed away April 11. He practiced

emergency medicine at Barberton Citizens Hospital in Ohio before serving as a family physician for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs until his April 2021 retirement.

1998 Haeley Harman, D.O., of Bridgeport, W.Va., passed away March 31. Harman graduated from the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy before attending WVSOM. She cared for patients in Bridgeport and Clarksburg for many years.

2010 Eric Miller, D.O., of Athens, Ohio, passed away Aug. 7. A

neuromusculoskeletal medicine physician, he practiced at Ohio Health System and Memorial Health System and previously served as a faculty member at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 55

GIFTS TO WVSOM LIFETIME GIVING LEADERS President’s Council Donors $100,000+

Founder’s Club Donors $50,000-$99,999

Drs. Michael and Cheryl Adelman* Drs. David and Bonita Barger* Joseph Cincinnati, D.O.* Charles Davis, D.O./Davis Eye Center Inc. Troy Foster, D.O.* Abdollatif Ghiathi, D.O. James Harless Ray Harron, M.D./Harron Foundation John Manchin II, D.O./Manchin Clinic Angus Peyton/Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Michael C. Pyles, D.O., Estate* Roland P. Sharp, D.O. Hildegard P. Swick Estate Marlene Wager, D.O. Lydia Weisser, D.O.* Gary White Kendall Wilson Jr., D.O., Estate*

Christopher Beckett, D.O. Sean Brain and Jandy Hanna, Ph.D. James Deering, D.O., and Jodi Flanders, D.O.* Drs. Robert and Rachel Hunter Dr. Gregory and Penny Jarrell* William McLaughlin, D.O. James Nemitz, Ph.D. Michael Nicholas, D.O. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Obrokta Jr./ Olivia Claire Obrokta Foundation* Patrick Pagur, D.O., and Billie Wright, D.O. Mr. and Mrs. David and Martha Rader* Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Rubin/ Carmel-Greenfield Charitable Trust Carole Stookey Drs. Andrew and Tiffany Thymius Mrs. John Tirpak Drs. Reggie and Leah Triplett* Harold Ward, D.O. Dr. and Mrs. Badshah Wazir/Spring Hill Cardiology

BUSINESSES Encova Foundation of West Virginia The Greenbrier Hotel Corp.

Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association Hollowell Foundation Inc. Maier Foundation Inc. Seneca Trail Charitable Foundation Inc. West Virginia Emulation Endowment Trust WVSOM Alumni Association 56 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

BUSINESSES Humana National Osteopathic Foundation West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association

Patron Donors $25,000-$49,999 Michael Antolini, D.O.* Manuel Ballas, D.O. Catherine Bishop, D.O.* Craig Boisvert, D.O. Jeffery Braham, D.O. Drs. Edward and Kristie Bridges Clyde Brooks III, D.O. Cathy Dailey, D.O. Steven Eshenaur, D.O., and Lori Eshenaur/Haven Ltd. Ahmed Faheem, M.D. Allen Finkelstein, D.O. Robert Flowers, D.O. J. Robert Holmes, DDS Cynthia Mayer, D.O. Richard McClung, DDS* Dorothy Montgomery* Samuel Muscari Jr., D.O. Nancy Bulla Nemitz* Deena Obrokta, D.O. Lorenzo Pence, D.O. Rosa Stone, D.O. Peter Stracci, D.O. Lori Tucker, D.O. Drs. Rafael and Letetia Villalobos Lewis Whaley, D.O.

BUSINESSES CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center CAMC Health Education and Research Institute City National Bank Highmark Inc. Highmark West Virginia Jeanne G. Hamilton and Lawson W. Hamilton Jr. Family Foundation Inc. Little General Stores OVP Foundation for Healthier Communities OVP Health Inc. Peoples Bank Robert C. Byrd Clinic Inc. Smith Kline & French Laboratories Truist Corp.

West Virginia State Medical Association Alliance * President's Circle Members July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

SCAN THE QR CODE to donate to a scholarship endowment or other fund of your choosing.

WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 57

SUPPORTERS OF WVSOM GIFTS RECEIVED FROM ACTIVE DONORS BETWEEN JAN. 1, 2025, AND AUG. 31, 2025

$10,000-$24,999

BUSINESSES

Mark Hrko, D.O.

John Hibler, D.O., Estate*

Family Medicine Foundation of West Virginia

Christopher Kennedy, D.O.

$5,000-$9,999

Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation

H. Lawrence and Janice Clark*

Renaissance Charitable Foundation

Paul Conley, D.O.*

West Virginia Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians

Cordell Davis, D.O.* Samuel Deem, D.O.*

Courtney Levendorf, D.O. Gretchen Lovett, Ph.D. William Martin, Ph.D. Donette Mizia Andrea Nazar, D.O. James Paugh II, D.O.

Nathan Hale, D.O.*

$500-$999

Karen Montgomery-Reagan, D.O.*

James Cooper II, D.O.

Lynnetta Payne, D.O.*

Stefanie Shull

Timothy Darnell, D.O.

Don Smith

Marina Diioia, Ph.D.

Shawn Stern, D.O.

Linda Eakle, D.O.

Shannon Warren

Al Emch, J.D.

Calvin Whaley, D.O.

John Garlitz, D.O.

Katherine Williams, Ph.D.

BUSINESSES AccessHealth Edward Tucker Architects Inc. PracticeLink

$2,500-$4,999

Heidi Henson, D.O. Drema Hill, Ph.D.

Dina Schaper, D.O.

$50-$249

Gail Dudley, D.O.

Brant Hinchman, D.O.

David Apgar, D.O.

Michael Stencel, D.O.

Buddy Hurt, D.O.

Marshall Barker, D.O.

Mark Waddell, D.O.*

Anthony Johnson, D.O.

Porsche Beetham, D.O.

Ryan Waddell, D.O.

Jay and Gelila Jones

Mike and Susi Bickley

Edward Knight III

Leslie Bicksler

Miriam Knight

Dan Breece, D.O.

James Kohari, D.O.

Fred and Carolyn Burns

BUSINESSES Bank of Monroe Rainelle Medical Center

Forrest Lane Jr., D.O.

Larry and Shelia Burns

$1,000-$2,499

Janice Miller, D.O.

Thomas and Dreama Burns

Randall Belt, D.O.

Jean Rettos, D.O.

Marilea Butcher

Linda Boyd, D.O.

Linda Smith, D.O.

Dorothy Caldwell and Elizabeth Eubanks

Richard Carey, D.O.

Ronald Smith, D.O.

John Cavell, D.O.

Charles Cornell David Crandall, D.O. Raymond Crosby, D.O. Joseph Donzella, D.O., and Amy Vasilakis-Donzella, D.O. Kimberly Jones Andrew McLaughlin, D.O. Rebecca Perry, D.O. Mary Pozega, D.O. Eric Schneider, D.O. Drs. Russell and Sally Stewart

James Chambers, D.O. BUSINESSES Greenbrier Chapter of the NAACP WVSOM Staff Council

$250-$499 Dara Aliff, D.O. Beth Been, D.O. Edward Brennan II, D.O. Amy Casto, D.O. Brian Griffith, Ph.D. Marla Haller, D.O. Crystal Hammons, D.O.

58 • WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025

Michael Cheshire, D.O. Elizabeth Clark, D.O. Amber Cobb Ellen Collins Dustin Crutchfield Matthew Davis, D.O. Crissandra Digges, D.O. Roderick Doss, D.O. Richard Durham, D.O. Allison Evans-Wood, D.O. Monte Finch, D.O. Albert Fogle, D.O.

SUPPORTERS OF WVSOM GIFTS RECEIVED FROM ACTIVE DONORS BETWEEN JAN. 1, 2025, AND AUG. 31, 2025

David and Olgusha Forrest

Peggy and David Point

Kathy Fry

Kim Post

Mitchell Fuscardo, D.O.

Roi Reed, D.O.

Jesamyn Fuscardo Marshall, D.O.

Thomas Richardson, D.O.

Kathy Goodman, D.O.

Madonna Ringswald, D.O.

Debbie Green

Shirley Runyon

Jody Hammond

Howard Sathre, DDS, M.D.

Debra Hanson

William Satterfield Jr.

Holly Hardesty

Danny Seams

Karen Hausler

Laura Sheppard

Bradley Hendricks, D.O.

Jacqueline Shoemaker

Mary Hendricks, D.O.

Victoria Shuman, D.O.

Janet Hinton

Kelley Sills

Tommy Holbrook II, D.O.

Irene Smail, Ph.D.

Rhonda Hughes

Albert Smith Jr., D.O.

Cameron Jackson

Michael and Donna Smith

Eugene Jeffus

WVSOM Alumni Association New Life Members Dec. 16, 2024, to Sept. 18, 2025 1996

Sherri Williams, D.O.

1999

George Sokos, D.O.

2002

James Cox, D.O.

2004

Wesley Lieving, D.O.

2012

Philip Eskew, D.O.

2012

Calvin Whaley, D.O.

Richard and Julienne Smith

2014

Crystal Hammons, D.O.

Cindi Knight

Brett and Kim Snyder

2016

Michael Lawless, D.O.

Janet Kowalsky, D.O.

Shannon Sorah, D.O.

2019

Seth Hammons, D.O.

John Kudlak, D.O.

Derek Stone, D.O.

2020

Cameron Rowe, D.O.

Howard Lafferty Jr., D.O.

Lisa Stone, D.O.

2022

Ryan Flynn, D.O.

2022

Nick Yost, D.O.

Clay Lee, D.O.

Carol and Steve Szer

Charles Lowry

Rebecca Szer, D.O.

Kathleen Maley, D.O.

Emily Thomas, D.O.

Nancy Martin

James Tierney, D.O.*

William Martin, D.O.

John Todorczuk, D.O.

Cassandra McCoy, D.O.

Scott Tolbert

Aaron McGuffin, M.D.

Douglas and Kelley Toler

Richard Meadows, D.O.

Daniel Trent Sr., D.O.

Susan Medalie, D.O.

George Triplett, D.O.

Ted Meehan

Mark VanBuren

Colleen Meriwether, D.O.

Junyu Wang, D.O.

Mark Mitchell, D.O.

Michael Warlick, D.O.

Gregory Molter, D.O.

Winter Wilson, D.O.

Christine Moore, D.O.

James Wright, D.O.

Bobbi Morgan

Lynn Yates

SCAN THE QR CODE

to become a WVSOM Alumni Association Life Member and begin utilizing the membership’s benefits.

Stephen Naymick, D.O. Jake Neumann, Ph.D. Justin and Vicky Nguyen Karla Pauley Marilyn Perry, D.O.

BUSINESSES Greenbrier Valley Pride New York Life Insurance

* President's Circle Members July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 WVSOM Magazine • FALL 2025 • 59

West Virginia School of OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

400 Lee Street North Lewisburg, WV 24901

finding health

preparing medical students to find health practicing in any specialty 800+

medical students enrolled each year — more than any other medical school in the state WV HEPC Health Sciences and Rural Health Report, 2024

@WVSOM.1

$133+ MILLION

economic impact in the state

100%

residency placement rate Class of 2025

Tripp Umbach Economic Impact Study, 2020

/WVSOM

/WVSOM

88+

hospitals and clinics for medical student rotation experiences

7

regional campus sites

WVSOM.edu