The Cabell County Medical
Society has elected Peter Ray,
M.D., to serve as president of
its board of directors for the
2020 calendar year.
Ray, a board-certified plastic
and reconstructive surgeon at
Marshall Health, is an associ-
ate professor of surgery at the
Marshall University Joan C.
Edwards School of Medicine.
He joined the school in 2015,
Peter Ray, M.D.
bringing specialized care in cleft
and craniofacial surgery to the
region. In addition to his academic and clinical responsibili-
ties, Ray is a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and works as a
medical operations officer for the 5th Medical Brigade. He has
traveled the world to perform surgery in underserved countries.
“Dr. Ray cares deeply about the community,” says Elizabeth
Jenkins, R.N., the medical society’s executive director. “He’s
passionate about caring for his patients and has the leader-
ship skills needed to champion the work of this proactive
organization.”
WVU John Chambers College of Business and
Economics Launches New Health Care MBA Program
West Virginia University’s John Chambers College of Business
and Economics is launching a new graduate program to meet
the booming health care industry’s current and future need
for professionals with strong foundations in effective business
practices through the lens of health care.
The newly formed health care MBA is a 39 credit hour program
that is delivered fully online and can be completed in less than
two years. The flexible format allows students to pursue their
degrees while also maintaining momentum in their careers.
“The business of health care is an area of growing jobs in
West Virginia and in the United States. Our research indicates
that this new degree will be of tremendous benefit to prospective
students who are in the health care industry or are considering
it for their future careers,” says Virginia Kleist, associate dean
for graduate programs, academic operations and research.
Program courses will be taught by executive professionals,
industry leaders and expert faculty who understand the inter-
section of business and health care. The program’s curriculum
was designed to expose students to all the functional areas of
business and real-world applications of the business of health
care. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to take
elective courses in areas such as business intelligence, cyber-
security and strategic communication, all of which are indus-
try hot topics.
“Managing complex health care organizations requires strong
leadership and excellent business skills,” says Kleist. “Many of
our faculty work and conduct research at the intersection of
business and health care and are delighted to be able to teach
in the MBA program in their respective areas of expertise.”
Students will also have the opportunity to apply the knowl-
edge they’ve acquired through the program in either an applied
executive project or an innovation course. The online courses
will be delivered in eight-week segments that are primarily
asynchronous but will offer students the opportunity to work
on talented teams and participate in virtual synchronous expe-
riential learning.
Alliance for the Economic Development of Southern
West Virginia Hires Recovery Network Coordinator
The Alliance for the Economic Development of Southern
West Virginia Operations Council has hired Susie Mullens as
the project coordinator for the new Southern West Virginia
Collegiate Peer Recovery Network.
“Susie is a true collaborator and really has a passion to grow
collegiate recovery,” says Sara Payne Scarbro, the council’s
chair. “We are honored to have her join our team to help facili-
tate connections, build resources in our state and revitalize our
communities. Collegiate recovery is critical infrastructure for
our state to offer, and we are pleased Susie will help lead this
important initiative.”
WVPBRN Project Sets Sights on
Preventing Blindness in Diabetic Patients
The West Virginia Practice-Based Research Network’s
(WVPBRN) sight outreach program is dedicated to addressing
the critical need for early detection and prevention of diabetic
retinopathy in West Virginians. The leading cause of blindness
in the U.S. for people ages 20-65, it is projected that one in
three Americans with diabetes will experience diabetic reti-
nopathy by the year 2050. While the projection may be fright-
ening, early detection reduces the risk of severe vision loss by
“
Thank you for your unselfish
leadership in serving our communities.
You have been instrumental in bringing a
high-quality mental health care model to
West Virginia.
“
Cabell County Medical Society Names New President
From Your Friend & Business Associate,
Terrence Rusin
President/Ceo PSIMED
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