these experiences led to her becoming a better doctor and a better leader .
Chua has been the recipient of many awards and accolades but says earning the ACO Population Health Pioneer Award for Outstanding Physician Leadership presented by Caravan Health and the community COVID-19 hero award from the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce mean the most to her .
“ It was such an honor to be noticed for the achievements that our organization has made in the field of population health ,” says Chua . “ To be recognized locally for contributions made during the pandemic , however , is equally humbling and wonderful . It is an honor to serve this amazing community , and it was a great honor to be recognized .”
Chua currently spends time working in the community as an AAPL community ambassador and mentor . She has served on the board of directors for Interact Children ’ s Museum , YMCA and Seneca Soccer . Chua has also spent time
as a soccer coach , Girl Scout leader and catechism teacher .
“ When it comes to population health , working for the people of rural Appalachia is my passion ,” says Chua .
Despite growing up in southwest Texas , Chua says her parents raised her with a West Virginia mentality , as her father was born and raised in Galloway , WV . Her husband is also a West Virginia native whom she met in college .
“ His love of the state combined with the love I ’ ve experienced over the years from my father ’ s family only added to my desire to be here ,” says Chua . “ I love the hills , and I honestly never want to live anywhere else . I enjoy being close to family , I enjoy the attitude of the people who live here , and I will always be proud to call myself a Mountaineer . The day I decided to move to the Mountain State for good , I felt like I was truly coming home , and I have never wanted to leave .” •
Providing Care During COVID-19
Staffing shortages , financial strain and the lack of ability to meet patient needs are just a few of the obstacles the Davis Health System has faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic . Dr . Catherine Chua , who serves as the chief medical officer , was elected as incident commander in March 2020 to organize and lead the organization in response to the pandemic . Amongst other challenges , the health system continued to see turnover due to provider and staff fatigue as well as financial strain caused by the longer length of stay , locum coverage for staff being out with COVID-19 , closing of outpatient services and more .
“ COVID has been a challenge . I believe the hardest thing for me has been the struggle to overcome misinformation and the subsequent division in our communities . Never in my career have I felt so powerless to make a difference despite all our best efforts as a medical community ,” says Chua .
With the help of her team , Chua has been able to make sure the hospital is able to keep up with demand and continue to provide quality care to patients .
“ Our team has been able to set up alternative screening units at four of our clinics , maintain low staffing to patient ratios and maintain good quality care . For the community , we worked with local community resources and were able to set up large vaccination clinics that vaccinated up to 1,000 people a day beginning in 2021 ,” says Chua . “ They continue to navigate the pandemic day by day as new information is presented .”
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