The figures appear in the 2022 West Virginia Health Sciences and Rural Health Report .
Linda Boyd , D . O ., WVSOM ’ s vice president of academic affairs and dean , says the report reflects WVSOM ’ s commitment to serving , first and foremost , West Virginia and the health care needs of its residents .
“ We ’ re proud that we produce the largest number of medical students in West Virginia going into primary care each year ,” Boyd says . “ Additionally , we are the medical school in West Virginia that retains more of our students to practice in West Virginia and to practice in rural areas of the state . WVSOM truly serves West Virginia by populating the state with doctors who are interested in working in small communities .”
The report noted that , combined , West Virginia ’ s three medical schools enroll more medical students per capita than any other state , and that in the past academic year , 44 % of the state ’ s 392 first-year medical students were West Virginia residents .
James Nemitz , Ph . D ., WVSOM ’ s president , says he is pleased with the report ’ s findings in regard to the school .
“ The commission ’ s report demonstrates WVSOM ’ s critical role in supplying physicians for West Virginia communities , especially in rural areas and small towns . WVSOM ’ s contribution not only impacts the health care needs of the state ; it also provides a significant economic impact in these communities ,” Nemitz says .
Mountain Health Network Names New Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel
The Mountain Health Network ( MHN ) and Cabell Huntington Hospital board of directors has named Paul Smith , J . D ., senior vice president and chief administrative officer for MHN .
Smith will assume the administrative responsibilities for the growing system to support and guide legal , risk management and insurance services ; strategic planning , marketing and business development ; information systems ; human resources ; and philanthropy . He also
serves as the system chief executive in the absence of the CEO .
“ Smith has been an incredible resource during my tenure as CEO of Mountain Health and previously as the system ’ s board chair and practicing physician ,” says Kevin Yingling , R . Ph ., M . D ., FACP . “ His insights , institutional knowledge and earnest desire to support the system have made him an invaluable resource to many .”
Paul Smith , J . D .
Smith has served as general counsel of MHN since 2019 . Prior to his system
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