Larry D. Dial Jr., M. D.
Chief Physician Executive, Marshall Health Network & Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Written by Megan Bevins
Aforerunner of the Mountain State’ s health care sector, Larry D. Dial Jr., M. D., possesses a tireless work ethic and deep commitment to service that motivates him in both patient care and leadership.
While obtaining his bachelor’ s degree from Marshall University, Dial took part in Dr. Gary Rankin’ s pharmacology lab, where he gained an interest in academic medicine. He then earned a Doctor of Medicine from Marshall’ s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, where he completed his internal medicine residency.
Dial says he chose to practice internal medicine because of the field’ s diversity and complexity, allowing him to form meaningful relationships with patients while also engaging with the dynamic range of conditions the field covers.
“ This blend of longitudinal connection, acute problem-solving and intellectual depth made internal medicine the specialty where I felt most aligned with my strengths, curiosity and commitment to comprehensive patient care,” Dial says.
Dial currently serves as chief physician executive at Marshall Health Network, a role that tasks him with overseeing care across the system. Here, Dial observes the inpatient services at Cabell
Photo by Sholten Singer.
Huntington Hospital, St. Mary’ s Medical Center and Rivers Health as well as the ambulatory practices of Marshall Health. He also supervises population health initiatives across the region and the network’ s pharmacy services.
“ My role includes coordinating with all hospitals and academic departments, supporting clinical quality and performance across every care setting and advancing a unified clinical strategy that strengthens patient safety, experience and outcomes,” Dial says.
Early in his career, Dial realized he had a deep love for mentoring future physicians, leading him to seek out roles that would allow him to work with medical students. This ultimately guided him to serving as chief medical officer for Marshall Health and vice dean for clinical affairs at Marshall’ s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.
Dial says helping medical students become great physicians has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.
“ Seeing them embrace responsibility, advance in their careers and make meaningful contributions to patient care and the broader community reinforces the lasting impact of mentorship,” he says.
74 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE