INSIDE WVSMA
WVSMA Installs Dr . Lisa M . Costello as President
Former West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Evan Jenkins , one of Costello ’ s longtime friends and mentors , administered the oath of office , while physicians , friends , and supporters watched both online and in person . In his comments , Jenkins referred to Costello ’ s continuing dedication to improve the health of her patients through her practice and the health of West Virginians through her advocacy efforts .
Costello stressed the need for strong advocacy efforts by physicians and for providing opportunities for physicians to develop leadership skills . Costello has long advocated for maintaining the state ’ s strong immunization laws and for child health initiatives .
Lisa M . Costello , MD , MPH , FAAP , a Morgantown pediatrician , was sworn in as president of the West Virginia State Medical Association ( WVSMA ) on Friday , August 19 , 2022 . WVSMA is the state ’ s largest physician advocacy and education organization . It has represented physicians since 1867 . Costello is one of few women to attain the presidency and the first female pediatrician .
Being WVSMA president is part of the culmination of a lifelong dream of Costello ’ s .
“ When I was seven years old growing up in Weirton , I wanted to become a pediatrician ,” she said . “ I remember returning home from a well-child check and looking up what a pediatrician was in the encyclopedia Britannica . The feelings of warmth and care and the positive impact that pediatrician had on my life inspired me to want to do the same for others .
Shafic Sraj , MD , MBA-c , a Morgantown orthopedic surgeon and WVSMA ’ s immediate past president , highlighted the positive critical updates made to WVSMA ’ s governance structure during his tenure and stressed the need for a successful physician leadership program . Sraj complimented WVSMA and other specialty medical societies for their ongoing cooperation on advocacy and other issues important to the physician community , including working across specialties to ensure patient health and safety and prevent the erosion of the physician scope of practice .
AUTHOR
John D . Law
Executive Director for West Virginia State Medical Association
WVSMA is such an important part of my career and life . Starting as a WVSMA medical student member changed the trajectory of my life , including the fact I got engaged at a WVSMA Summit and will be able to bring my daughter , who was born in February , to her first summit this year ,” Costello said .
Images : Tracy A . Toler Photography ; West Virginia Executive
12 • www . wvsma . org