West Virginia Medical Journal - 2023 - Quarter 4 | Page 14

NEWS

Healthcare Summit Review
WVSMA , WVHA Hold Joint Leadership Conference
“ The truth ,” West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw told those attending the West Virginia State Medical Association ( WVSMA )/ West Virginia Hospital Association ( WVHA ) leadership conference at The Greenbrier , “ is no longer sufficient .” Hanshaw , who served on a legislative panel at the meeting , said those seeking success in the legislative sphere must understand their opponents and their motivation .
Matt Rohrbach , a Cabell County delegate and physician , cautioned against the state going backward , noting backward-facing legislation does nothing to promote the healthy economic environment being sought by the Legislature and the governor . Senate President Craig Blair echoed Rohrbach ’ s statement , noting , “ Keeping people healthy is good for the economy .”
Panelists included Blair , Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo , Senate Health Committee Chair Mike Maroney , Hanshaw , and Rohrbach . House Health Chair Amy Summers was planning to attend , but because of a last-minute WVSMA / WVHA scheduling change , she was unable to join the meeting . Serving as moderators were WVSMA Legislative Chair Chris Goode , MD , and WVHA Legislative Chair Karen Bowling .
The joint meeting of the two organizations , one of the few successful endeavors of its kind in the nation , provides an opportunity for physician leaders and hospital leaders to meet together for educational opportunities and idea-sharing . It provides exhibitors an
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