“ Over time, the clinic has evolved alongside changes in healthcare, but its mission has remained the same: to serve as an exceptional site for patient care that naturally integrates teaching and learning. Those working within the clinic, along with its board of directors, remain committed to fostering academic growth; compassionate, high-quality care; and a supportive environment that values employees and patients,” Hamric said.“ We believe the clinic is on a strong path toward continued success, and an important part of that journey is the transition of the Robert C. Byrd Clinic into WVSOM Health. We are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Since its relocation to the northern part of WVSOM’ s campus and name change to the Robert C. Byrd Clinic in 1997, the clinic has added critical services to meet the local needs of patients in a rural care setting. With more than 40 physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physician residents, the clinic offers a range of primary care services, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine, behavioral health, acute and same-day care, diabetes education and lifestyle medicine, medical acupuncture, social services, and culinary medicine.
Leslie Bicksler, WVSOM’ s chief human resources officer, led the transition team. She said the initiative represents an important step in strengthening the connection between clinical operations and educational mission.
“ During the past year, both organizations have worked in close partnership to ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition to WVSOM Health. This transition strengthens the clinic as WVSOM’ s academic clinical program, creating a more integrated environment for education, patient care, and community service,” Bicksler said.“ At its core, this effort is about our students and our community.”
While patients will notice the clinic’ s new name and identity, patient care will remain uninterrupted.
Mary Page Nemcik, who will serve as the executive director of WVSOM Health, said the growth of the clinic will continue to benefit all patients seeking care.
“ The rebranding to WVSOM Health reflects more than a new identity. It marks the clinic’ s evolution to an academic clinical enterprise where patient care, education, enhanced technology, and the distinct whole-person philosophy of osteopathic medicine come together to improve patient outcomes, broaden access, and shape the next generation of rural physicians,” she said.“ The formal alignment with WVSOM strengthens our commitment to patient-centered care with a renewed focus on clinical excellence, innovation, research, and community engagement.”
West Virginia Medical Journal • September 2026 • 25