Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates launch of WVSOM Health

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) and WVSOM Health, along with members of the community, celebrated WVSOM Health’s first few months in operation under a new name with an Oct. 29 ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

WVSOM Health officially changed its name from the Robert C. Byrd Clinic in July, but the clinic has been a vital part of the Greenbrier County community since 1976. The transition reflects a milestone in shared efforts to strengthen the clinic’s long-term viability and to more fully integrate it into WVSOM’s academic clinical enterprise. 

Located on WVSOM’s campus, the clinic has served as a faculty practice and teaching site for WVSOM students. It remains a significant component of the school’s curriculum for students on clinical rotations and graduates in residencies. 

“Today’s ribbon cutting marks the beginning of a new chapter at WVSOM Health that is built on an unwavering commitment to providing extraordinary patient care, exceptional medical education and ongoing engagement with the communities we serve,” said Mary Page Nemcik, WVSOM Health’s executive director. “As we look to the future, these pillars will continue to guide our work, strengthen our partnerships and ensure that we not only meet the health care needs of today, but that we are helping develop the rural health physician leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”

WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., spoke of the unified clinical enterprise between WVSOM Health and WVSOM. 

“This is the start of a new era of health care in the Greenbrier Valley, a milestone in the histories of the clinic and WVSOM. The restructuring and rebranding of the clinic better aligns the missions of both organizations to enhance patient care and WVSOM medical students’ education,” he said. 

Ribbon-cutting participants included Nemcik, Nemitz, Gail Swarm, D.O., Hilary Hamric, D.O., Ryan Fitzwater, D.O., Norman Wood, D.O., Drema Hill, Ph.D., Jennifer Rose, D.O., Jennifer Bailey, D.O., and Chelsea Feger, D.O. The event was followed by networking opportunities.

Hilary Hamric, D.O., WVSOM’s associate dean of clinical education and chair of WVSOM Health’s Board of Directors, acknowledged health care providers and clinic employees, the WVSOM Board of Governors for working together through the transition.

“As a board, we understand the success of any organization is built on the efforts of many people,” she said. “Today is a testament to what can be accomplished when dedicated people come together with a shared purpose. While we are proud of this milestone, we recognize that it is not the finish line. In many ways, it marks the beginning. We look forward to growth ahead and to the many ways WVSOM Health will continue to serve and strengthen the community we proudly call home.” 

Since its relocation to the northern part of WVSOM’s campus 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, WVSOM Health 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, lifestyle medicine, medical acupuncture, social services and culinary medicine.