https://sole.hsc.wvu.edu/Apps/News/rss/SchoolofMedicine/Family-Medicine-and-Community-Medicine50 most recent storiesen-US9fff1c63-5ba4-4d83-9b29-f92369d1e2cahttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=department-of-family-medicine-chair-announces-new-name-leadership-additionsFollowing the Board of Governors' approval on Friday, February 20, the WVU School of Medicine Department of Family Medicine has formally changed its name to better reflect its mission and outreach, becoming the Department of Family and Community Medicine.Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-02-25T14:01:54-05:002dbe1fce-517e-4c17-84f4-1b69e0a79996https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/media-center-blog/2026/02/11/expert-pitch-wvu-cancer-institute-leaders-urge-prevention-and-screenings-to-keep-cancer-at-bay?utm_source=cision-expert-pitch&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=general&utm_id=strat-comm&utm_content=gen2028somhealAs part of National Cancer Prevention Month, West Virginia University experts are emphasizing two types of cancer prevention — primary prevention, which focuses on keeping the disease from happening, and secondary prevention, which focuses on detection at the disease's earliest stage.Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-02-11T13:33:47-05:00343723f8-522d-43b1-8a0e-1bb617955fc9https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=registration-forapril-18-2026-wvu-auricular-acupuncture-badge-is-now-open-for-faculty-residents-and-The West Virginia University Department of Family Medicine is offering an annual Auricular Acupuncture Badge, which is the first badge offered by the Department of Family Medicine and is part of the WVU Badge program that allows professionals and students to earn micro credentials to grow in their career and education.Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-01-14T11:42:18-05:003aec0859-e172-4886-b80e-3a951f9d903fhttps://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a69832458/foods-to-not-eat/nutritionFor anyone trying to eat healthier, a lot of emphasis is put on the foods that you should be eating. But just as important—if not slightly more important—is avoiding the foods that could be draining your energy, slowing your metabolism, and increasing your risk of developing harmful chronic health conditions. That's why we asked doctors and nutrition experts for the foods you should not eat to support your overall health and wellness.Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -05002026-02-18T13:56:29-05:002a119d2e-916b-4fe6-b14a-bf7a212b90eehttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=professor-emeritus-charles-ponte-reminisces-about-time-with-wvuBy Charles D. Ponte, BS, PharmD, BC-ADM, BCPS, CDE, CPE, FAADE, FAPhA, FASHP, FCCP, FNAP Professor Emeritus, Departments of Family Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy West Virginia UniversityFri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-10-31T10:20:04-04:003782ab30-ad0e-4529-84b7-7265997d0903https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-outbreaks-surge-west-virginia/article_597e17f4-8b2e-452e-b714-ec9257e88ef8.htmlHand, foot and mouth disease is most common in children and usually happens seasonally, said Dr. Lisa Costello, assistant professor of pediatrics at West Virginia University.Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-10-21T10:29:59-04:000cdcd44b-1c55-4cc7-9df3-2aecfc4ef679https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-walk-withfuture-doc-dr-oreskovich-to-give-presentation-on-acupunctureJason Oreskovich, D.O., will give a presentation on acupuncture during the WVU Walk with a Future Doc session on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m.Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-09-02T16:12:48-04:0078d42dfb-ff01-48c6-b29d-60fbe171c95chttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=school-of-medicine-announces-faculty-promotions-for-2025The West Virginia University School of Medicine recently awarded more than 60 faculty members across 20 departments promotions that were effective July 1, 2025. Department faculty members awarded associate professor and professor status are as follows:Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-07-22T09:24:48-04:00b41c8baf-f2bb-407e-8053-5968bc1e4eb2https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=in-remembrance-john-traubert-m-dThe WVU School of Medicine community mourns the loss of John Traubert, M.D., a beloved physician, educator and leader whose contributions to family medicine and medical education have left a lasting legacy.Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-07-14T09:22:22-04:000cab44f5-be22-44e4-b230-bbd5e238e32bhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-medicine-featured-in-local-magazineWVU Medicine has received several awards in Morgantown Magazine's annual "Best of" issue.Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-02-24T11:05:05-05:00635f8e6a-22ec-4fb7-9734-cd35ffcffd90https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=rural-track-students-have-received-positivity-and-encouragement-for-overdecade-due-toefforts-of_1somempowerWhen it comes to the student learning experience, the small things matter. Amid classes, examinations, rotations and extensive studying, a friendly face and words of encouragement can significantly impact a busy student.Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-11-21T13:23:37-05:0079d9911f-ca1d-4e99-8bf1-b9d0929c3583https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=registration-forwvu-auricular-acupuncture-badge-is-now-open-for-faculty-and-studentsThe West Virginia University Department of Family Medicine is offering a new Auricular Acupuncture Badge, which is the first badge offered by the Department of Family Medicine and is part of the WVU Badge program which allows professionals and students to earn micro credentials to grow in their career and education.Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-11-18T13:26:03-05:0009fb9d11-4702-41a3-9257-be31c90f577fhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=kendra-unger-named-department-of-family-medicine-vice-chair-of-educationsomeducateKendra Unger, M.D., recently became the WVU School of Medicine Department of Family Medicine Vice Chair of Education. Additionally, she serves as the MS3 Clerkship Director and as an associate professor for the Department. She is a board-certified medical acupuncturist and the former president of American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-04-09T15:16:42-04:00d555e3ab-bdc4-4826-afba-24c80f133e8ahttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=better-together-occupational-therapy-and-medical-students-atwvu-school-of-medicine-benefit-from-inteHealthcare technology is constantly evolving, setting a unique challenge for healthcare providers. However, students at the WVU School of Medicine have found that the key to staying up-to-date on the latest advances in patient care is collaboration.Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-03-12T12:31:59-04:00b06bd163-e5bb-4c90-933e-f900d8f1f9ffhttps://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2024/01/27/unapproved-weight-loss-drugs-teens/stories/202401280019Dr. Treah Haggerty, director of pediatric medical weight management and associate professor in the WVU School of Medicine, contributes to reporting from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about a recent study on weight loss products.Sat, 27 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-01-30T11:46:04-05:00b13b076a-0b7c-4fcf-a93e-30104c79e12ehttps://www.statnews.com/2024/01/10/weight-loss-products-adolescents/Dr. Treah Haggarty of the WVU School of Medicine contributes to reporting from STAT News about weight loss products.Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-01-16T13:51:41-05:005b437ef0-9397-4ba2-9e19-2a906d6fbd8bhttps://www.wvctsi.org/news/story?headline=one-dedicated-west-virginia-physician-is-meeting-patients-where-they-areAn estimated 46 million Americans live in rural areas, but there is more to this number than population size, geographical location and type of environment.Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -04002023-08-08T12:20:34-04:00b009688b-5f47-4573-882c-9678e4cbd263https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=school-of-medicine-announces-faculty-promotions-for-2023sompurposeThe West Virginia University School of Medicine recently awarded faculty members promotions that were effective July 1, 2023. Additionally, several faculty members were awarded emeriti status. Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -04002023-08-01T15:40:10-04:0081b05519-3194-4d5d-9e91-b9a99e66884fhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=silverberg-inaugurated-as-president-ofwest-virginia-academy-of-family-physicians-and-brenwalt-recognsompurposeImage provided by West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians Mon, 01 May 2023 00:00:00 -04002023-05-04T09:25:56-04:0044d24bb8-588b-44f0-8839-7acd50dbe6d5https://theconversation.com/emergency-contraception-is-often-confused-with-abortion-pills-heres-how-plan-b-and-other-generic-versions-work-to-prevent-pregnancy-191310somempowerSince the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 and the end of constitutional protection for abortion, emergency contraception has become more difficult to obtain and – more than ever – shrouded in misinformation.Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -04002023-05-04T10:41:47-04:004bf755ba-f901-4e43-8418-36d1d386a360https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=medicine-pharmacy-faculty-honored-for-excellence-in-interprofessional-education-at-wvusompurposeThe West Virginia University Health Sciences Office of Interprofessional Education has named Angela Goodhart, PharmD, and Jennifer Momen, MD, MPH, as recipients of the 2023 Award for Excellence in Interprofessional Education.Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -04002023-04-06T15:24:29-04:007faa8217-27c2-454e-8ca8-0516affdca70https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=walk-withfuture-doc-session-to-feature-discussion-on-health-disparities-in-rural-areassomeducateTreah Haggerty, M.D., will be giving a presentation focussed on health disparities in rural areas during the West Virginia University School of Medicine's Walk with a Future Doc session on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m.Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -05002023-02-23T15:21:09-05:003623f9e2-a1dc-449b-bbf7-d72b86eec3cbhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-school-of-medicine-rural-track-students-learn-about-unique-health-challenges-during-nutrition-imA trip to the dollar store for fruits and vegetables. A gas station that doubles as a general store for pantry goods. In a world full of one-touch app conveniences, a group of West Virginia University medical students recently immersed themselves in a rural food desert experience, and they say the empathy they learned is just what the doctor ordered.Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -05002023-02-07T12:16:44-05:007d08f667-f9db-407e-8744-35eadb7b20achttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=family-medicine-grand-rounds-dr-haggerty-to-give-presentation-on-primary-care-medical-weight-managemThis week's Department of Family Medicine grand rounds will include a presentation from Treah Haggerty, M.D., on primary care medical weight management.Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -05002023-01-31T12:39:01-05:0026e71151-3152-4c37-858b-ee3f7dd8504ehttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-s-matter-track-graduates-getjump-start-on-residency-trainingsompurposeFour West Virginia University medical students will graduate as part of the WVU's December commencement exercises and immediately be able to get an early start in residency training as the most recent cohort to complete the Mountaineer Accelerated Track to Enter Residency program.Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -05002022-12-19T15:37:40-05:00565b908f-9745-4a60-9758-1de053706e09https://player.fm/series/everyday-wellness-2715240/ep-242-low-carb-diet-on-a-budget-and-food-insecurities-with-dr-mark-cucuzzellasomempowerDr. Mark Cucuzzella, School of Medicine professor, joins the "Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow" podcast to talk about low-carb diets.Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -05002022-12-08T11:12:03-05:00bdb6a9d9-6a5f-4d3a-887b-979759b8cca1https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=longtime-clinical-pharmacy-family-medicine-professor-retiressompurposeCharles D. Ponte, PharmD, professor in the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy Department of Clinical Pharmacy and School of Medicine Department of Family Medicine, retired at the end of October. He has served on the faculty at WVU since 1980.Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -05002022-12-08T11:09:36-05:0054039b48-9705-4beb-83db-5aa90fc8278ahttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-school-of-medicine-student-named-to-prestigious-pisacano-scholars-programsompurposeFourth-year West Virginia University medical student Savannah Lusk has been named a 2022 Pisacano Scholar, the American Board of Family Medicine's preeminent program for graduating medical students.Fri, 30 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -04002022-10-04T12:25:31-04:00af614c48-1a87-44d0-a54e-470d339cbcc3https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=families-community-invited-to-attend-wvu-walk-withfuture-doc-pediatric-day-eventChildren and their families are invited to participate in games, activities and enjoy healthy snacks while interacting with West Virginia University School of Medicine physicians and students on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Edith Barill Riverfront Park and Trail in Star City.Mon, 26 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -04002022-09-26T16:26:46-04:002e5503f7-3931-48a9-885a-e719fd4b0381https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-launches-first-internal-medicine-geriatric-fellowship-program-in-west-virginiaThe Section of Geriatrics, Palliative Medicine and Hospice within the West Virginia University Department of Medicine has announced a new ACGME-accredited fellowship that seeks to address a growing demand for doctors who specifically work with patient populations over the age of 65.Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -04002022-08-04T08:47:49-04:0060bcd3e3-98b4-4b31-8191-014ba79353d8https://player.fm/series/sustainable-dish-podcast-1535559/dr-mark-cucuzzella-on-living-healthfully-with-limited-resourcesDr. Mark Cucuzzella joins the "Sustainable Dish" podcast to talk about healthier living with limited resources.Mon, 27 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -04002022-06-28T08:11:08-04:00deed23c0-7bfd-432d-8e00-4eb7fc00f483https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-school-of-medicine-welcomes-new-class-of-residents-and-fellowsA class of more than 200 new residents and fellows will soon begin their training at the West Virginia University School of Medicine through the Graduate Medical Education program located on the Morgantown, Harpers Ferry and Parkersburg campuses. The majority of the new physicians will begin their clinical training on July 1, building on the skills and foundation given to them as medical students.Thu, 23 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -04002022-06-30T14:23:42-04:006535aa25-2238-4c52-b186-9f6809861ec3https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=walk-withfuture-doc-session-to-feature-discussion-on-effects-of-positive-thoughts-and-social-engagemThis week's Walk with a Future Doc session will feature a discussion from Melody Phillips, M.D., CCMS, on how positive psychology and social connections can improve wellness.Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -05002022-02-15T11:49:04-05:001774bf84-c116-4e3f-94dd-7e2aead93325https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-walk-withfuture-doc-program-to-feature-discussion-on-healthy-living-during-old-age_0This week's Walk with a Future Doc session will feature a presentation from Robert Allison, D.O., focusing on maintaining a high quality of life at an older age.Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -05002022-05-11T10:53:12-04:00488471ac-7b4c-4a24-9b31-97ff6d53eaeahttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-walk-withfuture-doc-program-to-feature-discussion-on-healthy-living-during-old-ageThis week's Walk with a Future Doc session will feature a presentation from Robert Allison, D.O., focusing on maintaining a high quality of life at an older age.Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -05002022-02-01T11:27:58-05:0077c1a90e-a196-408e-9caa-1ee4b4315fe3https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-school-of-medicine-set-to-graduate-first-matter-track-studentsMon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -05002021-12-13T15:57:53-05:00a5a93b42-201b-42ed-b30c-adb3f81e04a7https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=shrader-named-family-medicine-chairThe Department of Family Medicine has named Carl D. Shrader, M.D., Ph.D. as the new department chair. Tue, 09 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -05002021-11-09T13:12:25-05:006b18341d-a8d8-44a3-9691-6f296c8bc520https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=2021-annual-hal-wanger-family-medicine-conference-canceledUnder the guidance of public health experts and with the safety of communities and attendees in mind, the Department of Family Medicine has canceled the 46th Annual Hal Wanger Conference. Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -04002021-09-21T09:59:02-04:00f8cccb32-e4fb-48da-a948-fef297263cc0https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=call-for-abstracts-charlotte-nath-family-medicine-research-symposiumThe WVU Department of Family Medicine announces the first Charlotte Nath Family Medicine Research Day on September 30, 2021, to be held in conjunction with the 46th Annual Hal Wanger Family Medicine Conference September 30 - October 1, 2021 at the Morgantown Marriot Waterfront Place. Students, residents, and faculty members are encouraged to submit their completed and in-progress research and quality improvement project abstracts for oral or poster presentation to Dr. Amie M. Ashcraft at amashcraft@hsc.wvu.edu.Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -04002021-08-17T14:32:50-04:006e79b6ca-c12a-4a36-a941-2d3f9f5d926dhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=unger-named-american-academy-of-medical-acupuncture-presidentKendra Unger, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine, is the new president of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -04002021-06-01T08:38:16-04:00047d0e17-1aaa-454c-88ab-38a70d8fc5c7https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=williams-named-interim-chair-ofdepartment-of-family-medicineThe WVU School of Medicine's Department of Family Medicine has named Dorian Williams, M.D., as its new interim chair, effective May 1, 2021.Thu, 06 May 2021 00:00:00 -04002021-05-11T11:30:15-04:007b58ef15-3e50-4378-9abb-d0300c2dfb87https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=family-medicine-rural-scholars-program-accepting-applicationsThe WVU Department of Family Medicine is pleased to announce that the applications for its innovative Rural Scholars Program are now available.Thu, 04 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -05002021-02-08T09:42:39-05:0003a9f43b-2982-41e3-9577-27efdc814604https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/resources/don-t-skip-the-gym-butGlucosamine supplements may reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death—and death overall—according to a new epidemiological study from WVU. The study, led by School of Medicine researcher Dana King, found that taking glucosamine/chondroitin supplements daily was associated with a 65 percent reduction in cardiovascular-related mortality and a 39 percent reduction in deaths overall.Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -05002020-12-07T13:21:40-05:00c96a9217-596f-4a0b-8899-31457a64df5chttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=department-of-family-medicine-begins-search-for-new-chairDana E. King, M.D., M.S, professor and chair of the Department of Family Medicine, will retire from his role, effective June 30, 2021. King, who has served as chair since 2012, plans to remain active in clinical and academic work with the School.Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -05002020-12-01T14:15:56-05:00a75150c4-19d4-4929-8b1e-acb49fc28993https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2020/12/01/glucosamine-may-reduce-overall-death-rates-as-effectively-as-regular-exercise-says-wvu-studyGlucosamine supplements may reduce overall mortality about as well as regular exercise does, according to a new epidemiological study from West Virginia University.Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -05002020-12-01T11:49:42-05:00fa455299-3385-4392-9b8b-d69d5270400fhttps://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2020/11/10/continuing-medical-education-for-obesity-care-now-available-online-for-primary-care-providersCreated by Drs. Laura Davisson, Joanna Bailey and Treah Haggerty, "Obesity Medical Education for Primary Care" is a three-part series of web courses that cover the basics of obesity care, such as how to talk to patients about their weight and how to encourage lifestyle changes.Tue, 10 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -05002020-11-11T11:04:31-05:00c34527e8-d0ae-4b07-a720-bfad2a0a534fhttps://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2020/09/29/buying-emergency-contraception-is-legal-but-not-always-easy-at-small-mom-and-pop-pharmaciesAccording to a new study led by West Virginia University researcher Amie Ashcraft, chain pharmacies in West Virginia—like CVS and Walmart—are much more likely to stock emergency contraception than smaller independent pharmacies. It was available at 76.3 percent of the chain pharmacies her research team queried, whereas only 14.6 percent of independent pharmacies had it on hand.Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -04002020-09-29T13:12:29-04:00c1305837-f362-46d6-8b59-37a86adcce11https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2020/09/22/test-isolate-communicate-keys-to-controlling-a-covid-19-outbreak-in-a-long-term-care-facilitycovid19covid-19A new study led by Carl Shrader, a physician and researcher in the Department of Family Medicine in the West Virginia University School of Medicine, revealed the role that communication played in quashing a COVID-19 outbreak at Sundale, a long-term care facility in Morgantown. Tue, 22 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -04002020-09-22T12:53:16-04:00b89cc06c-c4be-4d43-991a-3fa19a95b7cdhttps://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/88188The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a robust dataset accessed by many researchers each year, was suspended on March 16 due to the pandemic.Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -04002020-08-25T12:55:48-04:0014d38724-947c-4d42-9875-76a185545531https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=passage-of-2016-fireworks-law-ignites-increase-in-fireworks-related-injuries-in-west-virginiaAll those pops and crackles ripping through your neighborhood at night could come with unwanted consequences – at the firework enthusiast's expense.Thu, 25 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -04002022-05-04T12:13:02-04:00