ELIZABETH — Coplin Health Systems announced Tuesday the promotion of family physician Darrin Nichols to chief medical officer.
“I am proud of the work and growth I have been a part of at Coplin Health Systems and am excited to join the executive leadership team.” Nichols said. “I was drawn to family medicine and returned home to practice in Wirt County out of a strong sense of community, which continues to motivate me every day. I am committed to building and expanding our healthcare services to meet the health and wellness needs of the region.”
Nichols will continue to see patients at Wirt County Family Care while leading Coplin’s medical team. He serves as Secretary for the West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians and serves on the Health Sciences Advisory Committee for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission “where he offers recommendations for rural health initiatives, maintaining rural practices, and graduate education in rural areas,” according to a press release from Coplin.
He also serves as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the WVU School of Medicine.
“I find great joy in teaching medical students and am happy to be able to provide them with an opportunity to learn about rural Family Medicine at Coplin Health Systems. Nichols said. “I love caring for people in our communities and it’s an honor to share that with future doctors.”
For the past two years, Coplin CEO Rob Dudley said Nichols earned a reputation for providing quality care.
“Dr. Nichols’ passion for rural health is one of the reasons we believe he is the ideal candidate to serve as our chief medical officer.” said Dudley. “As we strive to honor our mission to serve the health and wellness needs of our communities, Coplin Health Systems must embrace its role as a medical home for our current patients as we expand our vision for clinical services as the community needs for a change.”
To schedule an appointment with Nichols, call (304) 275-3301.