R. Mark Hatfield, OD, MD
Class of 1983

"What the School of Medicine at Marshall University means to myself and my wife, Monica: 

Simply put, we would not be where we are today if it had not been for Marshall.  In retrospect, it was a phenomenal experience being in one of the early classes.  The class size runs between class members, as well as the attention paid to us by our faculty on a very personal level are difficult to summarize in a few words.  Memories such as Dr. Quittner having our class over for a barbecue and swim in his pool and other similar events such as this that would not occur in a large university setting always bring back wonderful memories.  The personal hands on teaching experience that was provided to us from both the faculty and our mentors in private practice again provided us with a level of experience and confidence not seen by my fellow residents who attended other more “prestigious institutions”.  

Having a daughter recently attending Marshall, I fully understand the financial stresses that current students must undertake to complete their medical training.   It was not enough that we had to face the academic stresses, which they do as well today, but the financial stresses were not as severe, Monica and I feel committed to trying to help those students behind us.   We cannot relieve the academic stresses, but we can assist in helping the financial stresses.   That is way that it is important for us to help these future physicians in any manner that we are able.  I would encourage all of my classmates and fellow alumni to contribute what they are able to, to lessen the burden on our future colleagues.  This is what makes Marshall truly a “family” experience.

I was honored over the past four years to serve as administrative chair in the Department of Ophthalmology.  It was a fulfilling experience being on so to speak “academic side of the fence.” Again going back to that term “family,” I cannot express my appreciation enough for Drs. Shapiro, Werthammer and Dial in their support, as well as that of Ms. Buffy Hammers and the leadership team at Marshall Health.  As I have candidly spoken with you, I wish my time constraints had permitted me to be more successful in accomplishing all of the goals I had set at the beginning of my tenure.

As you know, Marshall only “bleeds green” when she is cut and it is easy for her love and addiction to affect all those around. I simply state I am a willing victim.  

I would again like to express my appreciation to your unwavering efforts to support the alumni association in a manner where the emphasis has always been placed on helping those current students who one day will be part of our alumni association and future colleagues." 

Dr. Hatfield recently retired as administrative chair of the department of ophthalmology at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, a role he served in since 2014. Dr. Hatfield earned a doctor of optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry before graduating from the Marshall University School of Medicine in 1983, where he served as class president.  He completed a surgical internship at Marshall, an ophthalmology residency at the University of Illinois School of Medicine and a vitreoretinal fellowship at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s in Chicago.

 He is also the founder of Retina Consultants, which has five locations in West Virginia.

Date Posted: Monday, April 1, 2019