Marshall University School of Medicine welcomes new resident physicians and fellows
First rural internal medicine residents begin training in Gallipolis, Ohio 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A total of 118 incoming resident physicians and fellows officially began their post-graduate medical training this week at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Advanced physician training programs range from one to five years for residencies to one to four additional years beyond residency for fellowships. The hands-on experiences achieved through this intensive learning environment ensure trainees are prepared to enter private practice and/or academic medicine. 

The incoming class of residents and fellows represents 64 medical schools across 14 U.S. states and 18 countries, including 31 graduates from West Virginia’s three medical schools. 

“This accomplished group of resident and fellow physicians brings a host of talent and range of experiences to our residency and fellowship programs,” said Paulette S. Wehner, M.D., vice dean for education at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “This marks the start of the next chapter in their professional journey. When they complete their training at Marshall, they will be fully prepared to practice independently—whether they choose to serve patients here in Appalachia or carry the Marshall mission with them wherever they go.” 

Among the new residents are four rural internal medicine physicians participating in a new three-year residency program. Under the guidance of Stephen Roy, M.D., program director and assistant professor of medicine at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and associate program director Jennifer Calafato, D.O., of Holzer Health System, rural internal medicine residents will spend 53% of their training at Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis, Ohio providing primary care services to patients across the Ohio Valley region. 

With the addition of this year’s resident physicians and fellows, the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine now hosts 316 trainees across 28 programs—the largest number in its 48-year history.  

PHOTO CAPTION: The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine welcomed 118 incoming resident physicians and fellows to its health sciences campus to officially begin their postgraduate training on July 1.   

Date Posted: Tuesday, July 1, 2025