HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A total of 126 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 69 medical schools across 17 U.S. states and 25 countries, including 29 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.”  

Four of the residents are part of the first cohort of anesthesiology residents at Marshall. As demand grows for highly trained physicians in surgical and procedural care settings, the four-year residency program will help strengthen the pipeline of anesthesiologists serving West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region. Residents will train in a collaborative academic health system environment that prepares them to deliver high-quality care in the operating room, intensive care unit and beyond. 

With the addition of this year’s resident physicians and fellows, the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine now hosts 342 trainees across 29 programs—the largest number in its 49-year history.   

Date Posted: Thursday, July 2, 2026