HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has named Katherine O’Connell, D.O., its Resident of the Month for August, announced Paulette S. Wehner, M.D., vice dean of graduate medical education at the school.

“It is very rewarding to watch a new residency program successfully train and develop caring and competent resident physicians such as Dr. O’Connell,” Wehner said. “Dr. O’Connell is widely known for her compassionate care of patients and her innate ability to teach. To watch her professional development over the last two-plus years has been very rewarding.”

Mitzi Beckett, RN, the stroke program coordinator at Cabell Huntington Hospital, nominated O’Connell in acknowledgement of the resident’s leadership style, teaching abilities, professional and compassionate approach to caring for stroke patients, particularly in emergent settings.

“Dr. O'Connell has become a leader among the neurology residents,” Beckett said in her nomination. “She has stepped up to the plate in many aspects of the residency program, including mentoring junior residents and educating nurses and medical students. Her approach to stroke patients in the emergent setting such as stroke alerts is both professional and compassionate.  She has very thorough and detailed exams and always takes the time to answer everyone’s questions and provide reassurance to her patients. “

After completing a preliminary residency year in internal medicine in Lumberton, North Carolina, O’Connell is completing her third and final year of the neurology residency. She will be one of three members of the inaugural neurology residency class to graduate in June 2021. O’Connell, a native of Frederick, Maryland, earned her undergraduate degree from Shepherd University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. After graduating from residency in June 2021, O’Connell plans to complete a neurocritical care fellowship at the Medical College of South Carolina.  

 “Dr. O’Connell has been an exemplary role model in the infancy of our residency, serving as an avid patient advocate and helping to optimize the resident educational experience,” said Justin Nolte, M.D., neurology residency program director. “Her impact on our department will continue long after her graduation.”

As part of her recognition, O’Connell received a plaque and designated parking spot.

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Date Posted: Thursday, August 27, 2020