FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Nov. 16, 2015
Contact: Leah C. Payne, Director of Public Affairs, Schools of Medicine & Pharmacy, 304-691-1713
                Sheanna Spence, Assistant Director, Alumni Relations & Community Relations, School of Medicine, 304-691-1639

School of Medicine and Marshall Health announce administrative changes
Drs. James Becker and Larry Dial accept new positions in 2016

HUNTINGTON, W.Va.—The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and its faculty practice plan, Marshall Health, have announced two well-established physician leaders will assume new positions with the organizations in 2016.

James B. Becker, M.D., currently senior associate dean for clinical affairs at the SOM, has been appointed vice dean for governmental affairs and health care policy. Becker, who has served in various positions with the school since 1994, will advocate for the school as a physician liaison with local, state and federal legislators. He will also continue to work on initiatives such as Marshall Health’s patient-centered medical home and patient safety and quality assurance programs.

Becker is a professor in the department of family and community health. He graduated in 1993 from Marshall University’s School of Medicine, where he also completed a residency in family medicine.

Larry D. Dial, M.D., has been named associate chief medical officer of Marshall Health. In this position, he will assist Marshall’s current chief medical officer, Joe Werthammer, M.D., and will work with the executive management team to ensure the continued success of Marshall Health and the School of Medicine. Dial also will retain his current role as chairman of the department of internal medicine. Dial is a 1999 graduate of the school of medicine and completed a residency in internal medicine at Marshall as well.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that these two outstanding physicians have accepted new roles for us,” said Joseph I. Shapiro, M.D., dean of the school of medicine.  “As we expand to continue our missions of medical education, research and patient care, it’s imperative we select leaders whose abilities align with those goals. Both Dr. Becker and Dr. Dial understand where we are going and their vision will help us get there.”

The new appointments will be effective Jan. 1.

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Date Posted: Monday, November 16, 2015