HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Rural Health Association (WVRHA) recognized Paulette S. Wehner, M.D., vice dean for education at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and the Marshall Community Health Consortium during its annual conference Nov. 13 in Huntington. The recognition highlights their leadership in expanding rural physician training through new, innovative rural residency programs.   

WVRHA also honored the legacy of Debbie Curry (1960-2025), a long-time rural health educator at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, by establishing a new award in her memory. The inaugural Debbie Curry Award for Opportunity and Innovation was presented to Caspia Sheppard of Boone County in recognition of her dedication to teaching, mentoring and serving rural West Virginia. 

 Wehner received the Individual Excellence in Rural Health Award and the Consortium received the Organizational Excellence in Rural Health Award.   

Through the Consortium, Wehner and special projects coordinator Jo Ann Raines secured more than $2.5 million in funding from the Health Resources and Services Association to establish three rural residencies in surgery, psychiatry and internal medicine. The programs, separately accredited through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, are embedded directly within rural hospitals. 

The rural surgery residency, based at Logan Regional Medical Center, is the nation’s first and only separately accredited rural general surgery residency and has since expanded to Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis, Ohio.  

“Rural residency programs improve patient care and create a sustainable training ground for physicians who are more likely to remain in rural practice,” Wehner said. “Because physicians often practice where they train, these programs ensure more doctors stay and serve rural communities.”  

During her more than 30 years of service to Marshall University, Wehner has mentored dozens of residents and fellows, advanced rural health research and amplified West Virginia’s voice on the national stage. Her work has become a national model for rural residency development, shared widely through podcasts, panel discussions and federal testimony.  

Under her leadership, Marshall’s residency positions have increased by 86% and fellowship programs by 240%. With three rural residencies—and a total of 29 training programs, including a new anesthesiology residency—Marshall leads in expanding access to care across Appalachia.  

“Together, Dr. Wehner and the Marshall Community Health Consortium exemplify what it means to serve with purpose and innovation,” said David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president for health affairs at Marshall University and dean of the School of Medicine. “Their efforts are improving access to care in underserved areas today and shaping a healthier tomorrow for rural West Virginians.” 

Date Posted: Friday, November 14, 2025