Department of Family Medicine name change, leadership additions announced

Following the Board of Governors' approval on Friday, February 20, the WVU School of Medicine Department of Family Medicine has formally changed its name to better reflect its mission and outreach, becoming the Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Carl Shrader, MD, PhD, chair of the department, said that for the past 50 years, the department has stood at the forefront of academic family medicine in West Virginia.

Dr. Shrader noted the department’s founding chair, Dr. John W. Traubert, had a bold vision: to serve the whole person and the whole community, while educating the next generation of health professionals.

“This transition to Family and Community Medicine does not change who we are - it clarifies it,” Shrader said. “We stand firmly rooted in the values that built our department, while embracing a future defined by academic prowess, innovation, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to the health of every community we serve."

The new name comes at an opportune time, highlighting the department's strong commitment during a time of expansion to serve the communities and campuses, alike. As such, Dr. Shrader and Richard “Tom” Thomas, MD, DDS, dean of the Eastern Division, have named Adrienne Zavala, MD, the new leader for the department's Eastern Division.

"I am excited by this opportunity to continue supporting and expanding upon the great work being done by our family medicine team in our hospitals, clinics, and communities across the eastern panhandle," Dr. Zavala said. "I look forward to exploring new methods of strengthening the excellent training programs offered on our campus and continuing to recruit and retain talented physicians who will aid us in our goal of meeting the primary care needs of the fastest growing counties in the state."

Zavala has been with the School of Medicine since joining the faculty as an assistant professor in 2012. Throughout her tenure, Zavala has held several leadership roles at the Eastern Division, including serving as assistant clerkship director for Family Medicine from 2013 to 2019 and Assistant Dean of Student Services since 2019.

To learn more about the Department of Family and Community Medicine, visit medicine.wvu.edu/family-medicine.