Dr. Upton Retires as Chief Medical Officer at Thomas Hospitals; Dr. Sitler Named to Role
WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals marked the retirement this week of Matthew Upton, MD, who served as vice president and chief medical officer.
On Tuesday (July 30), the Thomas Hospitals senior administration team hosted a celebration for Dr. Upton, who retired after dedicating 29 years to Thomas Hospitals. Several Thomas Hospitals caregivers stopped by to enjoy cake and punch and wish Dr. Upton the best in his well-deserved retirement.
“Dr. Upton has been an integral part of our team, leading with passion, integrity, and a relentless focus on patient care,” Greg Rosencrance, MD, president and CEO of Thomas Hospitals, said. “His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the success and reputation of our hospital, and I commend him for his nearly three decades of outstanding service.”
Stepping into the role of vice president and chief medical officer is Michael Sitler, MD, a move that became effective July 15. Dr. Upton will assist with the transition process through Aug. 30, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities.
Dr. Sitler previously served as the associate medical director for southern operations at WVU Medicine, responsible for overseeing emergency medicine operations for affiliated hospitals in southern West Virginia, and as the regional medical director for Emergency Medicine at TeamHealth LifePoint Group, where he managed emergency medicine, hospital medicine, intensive care unit, pediatrics, and urgent care contracts across multiple states.
“Dr. Sitler brings with him a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to excellence in patient care,” Dr. Rosencrance said. “Throughout his career, Dr. Sitler has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive strategic initiatives, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence among healthcare professionals, making him an invaluable addition to our leadership team.”
Dr. Sitler’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Medicine from the WVU School of Medicine. He completed his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC)/WVU Charleston, followed by an emergency medicine fellowship at CAMC. His board certifications in pediatrics and internal medicine, combined with more than 20 years of experience in various emergency medicine settings, underscore his expertise and dedication to patient care.