2025 West Virginia Rural Health Association Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
West Virginia Rural Health Association
Lora Warford
lora@wvrha.org
WV Rural Health Association Honors Rural Health Leaders from Across the State
Huntington, W.Va. — The West Virginia Rural Health Association (WVRHA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Annual Rural Health Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of rural communities across the Mountain State.
Each year, WVRHA honors exemplary students, professionals, and institutions whose work embodies the spirit of rural health—commitment, compassion, innovation, and service.
“These awardees represent the very best of West Virginia’s rural health community,” said Rich Sutphin, Executive Director. “Their dedication ensures that people in rural areas receive the high-quality care and opportunities they deserve. We are honored to recognize their achievements.”
2025 WVRHA Award Recipients
Outstanding Rural Health Student:
Brianna Hodak, West Virginia University School of Dentistry
Recognized for her commitment to serving rural communities through oral health outreach and her passion for improving access to dental care in underserved areas.
Outstanding Rural Health Provider:
Dr. Sammar Atassi, Montgomery General Hospital
Honored for exemplary clinical service and compassionate care, demonstrating leadership in providing consistent, quality healthcare to rural residents.
Award for Excellence in Rural Health – Individual:
Dr. Paulette Wehner, Vice Dean of Medical Education at Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University
Celebrated for her visionary leadership in rural medical education and her role in preparing future healthcare professionals to serve across West Virginia.
Award for Excellence in Rural Health – Organization:
Marshall Community Health Consortium
Recognized for its innovative approach to healthcare collaboration, training, and service delivery that strengthens access to care in southern West Virginia.
Outstanding Rural Health Resident:
Dr. Alexandria Arthur, AccessHealth
Acknowledged for her exceptional patient care, advocacy, and commitment to addressing health disparities in rural populations.
Debbie Curry Opportunity and Innovation Award:
Caspia Sheppard, Health Occupations Instructor at Boone Career and Technical Center
Honored for inspiring the next generation of rural health professionals and developing creative educational pathways that connect students to healthcare careers in their communities.
Dr. Bob Foster Award for Excellence in Health Professions Education:
Dr. E. Dwight Bundy, Associate Professor at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Recognized for his outstanding contributions to health professions education and his commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare providers to meet the unique needs of West Virginia’s rural communities.
“The dedication of these awardees reflects the heart of rural West Virginia,” added Katherine Calloway, President of WVRHA Board of Directors “Their work uplifts entire communities and ensures healthcare access for all rural West Virginians.”
The awards were presented during the 33rd Annual West Virginia Rural Health Conference, held November 12-14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Huntington, WV, bringing together healthcare providers, educators, students, and policymakers to celebrate rural health excellence and collaboration.
About the West Virginia Rural Health Association
The West Virginia Rural Health Association (WVRHA) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and access to care for rural West Virginians. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, WVRHA supports rural health professionals, strengthens the healthcare workforce, and promotes innovative solutions to rural health challenges.
Learn more at www.wvrha.org.