Executive Vice President,
West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians
Photo by Alison Vaughn.
By Jean Hardiman
When Gerry Stover served as the executive director of the Lincoln County Primary Care Center, he had his first chance to make a lasting impact on rural health care in West Virginia. A key goal was to transition the center from leasing its facility to owning it, a move to solidify its presence in the community. Through a fundraising campaign and a commitment to daily progress, Stover brought the vision to life.
“My approach was simple but effective: I committed to doing one thing every day that would bring us closer to securing a new facility,” Stover says. “The experience profoundly shaped my career, showing me how dedication and community engagement can lead to meaningful, lasting impact.”
Today, as executive vice president of the West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians, Stover channels the same dedication into advocating for family medicine.
“Research consistently demonstrates that patients who establish a personal relationship with a family physician enjoy longer, healthier and more productive lives,” he explains.
His advocacy involves engaging policymakers, stakeholders and the public to highlight the crucial role family physicians play in improving health.
Mentoring is another key part of his role, informed by his diverse and challenging career path. In 1977, Stover graduated from Marshall University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, focusing on finance and business law.
He began his career as a Marine infantry officer, gaining a strong sense of duty and leadership. Stover later transitioned to the Air National Guard as a hospital administrator and joined the Air Force Reserve as an emergency preparedness liaison officer. Working with FEMA on disaster response initiatives, he rose to the rank of colonel and earned the Meritorious Service Medal for efforts after September 11, 2001, and other critical operations.
His introduction to family medicine came during his graduate studies in information systems at Marshall University. As assistant administrator at John Marshall Medical Services, Stover met Dr. Robert Walker, a distinguished family physician who became a mentor.
“His mentorship instilled in me a passion for advancing family medicine and supporting physicians in their mission to provide holistic, accessible care,” Stover says.
He remains committed to fostering a supportive environment for family medicine and mentoring future leaders.
His involvement extends beyond work. He serves as an adult Scout leader in Hurricane’s Troop 236 and guides Scouts on their Eagle projects.
Stover and his wife, proud West Virginians with deep roots in the state, made a deliberate decision to stay and contribute to its betterment.
“This connection to the land and its people has always been a significant part of our identity,” he says. “It is a privilege to contribute to improving the health and well-being of West Virginians, ensuring they have access to the care and support they deserve.”
Family Medicine Interest Group
Family physicians play a vital role in improving community health, particularly in West Virginia’s rural areas. Medical schools are key to fostering a passion for family medicine among students, and Gerry Stover is working to establish a Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM).
“This initiative is meaningful because students represent the seeds that grow into the next generation of family physicians,” Gerry Stover, executive vice president of the West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians, says. “By fostering interest and enthusiasm early, we help ensure the profession remains vibrant and continues to meet the needs of communities across West Virginia and beyond.”
Family medicine focuses on providing holistic, ongoing care for patients of all ages. It’s particularly crucial in rural areas, where specialists are scarce, and continuity of care can make a significant difference. Stover’s organization, the West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians, aims to promote excellence in health care statewide.
West Virginia University and Marshall University already have FMIG programs, offering students clinical and leadership opportunities in family medicine. These programs often include outreach initiatives where students provide care to underserved populations. Stover hopes a program at WVSOM will expand these opportunities to a new region of the state.
“This project is about more than just creating a group,” Stover says. “It is about leaving a legacy that will endure beyond my tenure as executive vice president. Supporting future physicians as they explore the values, challenges and rewards of family medicine is deeply fulfilling. It reflects my commitment to ensuring that family medicine thrives as a cornerstone of our health care system for generations to come.”
