WVSOM’s Kennedy receives statewide ‘40 Under 40’ honor

LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) – Christopher Kennedy, D.O., an assistant professor in the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s (WVSOM) Department of Clinical Sciences, was selected as a “Generation Next: 40 Under 40” honoree by The State Journal , which covers news about business, government, education, health care and related topics throughout West Virginia.

The Generation Next program pays tribute to young professionals who work to make the Mountain State a better place to live, raise families and conduct business. Kennedy was one of 40 West Virginians recognized during a June 19 awards ceremony in Clarksburg, W.Va.

In addition to his instructional duties at WVSOM, Kennedy is also a staff physician and vice chair of the Department of Medicine at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic in Lewisburg. He said he finds teaching medicine fulfilling because it allows him to make a difference not only in his students’ lives, but in the lives of their future patients.

“Every part of a student’s education is important, but medical school is where they really start to take on the identity of a physician,” Kennedy said. “It’s rewarding to mentor them through the good times and bad times. Shepherding them through this important time in their lives, and making sure they’re happy and doing well mentally, is exciting.”

At WVSOM, Kennedy is an instructor for renal, respiratory, and blood and lymphatic courses and assesses students in clinical skills labs. He also has served as director of courses on the gastrointestinal system and renal system.

He is chair of WVSOM’s curriculum committee and serves on the school’s faculty council, curriculum building committee, curriculum assessment subcommittee, predoctoral curriculum subcommittee, preclinical curriculum subcommittee and item review subcommittee.

Kennedy conducts weekly home visits to patients in Greenbrier County who would not otherwise have access to a medical provider. He mentors family medicine resident physicians in efforts to raise awareness about asthma management, and has spearheaded medical student service trips to international underserved areas such as Peru and the Dominican Republic.

Born and raised in Morgantown, W.Va., Kennedy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and psychology from West Virginia University in 2013. He earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from WVSOM in 2017 and completed a family medicine residency at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, W.Va., where he received the program’s Resident Teacher Award.

Kennedy joined WVSOM’s faculty in 2020. He received the President’s Outstanding Faculty Award in 2022, presented to faculty members in recognition of excellence in teaching and commitment to osteopathic medical education. Earlier this year, he received the school’s Osteopathic Principles and Practice Integration Teaching Award, given to faculty members who excel in incorporating osteopathic medicine into classes.

Andrea Nazar, D.O., who chairs WVSOM’s Department of Clinical Sciences, praised Kennedy for his work with patients and students.

“Dr. Kennedy is a remarkable individual, and it’s a privilege to work with him,” Nazar said. “His dedication to outstanding and compassionate patient care, as well as his exceptional work in medical education, are genuinely making a positive impact in our state.”

In July, Kennedy will take on an additional role as program director of the family medicine residency at CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Ronceverte, W.Va. He will maintain the program, organize its faculty and supervise resident physicians while continuing his work at WVSOM and the Robert C. Byrd Clinic.

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