This week on Inside Appalachia, during a pandemic, where do you give birth? Also, we’ll have the story of a family that
cultivated an heirloom tomato in West Virginia. It took a lot of work. And, a musical tradition brought people together — even when they couldn’t gather in person.
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) named Dr. PS Martin as the new medical director for the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).
State Health Officer and Commissioner of the West Virginia DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health Dr. Matt Christiansen, announced Martin will replace interim director Dr. Beth Toppins who served since April 2023.
“Dr. Martin brings a wealth of knowledge to this critical position with hands-on experience as a physician in emergency departments and as the medical director for multiple EMS agencies,” Christiansen said. “His unique and specialized background in the field of emergency medical services will be an asset to West Virginia, and will continue the work of Dr. Toppins. We are grateful for her service during a period of transition.”
Martin is an associate professor of emergency medicine at WVU’s School of Medicine and an emergency room physician at West Virginia University’s Ruby Memorial Hospital.
“I am honored to lead this office, which does incredible work to support West Virginia’s EMS systems and residents,” said Martin. “I look forward to working with OEMS staff and partners to optimize the quality of emergency care across the state and improve the job satisfaction of our dedicated EMS providers.”
Dr. PS Martin
Credit: West Virginia University
Martin earned his bachelor’s degree and doctor of medicine from West Virginia University.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, legislation to outlaw opioid treatment programs that distribute methadone without offering integrated care in West Virginia, Senate Bill 204, is making its way through the West Virginia Legislature. Emily Rice brings us this story. Also, Assistant News Director Maria Young talks with Sens. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, and Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, about the bill.
Nonprofit newsroom Mountain State Spotlight is publishing a three-part series on the state's foster care crisis. WVPB News director Eric Douglas sat down with their editor at large, Erica Peterson, to discuss what they found.