AMA President with W.Va. Ties Weighs in on Regional, National Health Issues

On this West Virginia Morning, the American Medical Association marked a milestone last month. The largest professional association for physicians in the United States inaugurated its first African American woman as its leader. The Ohio Valley ReSource’s Aaron Payne recently spoke with the newly elected president, who has a unique understanding of West Virginia. And she says the organization will work for patients and physicians as they face some of the nation’s toughest health challenges.

Also on today’s show, in Appalachia, many of us know well the symptoms of industry in decline. Some are more apparent than others. This morning, we hear the beginning of a series that explores de-industrialization in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. Ella Jennings, a native from the region, produced a podcast series called “What Happened to Weirton” to fulfill a master’s in journalism. Here’s her introductory piece titled “Living in the Aftermath”.

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Support for our Appalachia Health News project comes from CAMC and Marshall Health.