Berkeley Medical Center welcomes inaugural class of internal medicine residents, expanding access to primary care
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – On Monday (June 16), WVU Hospitals East welcomed six new internal medicine residents to WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center, marking an exciting step forward in strengthening access to healthcare in Berkeley County.
These new physicians are part of a three-year, ACGME-accredited residency program hosted by the WVU School of Medicine on its Eastern Campus. As residents, they have completed their medical degrees and are now undergoing advanced training in internal medicine. The program is the second graduate medical education residency at WVU Hospitals East, joining the existing Rural Family Medicine Residency.
“We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional physicians, who are committed not only to advancing their expertise in internal medicine but to giving back to this community,” “Their presence will significantly enhance access to primary care in Berkeley County, and we are optimistic many will choose to build long-term careers here.”
“I am thrilled to welcome our first class of internal medicine residents to the Berkeley Medical Center,” Ryan McCarthy, M.D., program director, said. These smart and capable doctors will begin providing care across our campus, from the primary care clinic to the intensive care unit, and many other locations. It is an amazing opportunity to have the only internal medicine residency in the region, which is a testament to our enduring commitment to meet the medical needs our of community. It is a thrill to serve my hometown as the program director of WVU’s newest residency program.”
Like many parts of the country, West Virginia is facing a shortage of primary care providers. In fact, the state is projected to need nearly 200 more primary care providers by 2030 just to keep up with demand. Bringing this residency program to Berkeley County is a proactive way to help close that gap, now and in the future.
Studies show that more than half of physicians stay in the state where they complete their training. In West Virginia, that number is even higher for in-state residency graduates: nearly 8 out of 10 stay to practice in those communities. That means programs like this don’t just add physicians for today, they help build a long-term workforce for the region.
Over the next three years, the residents will receive hands-on training at Berkeley Medical Center, working closely with local physicians and mentors. They’ll care for patients in both hospital and outpatient settings, gaining experience that prepares them to meet a wide range of medical needs. Their training will also focus on preventive care and community health, two key factors in improving long-term outcomes in the Eastern Panhandle.
WVU Medicine remains committed to improving healthcare access and quality across the state. The addition of six new internal medicine residents is an important investment in the future of care for the families and communities we serve.
Having a trusted primary care provider is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your long-term health. Annual checkups help catch potential issues early, manage chronic conditions, and keep you on track with preventive care. If you’re looking for a new primary care provider, call 304-263-0913 to schedule an appointment.
Photo cutline: Berkeley Medical Center proudly welcomed the inaugural class of the WVU School of Medicine Eastern Internal Medicine Residency Program, bringing six new primary care physicians to the Eastern Panhandle. Pictured left to right are physicians Sibel C. Yilmaz, Urooj Fatima, Akshay Kesari, Yonas Gebeyehu, Anisha Dangol, and Tayyaba Zaffar.
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25 – June
CED: 6-16-25