ELIZABETH — Coplin Health Systems announced Tuesday the promotion of family physician Darrin Nichols to Chief Medical officer.

“I am proud of the work and growth that I have been part of at Coplin Health Systems, and I am excited to be joining the executive leadership team,” Nichols said. “I was drawn into family medicine and returning home to practice in Wirt County by a strong sense of community, which continues to motivate me every day. I am committed to establishing and expanding our healthcare services to meet the region’s health and wellness needs.”

Nichols will still see patients at Wirt County Family care while leading Coplin’s medical team. He serves as the Secretary for the West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians and sits on the Health Sciences Advisory Committee for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission “where he provides recommendations for rural health initiatives, rural practice retention and rural graduate education,” according to a press release from Coplin.

He also serves as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at WVU School of Medicine.

“I find great joy in teaching medical students and I am happy to be able to provide an opportunity for them to learn about rural Family Medicine at Coplin Health Systems,” Nichols said. “I love caring for the people in our communities and it is an honor to share that with future physicians.”

For the past two years, Coplin CEO Rob Dudley said Nichols earned a reputation for offering quality care.

“Dr. Nichols’ passion for rural health is one of the reasons that we believe he is the ideal candidate to serve as our Chief Medical Officer,” Dudley said. “As we strive to honor our mission of serving the health and wellness needs of our communities, Coplin Health Systems must embrace its role as a medical home for our current patients while expanding our vision for clinical services as community needs shift.”

To schedule an appointment with Nichols, call (304) 275-3301.