CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) Alumni Association acknowledged a Charleston physician for his dedication to the medical school and his career commitment to osteopathic medicine.
Andy Tanner, D.O., a WVSOM Class of 1999 graduate, was named the Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Tanner, a native of Vienna, W.Va., has been the director of the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) Family Medicine Residency Program since 2007.
The award was announced by Ryan Newell, D.O., vice president of the WVSOM Alumni Association, during the association’s annual Mid-Winter Osteopathic Seminar in Charleston, W.Va.
“All right, folks, buckle up because I’m about to introduce someone who has not only put the ‘doctor’ in ‘doctoring,’ but has also become an absolute cornerstone of the West Virginia health care community,” Newell said in his introduction. “Before I go any further, let me tell you this guy isn’t your average doctor.”
Newell went on to share that Tanner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in cytotechnology from Marshall University and worked in a medical lab before entering medical school. He completed a family medicine residency at CAMC and joined the faculty of the Charleston Division of the West Virginia University School of Medicine in 2002.
He has served on various committees at CAMC including the Medical Executive Committee and the CAMC Foundation Board. He also serves on the Complaints Committee for the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine. Tanner has served on the Capitol Market Board of Advisors and Charleston Main Street.
In 2019, he was named Family Doctor of the Year by the West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians.
“When he’s not saving lives, training the next generation of doctors or serving on committees, you’ll find him at his farm with his husband, Dewayne Duncan, whipping up culinary masterpieces, diving into real estate projects or adding to his ever-growing collection of vintage cars,” Newell said. “He has given his heart and soul to his profession, his community and, most importantly, to the mission of WVSOM.”
After accepting the recognition, Tanner said that “his soul is rejuvenated” when he sees former classmates or visits the medical school.
“I am passionate about the development of students and keeping those students in West Virginia. I love this state and I love this school,” he said. “If you have never given, my husband and I encourage you to give back. Growing up, my family never had the means to give back, but now I can. I hope you can find it in your heart to give and know that every dollar counts.”
Tanner and Duncan have established a scholarship in their name at WVSOM.
