LEWISBURG, W.Va. – Chelsea Feger, D.O., a faculty member in West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s (WVSOM) Department of Clinical Sciences, was among this year’s recipients of the “Generation Next: 40 Under 40” award by The State Journal, a publication that covers news about business, government, education, health care and related topics throughout West Virginia.
The Generation Next program pays tribute to young professionals whose work makes the Mountain State a better place to live, raise families and conduct business. Feger — a WVSOM assistant professor who will be promoted to associate professor on July 1 — was one of 40 West Virginians recognized during a June 18 awards ceremony in Clarksburg, W.Va.
The Maxwelton, W.Va., resident said she is pleased to be acknowledged for her contributions to health care, education and community service.
“It’s an honor to be included alongside so many inspiring individuals who are working to make a difference in West Virginia,” Feger said. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the teams I’ve worked with, from my colleagues at WVSOM and the Robert C. Byrd Clinic to the communities I serve. It’s gratifying to know the work I’m doing in health care, education and my community is having a positive impact.”
Feger earned a medical degree from WVSOM in 2017 and joined the school’s faculty three years later, specializing in multiple primary care topics and assisting with hands-on instruction in osteopathic manipulative medicine. She has served as a director of clinical skills courses and has developed curriculum, written cases and conducted learning sessions for interprofessional education events involving medical and nursing students.
She has received multiple awards in her five years as a WVSOM faculty member, including the Rising Star Award, which honors a new employee who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the school; the Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) Integration Teaching Award, recognizing faculty who excel in incorporating OPP into their teaching; the President’s Outstanding Faculty Award, honoring excellence in Feger also is chair of the Department of Medicine at Lewisburg’s Robert C. Byrd Clinic, where she sees patients and serves as a preceptor to WVSOM’s third- and fourth-year students. Additionally, she is associate program director of the family medicine residency at CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Ronceverte, W.Va., and serves as a physician with Peyton Hospice House in Fairlea, W.Va.
She has led multiple projects to help improve women’s health care for rural West Virginians, including projects aimed at increasing screenings for cervical cancer. She also assisted in establishing a Robert C. Byrd Clinic project devoted to medication for opioid use disorder.
Earlier this year, she led resident physicians in their participation in a school health fair. The group taught high school students intubation skills and worked to increase students’ interest in health care by describing what it’s like to be a physician.
In her spare time, Feger coaches children’s soccer at Lewisburg Baptist Academy.
Andrea Nazar, D.O., chair of WVSOM’s Department of Clinical Sciences, praised Feger for her work since joining the school.
“It’s wonderful to see Dr. Feger recognized for her valuable contributions to our state in patient care and in medical education. Her commitment to training future physicians is likely to result in sustainable improvement in health care in West Virginia for decades to come. She inspires lifelong learners who become responsible, highly qualified physicians,” Nazar said.
