Hurricane, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians (WVAFP) has announced the installation of Darrin Nichols, MD, FAAFP, as the new President of the WVAFP, the state’s largest medical specialty organization representing family physicians. Dr. Nichols was formally installed during the WVAFP Annual Scientific Assembly, where family physicians from across the state gathered for continuing medical education, leadership development, and discussions focused on strengthening primary care in West Virginia.
A respected family physician and healthcare leader, Dr. Nichols currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Coplin Health Systems, where he helps lead clinical strategy, quality improvement initiatives, and programs aimed at expanding access to care in rural communities. In addition to his leadership role, he continues to provide patient care and remains deeply committed to community-based family medicine.
Dr. Nichols’ dedication to the specialty has been recognized nationally. During his residency at the Charleston Area Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program, he was selected as a 2019 recipient of the American Academy of Family Physicians Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education, a national honor recognizing residents who demonstrate exceptional leadership, clinical excellence, and commitment to family medicine.
Earlier in his training, Dr. Nichols was also named a Pisacano Scholar by the American Board of Family Medicine’s Pisacano Leadership Foundation, one of the most prestigious leadership recognitions in the specialty. Pisacano Scholars are selected for their academic achievement, leadership ability, and dedication to improving the health of communities through family medicine.
A native of West Virginia, Dr. Nichols earned his undergraduate degree in biology summa cum laude from West Virginia University before receiving his Doctor of Medicine from the WVU School of Medicine. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Charleston Area Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident.
As President of the WVAFP, Dr. Nichols will work with the Academy’s Board of Directors and physician members to strengthen the voice of family physicians across the state, expand professional development opportunities, and advocate for policies that support patient-centered, physician-led care.
“Family physicians play a vital role in improving the health of our communities,” Matthew A. Davis, DO, WVAFP CEO, said. “Dr. Nichols’ experience as a clinician, healthcare leader, and advocate for rural health makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide the Academy as it continues its mission to support family physicians and advance the health of West Virginians.”
