Two West Virginians with connections to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) were selected as “Generation Next: 40 Under 40” honorees by The State Journal, a publication that covers news about business, government, education, health care and related topics throughout the state.
Katie Williams, Ph.D., WVSOM’s senior director of academic technology and faculty development, and Matthew Davis, D.O., an alumnus who is president and CEO of the West Virginia chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOPF), were recognized during a June 16 awards ceremony in Clarksburg.
The Generation Next program pays tribute to young professionals whose work drives progress and shapes the future of West Virginia and its communities.
Williams joined WVSOM in 2023. In addition to ensuring faculty are trained on topics that enhance teaching practices, she takes a lead role in helping employees incorporate artificial intelligence into workflows, familiarizing students with the technology, and supporting WVSOM’s learning management systems.
She said her position balances advocacy for AI with acknowledgement of the importance of the human element in using it ethically.
“I try to help people feel that they have agency in using AI. I want them to recognize it as a tool that empowers them rather than something that will take away their jobs,” she said. “I’m passionate about making sure people have what they need to succeed, whether it’s a faculty member teaching for the first time or a student coming into medical school.”
Williams said she is thankful that WVSOM provides the support she needs to flourish in her career.
“I’m grateful for the mentorship I’ve gotten from campus leaders and faculty members who have given me the autonomy to do things that allow me to advance. WVSOM has an open environment that allows people to try new things and push boundaries in the pursuit of things that are new and novel. That’s part of the reason I’ve been able to succeed,” she said.
Williams has published numerous journal articles on equalizing educational access, and is a frequent presenter at the national level, including at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s conference. She is an advisor to WVSOM’s chapters of the Medical Student Pride Alliance and the Student National Medical Association.
Davis graduated in WVSOM’s Class of 2012. After completing a family medicine residency at CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, he practiced with Greenbrier Physicians in Ronceverte, WV, then worked in emergency medicine, serving patients in southern West Virginia and the surrounding region. He also has practiced in the Beckley Appalachian Regional Healthcare Hospital emergency department, White Sulphur Springs Center, and Primary Care Plus, and is currently an emergency medicine physician with WVU Medicine.
He has developed asecond career in physician leadership and healthcare administration. In addition to leading the West Virginia chapter of ACOFP, Davis serves as board chair and CEOof the West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians; secretary and legislative chair of the West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association; and treasurer of the West Virginia State Medical Association.
Davis, who is also a WVSOM clinical professor of family medicine, said his transition into physician leadership was a natural extension of his commitment to serving patients and communities.
“As I became more involved in organized medicine, I recognized that many of the decisions affecting patient care, physician practice and medical education were being made beyond the exam room, inspiring me to advocate for the profession. By developing and supporting physician leaders, we can ensure that the profession continues to advance patient care, influence health care policy and strengthen access to quality care for future generations of West Virginians,” he said.
He said he is humbled to be a “Generation Next: 40 Under 40” honoree.
“As a WVSOM graduate, I strive to carry forward the ideals and mission of the institution and the osteopathic profession through service, leadership and advocacy,” Davis said. “This recognition reflects not only my personal journey, but the mentors, colleagues, patients and communities who have shaped my commitment to servant leadership and improving healthcare across the state.”
