Bill Text: WV SR45 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Recognizing Paul Wesley Ambrose Health Policy Fellows Program
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-0)
Status: (Passed) 2014-03-06 - Completed legislative action [SR45 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2014-SR45-Introduced.html
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 45
(By Senators Plymale, Stollings, Yost, Wells, McCabe, Kessler (Mr. President), Unger, D. Hall and Jenkins)
Recognizing the Paul Wesley Ambrose Health Policy Fellows Program, specifically the current Fellows, Dr. Kimberly R. Becher, Dr. Matthew Q. Christiansen and Dr. Kane A. Maiers.
Whereas, Dr. Paul Ambrose, who received his undergraduate and medical degree from Marshall University, focused on the promotion of health and the prevention of disease in populations by preparing health professionals with leadership skills in public health; and
Whereas, On September 11, 2001, Dr. Paul Ambrose was aboard the plane that crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D. C., during the terrorist attack. Dr. Ambrose left an inspiring legacy ranging from legislative affairs to work with the Surgeon General; and
Whereas, In memorial of Dr. Paul Ambrose and his advocacy for public health promotion, the Marshall University Family Medicine Residency Program, in cooperation with the Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health, established a curricular track for family medicine residents, with both academic and field experiences. The health policy track was founded in 2009 to advance the ideals of service, stewardship and commitment, and honors principles passionately promoted by Dr. Ambrose; and
Whereas, The goals of the Paul Wesley Ambrose Health Policy Program are to encourage interest in health policy, with an emphasis on rural health. The components include modules that explore a variety of pertinent topics such as health economics and work force issues, ethical concerns in health care, health systems and services, health law and regulation and leadership in health care; and
Whereas, The family medicine resident physicians attend legislative and administrative meetings at both the state and federal level, conducting essential research and providing valuable knowledge and insight into health-related issues being considered by the legislative body; and
Whereas, The purpose of the program is to provide bright, motivated new physicians with the experiences and tools they need to become leaders in the area of health policy; and
Whereas, Tracy Hendershot, M. D., served as the initial Health Policy Fellow and now practices at Coplin Medical Center in Elizabeth, WV; and the current fellows, Kimberly R Becher, M. D., and Kane Maiers, M. D., are in their third year of the program while Matthew Q. Christiansen, M. D., is in his first year of the program; and
Whereas, Kimberly R. Becher, M. D., grew up in West Virginia, graduated from Denison University in 2002 and graduated from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in 2011. Dr. Becher serves as the National Congress of Family Medicine Residents Representative to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). After finishing residency she plans to work at Primary Care Systems, a community health center in Clay, WV; and
Whereas, Kane Maiers, M. D., grew up in Short Gap, WV. He obtained both his undergraduate degree in Biology and his medical degree from West Virginia University. Kane has longstanding interests in health policy and medical education and has obtained a Master’s of Clinical Research degree from the University of Virginia to better prepare him for work in these areas. Dr. Maiers served as a student representative to the Association of American Medical Colleges and has been excited to work with the State Legislature during his training. After residency, he hopes to join a West Virginia practice while continuing to pursue his interest in health policy; and
Whereas, Matthew Q. Christiansen, M. D., was born and grew up in Spencer, WV. After graduating from Denison University in Ohio with a degree in Biology, he worked in Yellowstone National Park and in the Bering Sea, Alaska, as a fisheries biologist. He holds a special interest in health policy and in making the health care system work better for patients. After residency, he hopes to join a rural practice while continuing to pursue his interest in health policy; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the Paul Wesley Ambrose Health Policy Fellows Program, specifically the current fellows, Dr. Kimberly R. Becher, Dr. Matthew Q. Christiansen and Dr. Kane A. Maiers; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate commends Dr. Kimberly R. Becher, Dr. Matthew Q. Christiansen and Dr. Kane A. Maiers for their commitment and passion to West Virginia and their desire to improve the health and well-being of its citizens; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate invites all members of the West Virginia Legislature to recognize the Paul Wesley Ambrose Health Policy Fellow Program for contributing valuable physician resources to the legislative leadership; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Dr. Kimberly R. Becher, Dr. Matthew Q. Christiansen and Dr. Kane A. Maiers.
