At the 2023 Virginia Rural Health Association Awards Luncheon, Chair of the GMEConsortium Board Mr. Howard Chapman was awarded with the prestigious Ken Studer, Friend of the Association Award. This award is given to a program, institution, or individual that has advocated for or aided the Virginia Rural Health Association in support of the Association’s mission.
When nominating Mr. Chapman, former VRHA Board member Roger Hofford said; Howard has been mentor, leader, teacher, and inspiration for many people in Virginia over the years. He is a highly respected individual. Howard has been a devoted advocate for rural medicine since 1980 starting with a community health center in Southwest Virginia as financial officer then becoming an executive director in 1983. Since then, he has volunteered to serve on various rural boards to improve, recruit, and advocate for rural health care in Virginia.
Wendy Welch, a previous Friend of the Association winner said; Howard Chapman is the personification of Southwest Virginia. From a depth of understanding about rural issues and mindsets he helped FQHCs access funding and helped patients access care.
Howard lent his expertise to mentoring rising academics and administrators in his more than 40 years of service. He not only advocated for SWVA with state and federal legislators, he taught others how to advocate effectively. As a farmer, he understood the values, vocabulary, and fears of a population too often stereotyped and dismissed when delivering rural healthcare. In retirement, Howard continues to volunteer on boards and work as a consultant to share his knowledge with future generations and advocate for the region. Howard is a healthcare hero.
Please join us in congratulating Howard Chapman on his retirement and honoring him with the Ken Studer, Friend of the Association award!
Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium 