SWVHS Welcomes New Chief Medical Officer
Welcoming Dr. Tammy Bannister: SWVHS Names New Chief Medical Officer
Hamlin, W.Va. – July 9, 2025 – Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS) proudly welcomes its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Tammy Bannister, a seasoned physician, educator, and passionate advocate for rural health. With roots in Logan County, West Virginia, and nearly three decades of experience in academic medicine, Dr. Bannister brings both clinical expertise and heartfelt dedication to the communities SWVHS serves.
A graduate of Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and a Family Medicine Residency alumnus, Dr. Bannister remained at Marshall as a faculty member for 29 years. “My time at Marshall has been shaped by amazing mentors who shared my deep commitment to both clinical care and community health,” she reflects. “When the opportunity to serve as CMO at SWVHS arose, I saw it as a natural extension of my work and passion. The mission of Federally Qualified Health Centers—providing comprehensive, high-quality care to underserved communities—aligned perfectly with my values.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Bannister championed collaborative, patient-centered care and mentored countless young physicians. Her experience as residency director has partially influenced her leadership style. “That role was one of the greatest growth experiences of my career,” she notes. “I’ve learned that balancing mentorship and management while fostering open communication and mutual respect creates a strong and effective clinical team.”
A guiding principle in both Dr. Bannister’s life and leadership comes from a simple family phrase: “Do good… Be good…. Be the good.” It’s a motto that has been passed down to her children and now her six-year-old granddaughter. “It reminds us that we all have the capacity to do good daily and be part of the greater good, wherever we are,” Dr. Bannister shares warmly.
Looking ahead, Dr. Bannister is ready to tackle both the challenges and opportunities in rural healthcare. “Access to care remains a major barrier in rural areas, especially with ongoing provider and nursing shortages. But by embracing collaborative care models, investing in residency programs, and focusing on prevention and wellness, we can improve outcomes and make a real difference,” explains Dr. Bannister.
Dr. Bannister’s excitement about this new role is evident. “What excites me most is the opportunity to make a direct, tangible impact on the health and well-being of rural communities,” she adds. “I look forward to building strong, meaningful relationships with both the clinical teams and the patients we serve.”
With a wealth of experience and a heart for service, Dr. Bannister is poised to lead SWVHS into a new chapter, one defined by connection, compassion, and community-driven care.
For more information about SWVHS and its services, visit SWVHS.org.
About Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS):
Southern West Virginia Health System is a comprehensive healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare services throughout Southern West Virginia. SWVHS offers a full spectrum of medical care, including family medicine-based primary care, specialty care, pharmacy services, and school-based health care, all designed to meet the evolving health needs of the region’s residents.
For media inquiries, contact:
Scott Coleman
Communications Manager
Southern West Virginia Health System
(681)479-0809
Scott.coleman@swvhs.org
