For Dr. Johanna Fisher Biola, coming back to Elkins to join the medical staff at Davis Memorial Hospital (DMH) is, in a sense, a homecoming. An Elkins High School graduate who went on to receive her medical degree at West Virginia University School of Medicine, she always felt that she would someday return to Elkins to practice medicine. Now that dream has come true.
"This is just what I always wanted to do," Biola said. "This is a great place to bring up a family and I've always been impressed with how Davis Health System has continued to grow and keep up to date with the latest technology."
As a family practioneer, Biola sees it as part of her goal to keep patients healthy. "I chose family practice because I have more time to offer education about preventative medicine through the promotion of physical activity and good nutrition."
Throughout Biola's medical training she has been involved with the creation of such preventative programs as the "Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days" program administered by WVU Healthcare Wellness Program and a "Maintain, Don't Gain" weight maintenance program for the holiday season.
During her residency with the WVU Rural Family Practice Residency program, she was chief resident and received the AHEC Community Service Award. She recently was an assistant professor with the WVU Hospitals East, Department of Family Medicine and selected as Preceptor of the Year at Jefferson Memorial Hospital by medical students.
"I hope to continue to be involved with medical students and community wellness programs that help prevent chronic disease," she said.
From serving as a DMH volunteer and running track in high school, to now returning to practice family medicine, Biola sees the relationship between medicine and wellness.
"I have always felt there is a need to promote wellness from the first well-child visits to geriatrics. It is so important to provide good patient education so patients can take better care of themselves."
Biola and her husband Scott, also an Elkins High School alum, have two young children and are living in Elkins.
"We love the natural beauty and all the outdoor recreational opportunities this area has to offer," she said. "We knew it was time to come back to Elkins and bring up our family in a smaller community."
Biola's office is within the DirectCare of Elkins facility located at 720 Beverly Pike. She will begin seeing patients Aug. 3.
