Boone Memorial Health (BMH) is excited to announce the appointment of Samantha Shawley-Brzoska, PhD, MPH, as our new Director of Population Health. Dr. Shawley-Brzoska brings a wealth of experience and expertise in public health and in the prevention and management of chronic disease, which will be instrumental in advancing BMH’s mission to improve community health outcomes. This is the first time BMH has employed a Director of Population Health, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve.
Dr. Shawley-Brzoska holds both a doctorate and a master’s degree in public health from West Virginia University. Since 2012, Dr. Shawley-Brzoska has been contributing to public health initiatives in West Virginia. Her distinguished career as a Research Assistant Professor included research focused on healthcare disparities, preventive care, and working directly with health systems and community partners on projects such as chronic disease education and lifestyle programs. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and she has presented at numerous national, state and regional-level conferences, highlighting her dedication to improving population health through evidence-based strategies. In 2023, Dr. Shawley-Brzoska received the Outstanding Achievement in Community-Engaged Team Research Award from West Virginia University.
In her new role as Director of Population Health, Dr. Shawley-Brzoska will develop and implement strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing care delivery models, promoting preventive care, and driving measurable improvements in health outcomes across the population. Her responsibilities will include collaborating with clinical leadership, utilizing data analytics to identify high-risk populations, and leading initiatives that address the social determinants of health. She will also establish partnerships with community organizations and public health agencies to extend the reach and impact of BMH’s population health programs.
A key component of Dr. Shawley-Brzoska’s role will be advancing BMH’s “Focus on the 60” initiative. This program targets the social determinants of health that impact an individual’s overall health, including social, environmental, and behavioral factors. Dr. Shawley-Brzoska’s background in public health and her experience in addressing healthcare disparities make her uniquely qualified to lead this initiative. Her data-driven approach and emphasis on preventive care align perfectly with the goals of “Focus on the 60,” ensuring that BMH can continue to make significant strides in improving the overall health of our population.
Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Shawley-Brzoska stated, “I am thrilled to join Boone Memorial Health and contribute to the impactful work being done through the ‘Focus on the 60’ and other initiatives. I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated team at BMH to develop innovative solutions that address the root causes of health disparities and promote a healthier community.”
BMH President and CEO Virgil Underwood expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Shawley-Brzoska to our team. Her expertise and passion for public health will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our population health efforts. Her leadership will play a crucial role in driving the success of our ‘Focus on the 60’ initiative and in advancing our mission to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.”
Dr. Shawley-Brzoska’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Boone Memorial Health. Her extensive experience and commitment to improving public health will significantly contribute to our efforts in population health management. We are confident that under her leadership, our “Focus on the 60” initiative will continue to thrive and positively impact the health of our community.
