Kendra Unger named Department of Family Medicine Vice Chair of Education

Kendra Unger, M.D., recently became the WVU School of Medicine Department of Family Medicine Vice Chair of Education. Additionally, she serves as the MS3 Clerkship Director and as an associate professor for the Department. She is a board-certified medical acupuncturist and the former president of American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

As someone who grew up in West Virginia, Unger knows the importance of serving rural community members. She said the best part about her job is being able to serve others in a positive way.

“I chose Family Medicine specifically because it allows me to work on the front lines of medicine for the people of West Virginia. I am the product of a rural town in West Virginia, and I understand how important and valuable the people of these communities are. I wanted to choose a specialty that I love that would allow me to have a high impact and a part in the lives of people I hold so dear,” Unger said.

Keeping that mission at heart, Unger recounted when she was in school, she was taught by skilled physicians who always reminded her that the hard times would be worth it because the effort she put in would be appreciated by future patients.

She hopes to instill that same notion into the Department’s learners as she looks forward to strengthening the educational experience and maximizing the Department’s resources for students and faculty alike.

Her role as vice chair will incorporate experiential learning for a wide variety of students in the health sciences, including medical students, residents, physician assistant students, nurse practitioner students, and students enrolled in public health related majors, such as the Master of Health Administration.

She wants to focus on the best possible student experience, provide faculty development and engagement, increase educational support and coordinate faculty efforts.

“My favorite aspect of my new role, thus far, is getting to be part of all the amazing teaching efforts the faculty in my department are doing,” Unger said. “West Virginia University embodies the mission and values that I wish to live by, and our Department is warm and welcoming. I want to make sure our learners have the environment, expertise and opportunity to grow and thrive.”

Unger is from Belington, West Virginia. She completed her undergraduate degrees in pre-med and education from Concord University. Her graduate degree, Doctor of Medicine, and residency were completed at West Virginia University.

To learn more about the Department of Family Medicine, visit https://medicine.wvu.edu/family-medicine/.