Lerfald, M.D., named DiBartolomeo Professor of Medicine

Nathan Lerfald, M.D., vice chair for education and associate professor for Internal Medicine, has been named the Anthony G. DiBartolomeo, M.D., Professor of Medicine.

Dr. Lerfald was officially presented the honor during an investiture ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Health Sciences Center.

David DiBartolomeo, son of the late Dr. DiBartolomeo, spoke on behalf of the family during the investiture.

“Perhaps the most important part of my father’s legacy is the impact he had on others,” he said. “He was routinely recognized by his students, peers, state and specialty societies for his work. In that same vein, it’s fitting Dr. Lerfald receive this professorship. Not only did he learn from my dad, but he too is a West Virginian who is building a legacy of positively impacting others.”

During his time at the University, Lerfald has been instrumental in expanding the Internal Medicine residency program and establishing the hospitalist program.

“I plan to continue Dr. DiBartolomeo’s legacy by supporting our educational programs with an emphasis on our Rural Health Track and Rural Scholars program, where we continue to train physicians to care for and serve the state that he loved,” Lerfald said.

Lerfald is a past recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award, Best Attending Physician Award, and Outstanding Teacher Award. He also serves as the Medical Director for Quality and Performance Improvement for WVU Medicine.

He earned his medical degree and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at WVU.

Dr. DiBartolomeo was a U.S. Army veteran who served as a rheumatologist for the Walter Reed Hospital before joining WVU as a professor of Medicine and Chief of the Section of Rheumatology.

For more information on the WVU Department of Medicine, visit medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/medicine.