BECKLEY, W.Va. – Beckley ARH Hospital is pleased to welcome pulmonologist Dr. F.P. Clayton, MD, MS, to its team of healthcare providers.

“From our early days, leading the way in black lung research and treatment, this hospital has been at the forefront in offering the best pulmonology care possible,” said Beckley ARH CEO Todd Howell. “Dr. Clayton is a talented and dedicated physician, and we know he will continue to help us in our efforts to improve the lives of the people of southern West Virginia.

Dr. Clayton, a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering from Vanderbilt University as well as a medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine.

Prior to beginning his medical studies, he worked as the chief technology officer for Novabionics, a Nashville-based medical technology startup. When the company’s technology was eventually purchased by Boston Scientific, Dr. Clayton said he decided to follow a desire to pursue medicine.

“It really seemed like a good fit after working in biomedical engineering,” he said, adding his first experience in the medical field came while working as an EMT during his undergraduate studies. “I knew I loved the mechanics and the chemistry and biology of the human body. Becoming a physician felt like the natural progression to allow me to continue to help people.”

Dr. Clayton did not immediately gravitate toward pulmonology, deciding instead to keep his options open.

“I really wanted to get as much out of the different specialties as I could before deciding,” he said. “Then, further along in my training, I decided pulmonology and critical care medicine made the most sense for me as they allowed me to help the most critical patients at their most critical times of need.

“People tend to take air and breathing for granted until they aren’t getting air and they’re having trouble breathing,” Dr. Clayton continued. “So, the goal is to help them before they get to that critical state.”

He credits his time at St. George’s with helping prepare him for a career in Appalachia, as he was afforded the opportunity to train in five different countries before beginning specialty training in Johnson City, Tenn.

Dr. Clayton, who most recently served as pulmonary director for Greystone Healthcare in Blountville, Tenn, has also worked as a pulmonary/critical care physician at Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, N.C., and as a pulmonary/critical care physician at Charleston Area Medical Center.

During the initial stages of the Covid pandemic, he traveled to Brooklyn, N.Y., where he volunteered as an emergency relief critical care physician at Woodhull Hospital.

Dr. Clayton said he was drawn to Beckley ARH by its history as one of the original UMWA Miners Memorial Hospitals as well as by the friendliness of the staff during his interview process.

“Though I know it’s no longer a hospital just for miners and their families, there is still this palpable compassion and deep respect for those people who helped build this area,” he said. “Not only that, but as I walked around and talked to the hospital’s employees, it was clear to me how welcoming, friendly and dedicated to care each person is. It just instantly felt like the right fit.

“I’m very excited to be here and look forward to helping provide care to the residents of southern West Virginia.”

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Dr. Clayton, who resides in Oak Hill, is a licensed pilot. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his children, playing trivia and enjoying outdoor adventures.

His office is located at the ARH Southern West Virginia Clinic at 250 Stanaford Rd. in Beckley.