August 16, 2023  – Stephanie Damron has been named Assistant Vice President of Physician Recruitment for Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH).

Damron joined ARH in 2010, serving first as the Kentucky Cardiovascular Marketing Manager and, most recently, as the Director of Physician Relations and Recruitment for the entire healthcare system.

Roy Milwee, ARH Chief Ambulatory Officer, said he believes Damron was the obvious choice for the position, and adds he has no doubt she will continue to help ARH in its recruitment efforts.

“Stephanie has excelled in every position she has been in at ARH,” he said. “Her work ethic, dedication, and commitment to ARH makes her a great fit to lead this very important department.

“I am proud of her accomplishments and look forward to many more.”

Dr. Jason Rice, chair of the ARH Physician Leadership Council, agreed.

“She’s a proven recruiter and I believe this promotion will enable her to further strengthen the organization,” said Rice, who also serves as ARH Ambulatory Chief Medical Officer.

In her position, Damron leads ARH’s efforts to identify and recruit top-level physicians to work at the system’s 14 hospitals and affiliated clinics.

Physician recruitment, Damron said, is a competitive field, but it’s a task made easier by ARH’s patient-first mission, as well as by the dedication of its team.

“Recruitment is challenging, but our organization has all the good things candidates are looking for,” she said. “We have a strong 14-hospital system and a collegial, friendly group of physicians who make them feel welcome.”

Damron, a native of Pippa Passes, Ky., said the beauty of Appalachia and friendliness of its residents are also draws.

“Our communities really wow our candidates when they come to visit,” she said. “We get to show off the best of the region.”

She said candidates looking to build deep connections with the people they serve, often find their perfect fits within the ARH system.

“We tell our new doctors they’ll become part of patients’ families,” Damron said. “When you’re out in the community at the grocery store, you’ll probably get a hug from someone’s family member. It’s a special place to be part of because people value doctors.”

“It’s about the people,” she continued. “That’s the best part of ARH.”

Damron said she is excited and honored to continue her recruitment efforts while serving in her new capacity.

“I’m thankful for the confidence and trust that has been put in me and I look forward to continuing to serve ARH, fulfilling the mission to positively impact the lives of those in our communities,” she said.

Dr. Heath Brashear, Vice Chairman of the ARH Physician Leadership Council, said he also looks forward to watching the system benefit from Damron’s work.

“Stephanie is integral in both the current growth of ARH, but also in the growth of ARH long-term,” he said. “Things are good now, but the future is even brighter thanks to her efforts.”

Damron resides in Knott County with Sean, her husband of 27 years. They are the parents of Kennedi, a high school educator, and Kent, a student at Morehead State University.