LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two individuals with ties to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine have been named among The State Journal’s 2026 “Generation Next: 40 Under 40” honorees, a recognition celebrating young professionals who are helping shape the future of West Virginia.
Katie Williams, WVSOM’s senior director of academic technology and faculty development, and Matthew Davis, a 2012 WVSOM graduate and president and CEO of the West Virginia chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, were honored during a June 16 ceremony in Clarksburg.
Williams joined WVSOM in 2023 and oversees faculty development and academic technology initiatives. Her work includes helping faculty enhance teaching practices, supporting learning management systems and guiding the integration of artificial intelligence into educational and workplace settings.
She said her role involves promoting AI while emphasizing the importance of ethical and responsible use.
“I try to help people feel that they have agency in using AI. I want them to recognize it as a tool that empowers them rather than something that will take away their jobs,” she said. “I’m passionate about making sure people have what they need to succeed, whether it’s a faculty member teaching for the first time or a student coming into medical school.”
Williams credited WVSOM for providing opportunities that have supported her professional growth.
“I’m grateful for the mentorship I’ve gotten from campus leaders and faculty members who have given me the autonomy to do things that allow me to advance. WVSOM has an open environment that allows people to try new things and push boundaries in the pursuit of things that are new and novel. That’s part of the reason I’ve been able to succeed,” she said.
In addition to her work at WVSOM, Williams has published numerous journal articles focused on educational access and frequently presents at national conferences. She also advises WVSOM’s chapters of the Medical Student Pride Alliance and the Student National Medical Association.
Davis graduated from WVSOM in 2012 and completed a family medicine residency at CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. He has practiced family and emergency medicine throughout southern West Virginia, including at Beckley Appalachian Regional Healthcare Hospital, White Sulphur Springs Center and Primary Care Plus. He currently serves as an emergency medicine physician with WVU Medicine.
Alongside his clinical work, Davis has taken on several leadership roles in health care organizations. He serves as board chair and CEO of the West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians, secretary and legislative chair of the West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association, and treasurer of the West Virginia State Medical Association. He is also a clinical professor of family medicine at WVSOM.
Davis said his move into physician leadership grew from a desire to advocate for patients and the medical profession.
“As I became more involved in organized medicine, I recognized that many of the decisions affecting patient care, physician practice and medical education were being made beyond the exam room, inspiring me to advocate for the profession. By developing and supporting physician leaders, we can ensure that the profession continues to advance patient care, influence health care policy and strengthen access to quality care for future generations of West Virginians,” he said.
Davis said he was honored to receive the recognition.
“As a WVSOM graduate, I strive to carry forward the ideals and mission of the institution and the osteopathic profession through service, leadership and advocacy,” Davis said. “This recognition reflects not only my personal journey, but the mentors, colleagues, patients and communities who have shaped my commitment to servant leadership and improving health care across the state.”
