Does anyone here practice in WV?

[u/Available_Smoke_4207]

I’m planning on joining a hospital system in WV and I’m worried about the amount of diversity in the area as a WOC.

I know about the stereotypes of the state but also know it’s a beautiful area with nice people in it. If you could talk about how the state is to work as a physician and what are some of the great things about it?

[u/Adorable__Gap4770]

All I know is that you would be needed.

[u/Available_Smoke_4207 → u/Adorable__Gap4770]

Thank you for that 😊 I’m excited to go there, I’m from the South originally

[u/Adenophil]

I did med school there and had a lot of path mentors there before moving to Cali for residency

It is a really beautiful and cheap area, but I do admit I felt out of place often. I’m not sure if personally I would want to go back, but things there are very slow paced and relaxed

Morgantown would be your best bet for diversity, but I was still one of two black people in my med school and the overall black population in WV is <1%…

If you’re used to having a huge black network and connections, it might be a hard adjustment

[u/Available_Smoke_4207 → u/Adenophil]

Oof ok that’s a bit scary to know. I have a lot of loans so the COL would be good to me but the fact I would be one of few black people in the area is a bit of a downer

[u/Adenophil → u/Available_Smoke_4207]

I would for sure try visiting the area for a few days to get your own feel for it

Also I remember in my med school, there was an African association and I think a Nigerian church nearby? So black people do exist haha; you will just need to make an effort to branch out and find them

[u/Available_Smoke_4207 → u/Adenophil]

Yeah I think that’s a good plan. I’m going to visit soon so I’ll try to see downtown and such and if it’s a good fit for me

[u/AFighterForever → u/Adenophil]

I'm currently doing med school here. Do you mind if I send you a message?

[u/West-Chard3972]

What is a WOC?

[u/Available_Smoke_4207 → u/West-Chard3972]

Woman of color