Inspired by Compassion: Luke 10:25-37
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Serving with a Heart of Kindness and a Spirit of Healing
We are a distinguished collective of healthcare professionals, comprising expert practitioners and devoted providers deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, we are propelled by a shared mission to radiate compassion and extend healing hands to our fellow beings.
"The Good Samaritan" by Jared Smalls
Committed to Healthcare Excellence
Appalachian Medical Professionals promises to provide trustworthy, up-to-date healthcare information to address many of the pressing healthcare problems and concerns affecting our rural Appalachian community. Together we bring the knowledge, skill, and experience of our doctor, nurse and ancillary healthcare provider members, uniquely suited to Improving Rural Appalachian Healthcare Outcomes.
Empowering Through Knowledge
With so many healthcare challenges and disparities facing our community, and so much conflicting healthcare advice to consider, Appalachian Medical Professionals (AMP) strives to be the touchstone of trustworthy healthcare guidance and advice.
Serving Our Appalachian Community
Who can better understand, empathize, and formulate practical solutions to address the important healthcare problems we all face than healthcare providers who call this community our home? Appalachian Medical Professionals, your source of Trusworthy Healthcare Guidance.
“Chief of the Medical Staff" by Nathan Greene
Our Board Members
Dr. Harold A. Cofer MD
Dr. Harold A.Cofer MD, is a retired family physician who trained at Thomas Jefferson University's medical school. He graduated with honors in 1978, and then completed 2 years of postgraduate surgical training. A Marine Corps veteran, Dr. Cofer served our community for more than 4 decades from his office in North Fork, West Virginia, he held clinical privileges at Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Princeton Community Hospital and Welch Community Hospital. With his wealth of practical experience, Dr. Cofer helps Appalachian Medical Professionals remain culturally sensitive to the rural Appalachians we serve.
Dr. Philip A. Peterson MD
Dr. Philip A. Peterson MD, is an actively practicing family physician. Dr. Peterson received his MD degree from University Iowa in 1985, and completed his family practice residency at Spartanburg, SC. In addition to family practice, he has special interest and expertise caring for the elderly, hospice and end-of-life care. Over several decades serving our community, Dr. Peterson has held numerous important administrative positions at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. Soft-spoken and a good listener, Dr. Peterson brings a wealth of experience to help Appalachian Medical Professionals make the best decisions to serve rural Appalachians.
Rev. J. Derek Wilson
Rev. J. Derek Wilson DMin MDiv Education, is the educational and faith based initiative consultant for community connections Inc. Additionally, he is the chairperson of the Mercer County coalition for healthy communities. He has a special interest and experience with issues of substance abuse disorder and conflict management, and is also the Lead Pastor at New Beginnings Ministry Center in Charleston, West Virginia. Rev. Wilson helps Appalachian medical professionals maximize the outreach potential of area churches, to best meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of rural Appalachians.
Dr. Frederick W. Barker MD
Dr. Frederick W. Barker MD, is a general surgeon with a special interest in Comprehensive Breast Care. From his office in Bluefield Virginia, he now does the majority of his surgery at Princeton Community Hospital. He also holds clinical privileges at several other area hospitals. Receiving his MD degree from WVU in 1981, Dr. Barker moved to Bluefield in 1989, following service as an Air Force general surgeon. Dr. Barker hopes to help Appalachian Medical Professionals effectively address the most serious health concerns of rural Appalachians, with practical solutions. He is the website’s curator. www.mammocare3d.com.
