Ron Pellegrino, M.D., named Chief Operating Officer; Doug Mitchell, interim Chief Nursing Officer

Ron Pellegrino, M.D., named Chief Operating Officer

It continues to be a really exciting time for WVU Medicine – one of unprecedented growth and change. As we evolve as an organization, it’s important that our leadership team evolves, as well. I’m excited to announce that Ron Pellegrino, M.D., has been named WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Ron will oversee the vast majority of WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals’ operational divisions, including: nursing, ancillary and support services, surgical services and ambulatory operations. He’ll provide support to the vice presidents of these areas with an overall goal of ensuring that we are providing seamless, cohesive care for our patients.

Ron, who has served as our Associate Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Services since 2011, is a man of exceptional character and is well respected in the organization and community. He loves West Virginia and is wholeheartedly committed to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Ron is results-oriented and gets the job done. He was involved in the planning for WVU Medicine University Town Centre. And he initiated and continues to lead our very successful Capacity Management Throughput Group. His involvement in these and other projects have made a real impact on the care we provide.

Ron is a West Virginia native and grew up in Weirton. He graduated from WVU with both a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and an M.D. degree. He completed his residency in internal medicine at WVU and joined the faculty 2004, after a few years at the VA Medical Center in Clarksburg. He has served two stints on the University Health Associates (UHA) board.

Having a physician serving in this role will help us to better engage our medical staff and, ultimately, improve our delivery of care as we strive to improve the health of West Virginians and all we serve.

Ron will start his new role in the new year. He will maintain a clinical practice.

Please congratulate and support Ron as he takes on this new role.

Doug Mitchell to serve as interim Chief Nursing Officer

Earlier this week, it was announced that Dottie Oakes, our Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), will step into a new role – one that will have an even greater impact on the nursing care that WVU Medicine provides across the state. Dottie will assume system-wide responsibilities as CNO.

Dottie will work with WVU Medicine hospitals and clinics to build a network of nurses focused on collaboration, excellence and innovation.

Stepping into Dottie’s WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals’ role on an interim basis will be Doug Mitchell, who currently serves as Administrator of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at Chestnut Ridge Center.

Doug, who began his career at Chestnut Ridge Center 27 years ago, has served in various leadership roles there. He has also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve Nurse Corps.

Debbie Bellisario, a manager at Chestnut Ridge Center, will serve as interim Administrator.

Please congratulate and support Doug and Debbie as they take on these new roles.