Dr. Greg Elkins, NFHS Sports Medicine Committee Chair, Passes Away

Greg Elkins, M.D., chair of the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and chief medical officer at Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS), passed away on Sunday at the age of 61 in Hamlin, West Virginia.

Elkins’ educational journey reflected his deep love for his home state. He graduated from Hamlin High School in 1980 and obtained his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University in 1984, where he also completed the athletic training curriculum. His passion for medicine led him to Marshall University School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1988. He continued his medical education at Marshall University, completing his residency in Family Medicine in 1991.

As a physician, he returned to his hometown of Hamlin, serving as the chief medical officer at Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS) and playing a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare landscape of the region. With more than 30 years of medical experience, he provided exemplary care to his patients, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Elkins mentored medical students and residents, guiding them along their educational journeys as assistant professor at the Marshall University School of Medicine. He also dedicated himself to the safety and well-being of student-athletes, serving as the chair of the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. He volunteered his time as team physician for both Hamlin and Lincoln County High School sports teams for many years. He also previously spent a year as team physician for WVU athletics.

Elkins is survived by his wife, Joanna; his daughter, Jessica Balestra, and her husband, Brad; and his daughter, Rachel Elkins, and her boyfriend, Zach Johnston. He also recently welcomed a grandson, Caden Balestra. He is preceded in death by his mother and father Barbara and Carl Elkins.