:: Huntington Internal Medicine Group::

Today… HIMG has 48 physician staff, plus 14 mid-level providers. The 20th Street facility currently has 44,000 square feet and off-street parking for more than 300 vehicles. The 4 other locations include medical and surgical specialty suites on the campus of St. Mary's Medical Center and primary care offices in the Barboursville, Putnam and Westmoreland areas with ample off-street parking.

Tomorrow… Innovative plans are being developed for a new 110,000 square foot headquarters. This high-tech medical facility will feature office space for primary care and medical and surgical specialists in addition to expanded diagnostic services.

History… As the oldest group physician practice in Huntington, HIMG (Huntington Internal Medicine Group) has enjoyed a long and distinguished history of health care delivery. HIMG's original concept began when Roland Burns, M.D., J. Russell Cook, M.D., and William Sheils, M.D. formed a partnership practice in 1965. These physicians recruited a new partner, Charles Turner, M.D., and named the group "CBS and T" (for the initials of their last names) in 1969. Each physician brought individual strengths to CBS and T. Dr. Burns was the mastermind, Dr. Sheils - the builder, Dr. Turner - the recruiter, and Dr. Cook added stability and balance.

HIMG as we know it today was born of tragedy. Pete Proctor, M.D., a member of the medical partnership of Proctor, Burton (Dr. Zeb) and Echols (Dr. William) was killed in the 1970 Marshall plane crash. After Dr. Proctor's death, Drs. Burton and Echols joined CBS and T. Jack Baur, M. D. and John Otto, M. D., then of the C&O Hospital, joined immediately afterwards.

Soon the partnership's name was changed to Huntington Internal Medical Group to signify the group's concept of sub-specialization within an internal medicine group. This new concept meant that, in addition to each physician being a specialist in internal medicine, the doctor had additional sub-specialty training in the fields of cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, oncology or pulmonary disease. A new primary, specialty and sub-specialty health care delivery system was born.

As the number of physicians increased, so did the demand for space. The original one-story building constructed in 1969 was "bulging at the seams" by the early 1970's. An adjoining two-story addition was completed in 1973. Approximately one-third of the second floor was left unfinished to allow for future expansion. In 1976, after two additional expansions, the second floor was completely utilized and more space was needed to accommodate the now 14 physicians of HIMG.

Recognizing the need to formalize the structure of HIMG, a professional corporation was formed in January 1978, and a business management approach to controlling practice resources was adopted. And the practice continued to grow. A large new building addition was completed in 1986. This construction allowed for a more efficient use of interior space.

And the practice still continued to grow. Radiology, other diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services were expanded in the 20th Street facility. HIMG recruited full time radiology specialists. Sophisticated cardiology, gastrointestinal and pulmonary services were added and HIMG truly became a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic outpatient facility. The addition of the family practice section provided much greater immediate access for outpatient and hospital acute care.

In 1997, HIMG formed a new partnership with Pallottine Health Services, Inc. (the parent corporation of St. Mary's Medical Center) to create Ultimate Health Services, Inc. The governing body of Ultimate Health Services has evolved into a professional corporation with physicians as stockholders and directors. A democratically elected physician management committee along with the CEO is responsible for instituting policy decisions. HIMG's current CEO is Mr. Michael Sundall, who joined the group in 1999.

The history of HIMG demonstrates its commitment to innovation and progress. Regardless of what changes the future brings to the healthcare industry, HIMG will continue to be on the forefront of technology and professionalism.