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New Â鶹ÊÓƵ Halifax Regional Hospital surgical area named for doctor
Surgical center honors the legacy of Dr. James Priest’s 45-year commitment to the community
The new Â鶹ÊÓƵ Halifax Regional Hospital (SHRH) surgical area will be named the James H. Priest Surgical Center in honor of the physician and leader who focused his career on improving healthcare for the Halifax community and inspiring generations of healthcare professionals to treat patients with quality and compassion.
A native of Scottsburg, Virginia, Dr. Priest served the community for more than 45 years. He made the decision to return home to Halifax County and start his oral maxillofacial surgery practice after his 1979 graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
Dr. Priest retired from his role as chief medical officer for SHRH at the end of 2024. In this role, he monitored the quality of care at the hospital and ensured patient safety at a level on par with other high-performing hospitals across the country, but his biggest impact was on those who knew him.
“Dr. James Priest is one the most faithful, considerate, and compassionate individuals to work at SHRH. He poured his heart and soul into serving our community and countless patients, and we are privileged to have worked beside him,” said SHRH President Dr. Brian Zwoyer.
“As the new hospital construction begins, we cannot think of a better way to honor Dr. Priest than by naming the new surgical center after him. We want his legacy to live on at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Halifax Regional Hospital for generations to come.”
Dr. Priest’s demeanor and bedside manner were highly regarded by generations of patients. Dr. Priest also leaves a lasting mark on his colleagues. He is a mentor, friend, and trusted physician, and he and his wife of more than 50 years, Mary Eleanor, remain a friendly face in the community, from church services to baseball games.
“Dr. Priest’s expertise, dedication, and integrity serve as a shining example for all of us. We all thank him for being a great teacher,” said Dr. Habib Bassil, a SHRH cardiologist and 35-year colleague.
“Dr. Priest taught us the strength of faith, the virtue of patience, and the grace of compassion. He showed us every day how to be a great doctor.”
Dr. Bassil added, “You exemplified the words of William Osler: ‘A good doctor treats the disease. A great doctor treats the patient who has the disease.’”
According to Dr. Jim Witko, a SHRH pulmonologist, “I have been fortunate to call Jimmy my friend for nearly 37 years. During that time, Jimmy has been the gold standard for what a physician should be. His class, compassion, competence, and integrity are unmatched.”
Team members throughout SHRH were positively impacted by his work.
“Dr. Priest is one of the most compassionate physicians we have ever worked with. He was always supportive of the nursing team, taking the time to teach, guide decisions, and collaborate in a kind and compassionate manner,” said Nicole Dockery, SHRH chief nursing officer. “While he will be missed, his legacy will live on at SHRH for years to come because of all those he positively impacted in their careers.”
Unveiling of the new James H. Priest Surgical Center in the current hospital took place on February 27. The official naming will follow completion of the new hospital.
To stay engaged and access more information, including renderings and project updates, please visit Â鶹ÊÓƵ.com/HalifaxHospitalProgress.
A native of Scottsburg, Virginia, Dr. Priest served the community for more than 45 years. He made the decision to return home to Halifax County and start his oral maxillofacial surgery practice after his 1979 graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
Dr. Priest retired from his role as chief medical officer for SHRH at the end of 2024. In this role, he monitored the quality of care at the hospital and ensured patient safety at a level on par with other high-performing hospitals across the country, but his biggest impact was on those who knew him.
“Dr. James Priest is one the most faithful, considerate, and compassionate individuals to work at SHRH. He poured his heart and soul into serving our community and countless patients, and we are privileged to have worked beside him,” said SHRH President Dr. Brian Zwoyer.
“As the new hospital construction begins, we cannot think of a better way to honor Dr. Priest than by naming the new surgical center after him. We want his legacy to live on at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Halifax Regional Hospital for generations to come.”
Dr. Priest’s demeanor and bedside manner were highly regarded by generations of patients. Dr. Priest also leaves a lasting mark on his colleagues. He is a mentor, friend, and trusted physician, and he and his wife of more than 50 years, Mary Eleanor, remain a friendly face in the community, from church services to baseball games.
“Dr. Priest’s expertise, dedication, and integrity serve as a shining example for all of us. We all thank him for being a great teacher,” said Dr. Habib Bassil, a SHRH cardiologist and 35-year colleague.
“Dr. Priest taught us the strength of faith, the virtue of patience, and the grace of compassion. He showed us every day how to be a great doctor.”
Dr. Bassil added, “You exemplified the words of William Osler: ‘A good doctor treats the disease. A great doctor treats the patient who has the disease.’”
According to Dr. Jim Witko, a SHRH pulmonologist, “I have been fortunate to call Jimmy my friend for nearly 37 years. During that time, Jimmy has been the gold standard for what a physician should be. His class, compassion, competence, and integrity are unmatched.”
Team members throughout SHRH were positively impacted by his work.
“Dr. Priest is one of the most compassionate physicians we have ever worked with. He was always supportive of the nursing team, taking the time to teach, guide decisions, and collaborate in a kind and compassionate manner,” said Nicole Dockery, SHRH chief nursing officer. “While he will be missed, his legacy will live on at SHRH for years to come because of all those he positively impacted in their careers.”
Unveiling of the new James H. Priest Surgical Center in the current hospital took place on February 27. The official naming will follow completion of the new hospital.
To stay engaged and access more information, including renderings and project updates, please visit Â鶹ÊÓƵ.com/HalifaxHospitalProgress.
By: Joni Henderson