Fredericksburg

Only half of the first 22 physicians graduating from Mary Washington Healthcare’s Graduate Medical Education program will remain to practice in the Fredericksburg area, FXBG Advance reported. The June 2026 class included 15 internal medicine, six family medicine and one family obstetrics residents; hospital officials confirmed 11 are staying but refused to release names or practice locations despite posting identifying details for current residents online.

The 50 percent retention rate falls short of the 70 percent figure once projected by former CEO Mike McDermott when the health system ended support for the Moss Free Clinic and launched the $10 million residency programs. Since the clinics opened in late 2023 they have recorded nearly 14,000 patients and more than 70,000 visits, with nearly 30 percent described as uninsured or underinsured, though no supporting studies or precise definitions were provided.


Fredericksburg

“This is a financially motivated lawsuit that has nothing to do with patient care. Despite rumors and false assumptions, there will be absolutely no disruption of any kind in our radiology services, including mammography, women’s health services, and other vital outpatient radiology services,” Mary Washington Healthcare stated to The Fredericksburg Advance.

Virginia Medical Imaging, which has provided outpatient diagnostic imaging through a joint venture with Mary Washington Healthcare for 26 years, filed the $2.65 million suit in Fredericksburg Circuit Court after negotiations for a new agreement failed.


Fredericksburg

The bracelets are intended to alert all healthcare providers—regardless of department—that a patient has recently given birth. This visual cue can help clinicians quickly recognize and respond to serious postpartum complications such as hemorrhage, preeclampsia, infection, or blood clots, which may present subtly outside of obstetric care settings.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality globally, contributing to an estimated 70,000 deaths each year. The program supports better communication and quicker intervention when mothers seek care after delivery.


Features

The arrival of 2026 brought more than fireworks and celebrations across the region — it welcomed some of our newest residents.

Hospitals in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Manassas marked the start of the New Year by welcoming their first babies of 2026, each arrival bringing joy, hope, and a memorable beginning for families and medical teams.


Fredericksburg

The University of Mary Washington and Mary Washington Healthcare are joining forces to create what could become the Fredericksburg region’s first medical school — a plan leaders say would directly confront the area’s growing shortage of physicians and healthcare workers.

University President Dr. Troy Paino and Dr. Christopher Newman, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare, presented their proposal to the Fredericksburg City Council on Tuesday, describing an ambitious vision for a community-based medical school that would train doctors to stay and practice in Virginia.


Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The future of healthcare in the Fredericksburg region took center stage Wednesday morning as two hospital leaders addressed growth, challenges, and innovation — including the possibility of Northern Virginia’s first medical school.

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its “Regionalism Matters: State of Healthcare” forum at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. The program featured Dr. Christopher Newman, President and CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare, and Ryan DeWeese, Chief Executive Officer of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.


Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Mary Washington Hospital has installed a new antenna system to help first responders communicate more clearly when responding to emergencies inside the hospital.

According to a press release from Mary Washington Healthcare, the hospital’s new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) cost $268,000 and is designed to boost radio signals throughout the hospital, improving communication in areas where coverage is typically poor. Hospitals, with their thick walls and complex layouts, are some of the toughest places for emergency radios to work correctly.


Fredericksburg

Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) has appointed Dr. Christopher Newman, MD, MBA, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dr. Newman, who has been with MWHC since 2019 as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer, takes over following the departure of Dr. Michael McDermott, who served as CEO since 2015.

McDermott announced his resignation in December 2024 to become the President and CEO of Montage Health, a healthcare system based in Monterey, California. McDermott expanded services during his tenure at MWHC, strengthened the system’s financial position, and advanced its reputation as a leading healthcare provider in the region, according to a press release.


Press Release

Stafford County is making history with the launch of the Stafford African American Heritage Trail, a new initiative designed to highlight the county’s rich African American history. The trail, developed in collaboration with the University of Mary Washington’s Department of Geography, local historians, and community members, officially debuts this week as part of Black History Month celebrations.

Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Deuntay Diggs, announced the trail’s opening at the board meeting on February 18, 2025. “This trail system is part of Discover Stafford’s commitment to sharing the complete story of the county’s history,” Diggs stated. “By walking this trail, residents and visitors can learn about the powerful contributions of African Americans to our community and honor their legacy.”


News

Stafford Hospital also welcomed its first baby of the year, Miles Roy, born at 4:59 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 1.5 ounces. Miles’ parents, Jessica and Ken of Spotsylvania. He joins big brothers Garrett, 5, and Jackson, 2.

The hospital did not provide the last names of the parents.


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