Valley Health Systems, Inc. is proud to announce that Dr. Matthew Christiansen, Vice President of Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, has been elected to serve on the Epic Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Advisory Board, a national group of healthcare leaders dedicated to improving Epic’s electronic health record system for community health centers across the country. Epic is one the nation’s most widely used electronic health record (EHR) systems, providing the technology that healthcare organizations use to manage patient records, coordinate care improve clinical workflows.
The Epic FQHC Advisory Board provides an important forum for Federally Qualified Health Centers to share feedback, identify opportunities for improvement, and help shape Epic’s functionality in ways that better support providers, staff and the unique needs of FQHC patients. Board members work collaboratively with Epic developers and healthcare organizations nationwide to enhance workflows, improve provider experience and strengthen patient care.
Dr. Christiansen’s election gives Valley Health a direct voice in national conversations that influence how Epic evolves to better serve safety-net healthcare organizations.
“This is a meaningful accomplishment for Dr. Christiansen and a reflection of both his leadership and the strength of our organization,” said Dr. Mathew Weimer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Valley Health Systems. “Having Valley Health represented on this advisory board ensures our providers and patients have a seat at the table as Epic continues to develop solutions that support Federally Qualified Health Centers across the country.”
Dr. Christiansen brings a unique perspective to the board through his extensive background in public health, healthcare leadership and clinical practice. As a practicing family physician who uses Epic every day, he understands the importance of designing technology that enhances patient care while improving efficiency for providers and clinical staff.
“Federally Qualified Health Centers serve some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations, and it’s important that our unique needs are represented as healthcare technology continues to evolve,” said Dr. Christiansen. “I’m honored to represent Valley Health and collaborate with colleagues from across the country to help shape Epic in ways that improve workflows, strengthen quality and ultimately enhance the care we provide to our patients.”
Dr. Christiansen joined Valley Health in 2025 as Vice President of Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer after serving as West Virginia’s State Health Officer and Commissioner for the Bureau for Public Health. A dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, he has dedicated his career to improving healthcare access and public health outcomes, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
His election further strengthens Valley Health’s national leadership within the Epic community. In addition to Dr. Christiansen’s appointment, Dr. Krista Allen, pediatrician, serves on the Epic Pediatric Specialty Steering Board, while Dr. Andrea Marcum Vallejos, Vice President of Health Informatics and Chief Medical Information Officer, serves on the Epic Obstetrics Specialty Steering Board. Together, these appointments position Valley Health among a select group of healthcare organizations helping guide the future of one of the nation’s leading electronic health record systems.
“Having three Valley Health physicians serving on national Epic advisory and steering boards is an incredible accomplishment for our organization,” said Dr. Weimer. “Their expertise helps ensure that the voices of community health centers, rural providers and the patients we serve are represented as Epic continues to innovate. This level of involvement gives Valley Health valuable insight into future enhancements while allowing our physicians to contribute to improvements that will benefit healthcare organizations nationwide.”