Darrell E. Lovins, DO, MPH, FACOFP, Dean

Darrell E. Lovins, D.O., M.P.H., FACOFP graduated from Bethel College (now Bethel University), St. Paul, MN with a degree in chemistry (biochemistry emphasis) in 1978.  He received his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO in 1983.  Dr. Lovins performed his internship and residency training at the Naval Hospital, Pensacola Florida, 1983 – 84 and 1986 – 88 respectively.  He earned a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Washington, Seattle while completing fellowship training in Faculty Development and Research at Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA.  In 2007 the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians conferred upon him the Fellow Award.

Dr. Lovins served in the United States Navy for over 26 years both active and reserve, retiring in 2005 as a captain.  During his career his duties included being: a general medical officer; a family physician; family medicine residency faculty; a medical officer to the USS Lexington and USS Tortuga; and founding and co-founding the  department family of family practice and family medicine residency at Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune, NC respectively.  His completed his last naval assignment with the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board as Chief of Sea Services.  His highest personal award is the Defense Superior Service Medal.

Upon retirement Dr. Lovins joined the faculty of the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine (PCSOM) and the Appalachian Osteopathic Postgraduate Training Institute Consortium (A-OPTIC).  Throughout his career he has been active in training medical students and residents and serving the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) where he currently sits as Vice Chair, Council on Postdoctoral Training.  He has a keen interest in teaching and understanding how learners learn.  His additional professional interests include curriculum development and disaster medicine.