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After nearly 40 years of service, the clinical director of Central Virginia Health Services (CVHS) has retired. Dr. Randall Bashore announced his decision to the New Canton operation this week, ending 39 years at the practice. 

CVHS is Virginia’s oldest and largest federally qualified health center (FQHC) providing health care for over 50 years. 

In 1985, Bashore started at CVHS, which then was named Central Virginia Community Health Center, as a doctor. He provided quality and compassionate care to residents of Buckingham County and surrounding areas. Dr. Bashore’s patient care, community engagement, and leadership propelled him to earn the position of Clinical Director in July 1987. 

Reflecting on his 39 years of work, Dr. Bashore said, “Words cannot adequately express what my career has meant to me. I chose to go into medicine at a time when being a physician was not a ‘job,’ but a calling. Working in a community setting allowed me to get to really know my patients and fueled my desire to improve their quality of life through better health outcomes. It allowed me to build trusting, long-lasting relationships with my patients that made us partners in addressing their health needs and concerns. Being part of a team of like-minded, dedicated staff and board members gave me opportunities I had never dreamed of. Together we have achieved so much, allowing us to provide high quality, compassionate care for 14% of Virginia geographically. My time at CVHS was incredibly rewarding personally and professionally. I want to thank the board, the Management Team, the staff and the patients for making me love my job for the last 39 years!”

CVHS officials said they were sad to see Bashore go.

“Dr. Bashore is a special combination of a caring provider and effective administrator. His leadership as both has been a true asset to CVHS as we have grown over the past 39 years and he’s helped lay the foundation for the organization’s future,” said Paula Tomko, CEO of CVHS.

CVHS offers integrated primary care, behavioral health services including a substance use disorder treatment program, dental care, and pharmacy services to over 50,000 patients annually. The organization works to make health care more accessible and affordable for everyone regardless of one’s income and insurance status. You can find a CVHS health center near you by visiting www.cvhsinc.org.