Medical Society of Virginia Statement on the Passing of Dr. Hughes Melton

Updated Aug 6, 2019

RICHMOND, Va. (Aug 2, 2019) – The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) is extremely saddened by the death of Dr. Hughes Melton, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and longtime MSV member. MSV extends its deepest sympathies to Dr. Melton’s wife, daughters, family and friends. MSV also extends thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of Hailey Green who was killed Wednesday, July 31, 2019 in the automobile accident.

Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said information provided by doctors at the UVA Medical Center where Melton was treated suggests he “may have suffered a medical emergency, which is being investigated as a factor in the crash.”

S. Hughes Melton, MD, MBA, FAAFP, DABAM, was a family physician from Bristol, Virginia who was a dedicated member of the Medical Society of Virginia for 24 years, including his service as the MSV Foundation President from 2012-2013. In 2016, he received MSV’s renowned Clarence A. Holland award for his accomplishments improving and safeguarding the well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth. His leadership and insight have been instrumental to MSV and its collaborative statewide efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Virginia which include his leadership as cochair of the MSV Opioid Misuse Task force from 2015-2017. 

Dr. Melton was a distinguished physician and public servant who will be remembered for his kindness and commitment to others.

About the Medical Society of Virginia

The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) serves as the voice for more than 30,000 physicians, residents, medical students, physician assistants and physician assistant students, representing all medical specialties in all regions of the Commonwealth. The association was founded in 1820 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. MSV strives to advance high-quality health care and make Virginia the best place to receive care and practice medicine.

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Celebration of Life – Live-Stream
Sunday, August 11, 2019 | 5:00 PM
The live-stream can be found at the Facebook page for Fellowship Chapel Bristol.

Read the Governor’s Press Release

Read Dr. Melton’s Obituary