If you spend any time around Fayette County, you've probably heard the name. Maybe you saw it on a blue and white sign on Jones Avenue, or perhaps a neighbor mentioned him when you were complaining about a "gut feeling" that wouldn't go away. Dr. Paul Conley is one of those fixtures in Oak Hill, West Virginia, that people just sort of take for granted until they actually need him.
He’s an internist. But in a small town like Oak Hill, being an internist basically means you're the detective for everything that happens inside the human body. He’s been at this for over 25 years. That’s a lot of stethoscopes and a lot of "deep breaths, please."
Honestly, the medical landscape in West Virginia can feel a bit thin sometimes. You’ve got people driving an hour just to see a specialist for something basic. That's why having someone like Paul Conley right there on Jones Avenue matters more than a flashy billboard in Charleston. He's not just a name on a chart; he's the guy who graduated from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine back in 1997 and decided to stick around.
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The Reality of Being a Doctor in Oak Hill
People think being a doctor in a small town is like a Hallmark movie. It’s not. It’s high-volume, high-stress, and you’re dealing with the real-world health crises that hit Appalachia hard. We’re talking about tobacco use, chronic GI issues, and the kind of long-term wear and tear that comes from a life of hard work.
Dr. Conley specializes in Internal Medicine.
If you look at the data—and patients are pretty vocal about this online—he deals with a massive amount of "Tobacco Use Disorder" and "Gastroptosis." Basically, he’s on the front lines of the things that actually ail the community. He isn't just treating symptoms; he’s managing the lifestyle realities of his neighbors.
One thing that keeps popping up in patient reviews is his "bedside manner." Now, "bedside manner" is a corporate-sounding term, but in Oak Hill, it just means: Does this guy actually listen to me? Most people say yes.
"Dr. Conley is a great dr. What went well... Listened & answered questions... Trusted the provider's decisions." — Recent Patient Review.
But it's not all sunshine. You've probably experienced the wait times. Some people have sat in that waiting room long enough to read every magazine from 2022. It's the classic small-town trade-off: he's in high demand because he's good, but because he's good, he's always behind schedule. It’s a bit of a catch-22.
Why Paul Conley Oak Hill WV Isn't Just a Name on a Door
He is affiliated with the heavy hitters in the region: CAMC General Hospital and Plateau Medical Center. This isn't just about prestige. It means if something goes seriously wrong, your local doctor has the "keys to the city" at the bigger facilities.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Conley was one of the local voices trying to navigate the chaos. He was actually one of the first at Plateau Medical Center to get the Pfizer vaccine and publicly shared his experience to help ease the nerves of a skeptical community. That takes a certain kind of local leadership that doesn't come with a title.
What He Actually Does (Beyond the General Stuff)
- Internal Medicine: This is his bread and butter. Managing complex, multi-system diseases.
- Gastroenterology Focus: A lot of his practice involves gut health—constipation, IBS, and more complex digestive issues.
- Telehealth: Since 2020, he’s been one of the providers in the area pushing for more remote access, which is a lifesaver if you're stuck out in the holler and your car won't start.
The "Brent Conley" Confusion
Here is something that trips people up. If you search for "Conley" and "Oak Hill" right now, you’re going to see a lot of talk about Brent Conley.
Brent is a standout basketball player for the Oak Hill Red Devils. As of 2025-2026, he’s making waves on the court. While the town is small and everyone is "sorta" related, it's important to keep your doctors and your point guards separate. One fixes your heart; the other might give you a heart attack during a close fourth quarter against Woodrow Wilson.
How to Get the Most Out of a Visit
If you're planning to see Dr. Paul Conley at 320 Jones Ave, don't just show up and hope for the best.
First, call early. The office (304-469-2500) stays busy. Second, be prepared for the wait. Bring a book. Charge your phone. If you're coming from out of town, maybe check in to see if they're running on time.
Patients who have the best experience with him usually mention that they came in with a list of questions. He’s known for explaining things well, but you have to be the one to kickstart that conversation. He isn't a mind reader.
Real-World Advice for Local Patients
- Verify your insurance: He takes the big ones—Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna—but things change. Always call the number on the back of your card first.
- Use the Telehealth option: If you're just doing a follow-up for a chronic condition, ask if you can do it over video. It saves you the Jones Avenue parking headache.
- Be Honest: Especially about things like smoking or diet. This is a judgment-free zone, but he can't treat what he doesn't know about.
Paul Conley represents a specific breed of West Virginia professional. He's the guy who went away to school, got the "Dr." in front of his name, and then came back to the New River Gorge area to do the work. It’s not always pretty, and the wait times might test your patience, but having a doctor who knows the difference between a "crick in your neck" and a serious spinal issue is why people keep going back to that office on Jones Avenue.
If you are looking for a new primary care physician or need someone to look into chronic internal issues, start by checking your most recent insurance provider list to ensure 320 Jones Ave is still in-network for your specific plan. Once confirmed, schedule a baseline physical to establish care before you have an emergency; this usually makes getting "squeezed in" much easier when you actually get sick.