An integral part of the CHANGE, Inc. agency for the past twelve years has retired.  Dr. Manual Ballas, OB-GYN, has delivered over 7,000 babies since his career began 28 years ago. 

      “Dr. Ballas has been an integral part of our agency for the past twelve years,” said Judy Raveaux, CEO, “and on behalf of our Board of Directors and co-workers here at CHANGE, we want to wish him the best during his retirement years.   His contributions to our agency will always be highly valued and his dedication to the community through his medical career as well as his personal involvement with his church and within the community is admired.”

       Dr. Ballas is a graduate of Weir High School.   He earned his undergraduate degree at West Liberty State College (now West Liberty University).   A medical career was not his first career path.   He was employed by Weirton Steel where he was a manager in the Production Department.   While there he earned his master’s degree from West Virginia University.  After 15 years of working at Weirton Steel, the local steel industry became unstable so he decided to pursue another career path.

       “I was looking for something that would provide for my family while helping people,” states Dr. Ballas.  He then went on to attend the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in 1993.  After graduation he began serving at several area hospitals before joining CHANGE’s Family Medical Care. 

     “During his time at CHANGE, Inc., Dr. Ballas became a favorite of both his patients and co-workers,” said Raveaux.  “His love for his career shined daily through his jovial personality.”

      After retirement, Dr. Ballas is looking forward to spending more time with his children and two grandchildren.   He also prides himself as being a “picker and repurposer” and hopes to spend more time in his workshop repurposing his finds and maybe, even selling some of them.

      As of now, Dr. Ballas plans to continue to have a presence in the local healthcare community as a consultant.