Brancazio named chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Leo R. Brancazio, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., has been named professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, according to Clay Marsh, M.D., vice president and executive dean of health sciences.
“We are delighted to welcome back Dr. Brancazio to his alma mater,” said Dr. Marsh. “His broad-based clinical, academic and research experience will help him further the reputation of a department that gave him his start and is recognized as one of the best in the area.”
In June, Brancazio will join WVU from Duke University School of Medicine where he served as medical director for Duke University Hospital Labor and Delivery and associate professor in the Duke School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
He received his Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in Medicine degrees from West Virginia University. He completed his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Magee-Women’s Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Following his residency and fellowship training, Brancazio returned to Morgantown to work as chief of staff and president of medical staff affairs at Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was also associate professor and residency program director for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the WVU School of Medicine.
“Another Mountaineer is returning home,” Marsh said.
“Dr. Brancazio is a nationally recognized expert in high-risk obstetrics,” said Albert L. Wright Jr., WVU Healthcare president and CEO. “He brings a level of excellence that will enhance our ability to provide the highest level of care to mothers and babies at WVU Children’s Hospital and throughout our health system.”
Brancazio has extensive clinical experience in medical complications of pregnancy and pharmacology during pregnancy. He is an active researcher and a published author in the field, and his current research interests include coagulation disorders and medical complications during pregnancy.
He is board certified in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology and is a member of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Brancazio will fill the post currently held by Michael Vernon, Ph.D., who announced last year that he will step down as department chair this summer.