School of Medicine names new leadership roles

Several moves were recently finalized that will strengthen the School of Medicine and continue to reinforce WVU’s commitment to caring for the people of the state and educating the future generation of healthcare providers and scientists.

The Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience is streamlining its focus and will operate as the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. James W. Simpkins, Ph.D., was appointed interim chair of the department, effective July 1. Dr. Simpkins also serves as the director of the Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research and the Barbara B. Highland Stroke Chair. David P. Siderovski, Ph.D., will continue to serve as the E.J. Van Liere Medicine Professor.

 Christopher S. Goode, M.D., was named interim chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, effective June 1, 2018. Dr. Goode earned his medical degree at Marshall University and completed a residency program in emergency medicine at WVU. Dr. Goode has been serving in the role of assistant vice president of emergency medicine.

Peter Perotta, M.D., has been named chair of the Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine. Dr. Perrotta has served in an interim role in the department since the departure of former chair, Barbara Ducatman, M.D., in May 2017. He also serves as the medical director of clinical laboratories.

Cynthia Clarkson, M.D., will serve as chair of the Department of Community Practice, effective July 1. She currently serves as the medical director for the Department of Community Practice and sees patients in the Preston County Pediatrics and Internal Medicine office. Dr. Clarkson will replace the position held by Charles H. Mitch Jacques, M.D., Ph.D., who recently retired.