Goode to step away as Emergency Medicine chair, focus on WVU Health System role

A national search is underway for a new chair of the West Virginia University School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine after Christopher Goode, M.D., FACEP, announced his plan to step away as chair to focus on his role as executive vice president and chief clinical integration officer for the WVU Health System.  

"As a team, we've done wonderful things for the state of West Virginia," Dr. Goode said. "I look forward not only to the next stage in my professional life but to seeing the continued success and evolution of Emergency Medicine at WVU."

Dr. Goode has served as department chair since 2019, and has served in numerous leadership roles locally, statewide and nationally. 

A longtime faculty member, during his time with the department, he has been an integral leader in the expansion of emergency medicine and urgent care for WVU Medicine. 

“We’ve been fortunate to have Chris’s guidance at the department level to help position us as innovative leaders in emergency medicine training and curriculum,” Clay Marsh, M.D., chancellor and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences, said. “I look forward to seeing his continued impact on our land-grant mission to serve the needs of West Virginia communities as he continues his WVU Health System role.”

Among the proudest accomplishments under his leadership, Goode emphasized departmental growth, success for his fellow faculty members and increased training opportunities for residents and fellows.

During his tenure, the Department added Divisions of Sports Medicine, Medical Education, Emergency Medicine Services and Point of Care Ultrasound. Fellowships in sports medicine and medical education were launched, as well as a fellowship in emergency medical services that recently received full accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Seven of the Department’s faculty were promoted to professor and 18 faculty attained associate professorship during his time, which Goode cites as a strong indicator of the strength of the Department for years to come.

In collaboration with WVU Medicine Children's, Goode and the Department launched a Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and operationalized a new, dedicated pediatric emergency department in the Children’s Hospital.

“I truly believe that success is driven by opportunity and investing in growth for the Department’s faculty, staff and learners,” Goode said.  “Our people are at the heart of our Department’s mission in providing world-class emergency care to every patient every day while training future leaders.”

He will remain an active member of the Department of Emergency Medicine faculty, which remains his academic home.

Goode is active with the Board of the West Virginia American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), where he previously served as president and currently serves as the chair of the Political Action Committee.  Nationally, he serves as a counselor for West Virginia’s chapter of the ACEP, as well serving on numerous committees and task forces.

He also serves on the board of directors for HealthNet Aeromedical Services, Monongalia Emergency Medical Services, Harrison County Emergency Squad, Healthy Harrison, and United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties.

He’s also an active member of the Harrison County Emergency Ambulance Authority, City of Bridgeport Emergency Services Council and the West Virginia State Medical Association Executive Committee, where he also serves as the chair of the Legislative Committee.  

In addition, Goode serves on the board for University Health Associates, Health Partners Network, Inc., and holds an appointment to the governor’s commission on West Virginia Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) training.   

Goode is a native West Virginian who completed his bachelor’s degree in biology at WVU, medical degree at Marshall University and completed his Emergency Medicine residency at WVU.

He resides in Bridgeport with his wife and two sons.