WVU names Ferrari chief academic officer for medical education

Norman Ferrari, M.D. was named chief academic officer for medical education for West Virginia University’s Doctorate of Medicine program. 

In this role, Dr. Ferrari will maintain his responsibilities for undergraduate physician medical education programs, including the medical degree admissions process, development and implementation of curriculum, student affairs, graduate medical education, continuing education and accreditation activities.

“This new title encompasses a role long held by Dr. Ferrari,” Clay Marsh, M.D., vice president and executive dean for Health Sciences, said. “Norm’s dedication to the students, attention to detail and forward-thinking approach to our curriculum have helped shape the medical school into a nationally recognized program for educating physicians and leaders.”

Ferrari was appointed vice dean for education and academic affairs, as well as the founding chair of the Department of Medical Education in 2012. He is a professor of medical education, pediatrics and internal medicine.

The chief academic officer role allows Ferrari to continue interprofessional development among students and peers, connecting him to fellow academic leaders within the School of Medicine, the University and peer institutions through the Association of American Medical Colleges.

“I am excited to take on these additional challenges and represent our outstanding physician education programs on the national stage with our peer institutions,” he said.

Ferrari has earned multiple degrees through WVU. He completed combined residency programs in internal medicine and pediatrics, and is board certified in both. He received a doctorate degree in medicine in 1982 while having been elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

Since joining the School of Medicine faculty in 1986, Ferrari has worked in numerous academic and leadership roles. In addition to serving eight years as vice chair of education for the Department of Pediatrics, he held the roles of interim dean for medicine and associate vice president for WVU’s Charleston Division. He served as interim chair for the Department of Pediatrics and as the pediatric clerkship coordinator for 13 years.

Nationally he has served on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Board of Directors and as the Medical Editor for the general pediatric certifying examination with the American Board of Pediatrics.

Since 1991, Ferrari has coordinated the School of Medicine’s rural health educational programs and curriculum. He is a founding member of the WVU School of Medicine Chapter for the Gold Humanism Honor Society and is a two-time recipient of the School’s Distinguished Teacher award.

Ferrari grew up in Weirton, West Virginia and currently lives in Morgantown with his wife, Nancy. He is the father of two children, Elizabeth and Nicholas.