HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University President Brad D. Smith today announced that Dr. David Gozal, a pediatric pulmonologist and world-renowned pediatric sleep expert, has been named the incoming dean and vice president for health affairs at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.  

The selection of Gozal is the culmination of a six-month national search.  

Smith said he is grateful for the search committee’s diligent work through the extensive process.  

“The goal was to identify a leader devoted to research and academic excellence, experienced in the complex and evolving world of academic medicine financials, and committed to a positive culture of collaboration and service,” Smith said. “The selection of Dr. Gozal brings a proven leader to our campus who has succeeded in each of these areas. 

Beth L. Hammers, Chief Executive Officer of Marshall Health, the faculty practice plan of the school of medicine, said Gozal’s appointment comes at a momentous time in the evolution of the school.  

“As Marshall and our community health care partners move toward a more comprehensive clinical integration, the new dean must have a solid grasp of the workings of a true academic health system,” Hammers said.  “Dr. Gozal has extensive experience in academic medicine and an understanding of the complexities that will help guide our institution forward.” 

Gozal comes to Marshall from the University of Missouri (UM), where he served as the Marie M. and Harry L. Smith Endowed Chair and Chairman of the Department of Child Health, as well as the Physician-in-Chief of the University of Missouri Health Children’s Hospital. 

Prior to his work at UM, Gozal served in positions at Tulane University, University of Louisville, and the University of Chicago, among others.  The recipient of dozens of honors, awards and recognitions for his work, Gozal has been a federally funded National Institutes of Health researcher since 1992. He has published over 850 peer-reviewed original articles with more than 80,000 citations, making him one of the most highly cited researchers in his discipline. 

He graduated from Hebrew University of Jerusalem with his Doctor of Medicine degree, completed a pediatric residency in Israel, followed by a fellowship in in pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Additionally, he earned MBA degrees from Georgetown University and ESADE in Barcelona, Spain.  

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Avi Mukherjee headed the search for the school of medicine dean.  

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Gozal to our school of medicine and to our academic leadership team at Marshall,” Mukherjee said. “His spirit of collaboration and innovation and his record of research, education and business acumen make him uniquely qualified to take us to the next level.”

Gozal will officially join Marshall on July 31 and will be introduced to the university community later this summer.   

“These are very exciting times for Marshall University,” he said. “I am simply ecstatic and humbled to be honored with the responsibilities of leading the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine into a brighter and healthier future for all West Virginians and beyond.”  

In announcing Gozal’s appointment, Smith also expressed his appreciation for Dr. Bobby Miller for his leadership as interim dean since July 2022.  

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Media Contacts: Leah C. Payne, Director of Communications, Marshall University, 304-696-7153; Sheanna Spence, Chief Marketing Officer, Marshall Health, 304-691-1639 

Date Posted: Monday, June 19, 2023