Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine names interim chair

Clay Marsh, M.D., WVU Health Sciences chancellor and executive dean, has named Melina Flanagan, M.D., M.S.P.H. interim chair of the Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine in the School of Medicine, effective January 1.

Dr. Flanagan assumes chair responsibilities from Peter Perrotta, M.D., who will remain in the PALM department, continuing his role as director of Pathology Services for the WVU Health System.

Flanagan is a professor of pathology who joined WVU in 2008. She is currently vice chair of pathology and medical director of quality and performance improvement, as well as the pathology residency program director. She previously served as section chief of cytopathology for 15 years and course director for the medical school pathology course for a decade.

She completed an anatomic and clinical pathology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and fellowships in breast and gynecological pathology at Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and cytopathology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Flanagan obtained her M.D. and Master of Science in Public Health in Statistics degrees from Tulane University.

She is a nationally recognized expert in cytopathology and pathology education. She is currently the immediate past chair of the undergraduate medical education section of the Association of Academic Pathology.

“We’ve been fortunate to have Pete’s leadership and expertise, particularly as we navigated the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Dr. Marsh said. “His leadership and dedication to expanding specialty pathology services and implementing cutting-edge laboratory technologies have set the tone for the department and how it partners across the School and Health System.”

Marsh says he knows Flanagan will continue the department’s momentum during the permanent chair search. A national search for that role is underway.

“I am honored to lead our amazing team of pathologists as we continue to provide high quality laboratory services through this transition,” Flanagan said.

For more information on the Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine, visit medicine.wvu.edu/pathology.

-WVU-

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, Director of Communications and Marketing

WVU School of Medicine, 304-293-3412