Department of
Medical Education

Joe Lynch, MD

A photo of Joseph Lynch.
Joseph D. Lynch, MD, FAAP, CHSE
Position
Associate Professor & Pediatrics Residency Program Director, Hospitalist-Director of Pediatric Simulation, Pediatrics
Phone
304-293-6307

Name: Joe Lynch, MD FAAP CHSE

Board Certification: Pediatrics, Pediatric Hospital Medicine

Medical School: WVU SoM

Residency: WVU Pediatrics

Fellowship: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (Pediatric Critical Care) 

Faculty Rank: Associate Professor, Residency Program Director

Special Clinical/Research Interests: - Medical Education, Simulation/Emergency Preparedness, Interprofessional Education, Intermediate Pediatric Care (Step Up/Down), Emotional Intelligence/Resilience

Is there a particular population of students (e.g., ethnicity, spiritual, sexual orientation) that you would particularly like to advise?

I am open to advising anyone that would like my help. I have had a non-linear career path and feel well suited to help those who are having difficulties finding their way.

What does a typical day in the life of a hospitalist/residency director include?

I really enjoy both my clinical and administrative roles. They both keep me on my toes, and I never know what I am going to see on either side. There is a wide variety to my days both in the problems I deal with and in the hours I keep. While my service weeks tend to be less predictable compared to my administrative weeks I live by the ethos “I’m here until the work is done.” I do a blend of day shift and night shift (12 hours at a time) clinically, and generally my administrative days are M-F 0800-1600 ish.

What is the biggest challenge of being a hospitalist?

Making sure every patient, parent, subspecialist, and member of the team is on the same page. Hospital medicine requires a high level of clear communication and relationship building.

How do you foresee pediatrics changing over the next 20 years?

I foresee the need for pediatricians continuing to rise as we combat misinformation and continue to help parents give their children the best start to their life possible.  I imagine we will see the return of diseases that have been rarer in the last 30 years and that the volume and acuity of patients will continue to increase.

What advice would you give a student who is considering a pediatric residency?

Pediatrics is an amazing and fulfilling field. There is the misconception that parents are adversarial, and I would remind any interested applicant that we value family partnerships and have great relationships with 99.9% of our parents.  Pediatrics is rewarding and I highly value getting to work with highly compassionate and fun colleagues. Getting to act like a kid and practicing medicine at the same time is a rare privilege.  You will live a very comfortable and rewarding life even if our compensation and prestige is undervalued by our profession at large.  Come speak to me or our APDs any time!