Marshall Health Network’s Dr. Jodi Cisco-Goff named 2024 WVRHA Outstanding Rural Health Provider

Jodi M. Cisco-Goff, M.D., associate professor of surgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and a general surgeon at Marshall Health Network, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Rural Health Provider Award, presented by the West Virginia Rural Health Association (WVRHA).

Jodi M. Cisco-Goff, M.D

This honor recognizes Cisco-Goff’s exceptional commitment to providing high-quality care to rural communities in southern West Virginia. The award highlights her dedication to bridging health care gaps and improving health outcomes for underserved populations in rural areas.

Cisco-Goff has practiced general surgery for Marshall Health at Logan Regional Medical Center in Logan County for 22 years. Her entire career has been at this facility where she has served as the trauma medical director and is currently a member of the West Virginia Committee on Trauma. Throughout her career, she has precepted students from all three of the state’s medical schools and has been awarded outstanding rural preceptor three times at Marshall’s School of Medicine.

As associate director of the rural general surgery residency at Marshall, Cisco-Goff has visited national conferences spreading the word about the unique program and advocating for more programs to train doctors to serve in rural areas. Most recently, she attended the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress in San Francisco, California, as one of three Nizar Oweida Scholars, a recognition that provides financial support for additional training or research relevant to rural surgeons.

Cisco-Goff was recognized at the 32nd Annual West Virginia Rural Health Conference during an awards ceremony on November 15.

“There is a shortage of doctors in rural areas across the country, and that is especially significant in West Virginia. Depending on how rural is defined, our entire state could be classified as such,” Cisco-Goff said. “Many years ago, I was provided financial assistance by Logan Regional Medical Center, and that led me back, close to home. My goal is to help young students and physicians see that, though challenging, practicing in a rural area is extremely rewarding. My hope is that they will consider similar areas to practice. It is an honor to even be nominated for this award since there are so many deserving providers across the state that provide excellent healthcare to West Virginians.”

The WVRHA Outstanding Rural Health Provider Award is given annually to a health care provider who has demonstrated leadership in rural health, made significant contributions to rural healthcare delivery, and exhibited a deep commitment to serving rural communities.