Renowned surgical leader joins Vandalia Health

Posted Date: 8/11/2025

Vandalia Health welcomes Ngoc Thai, MD, PhD, to its highly skilled team of surgical specialists. With more than 20 years of clinical experience and health system leadership, Dr. Thai brings with him a distinguished history of innovation, collaboration and excellence in surgical care.

Dr. Thai comes to Vandalia Health from Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey, where he served as Chair of the Department of Surgery. He previously held leadership roles at Allegheny General Hospital and Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, including System Chair of the Department of Surgery and Chief of the Division of Transplant Surgery. A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps, Dr. Thai retired at the rank of Major in 2011.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Thai to Vandalia Health,” said Karen Friggens, Vice President of Physician Services at Mon Health Medical Group. “His expertise, leadership and dedication to advancing quality, patient-centered care will be a tremendous asset to our surgical teams and the communities we serve throughout the region.”

Dr. Thai earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Cornell University. He holds both a PhD in immunology and an MD from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Rochester.

Dr. Thai has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and presented nationally on topics ranging from surgical innovation to liver and pancreatic disease. His research contributions include advancements in immunology, minimally invasive techniques and the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in liver cancer treatment.

Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Thai is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association and the American Medical Association.

“I’m honored to join Vandalia Health, where the commitment to putting patients first is evident in every aspect of care,” said Dr. Thai. “It’s a privilege to be part of a team so deeply dedicated to improving lives, and I look forward to working alongside colleagues who share my passion for delivering compassionate, expert care. I’m excited to contribute my surgical experience to help expand access to advanced procedures and improve outcomes for patients across the region.”

Dr. Thai is now seeing patients in Morgantown, Kingwood, Weston and Elkins. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit MonHealth.com.

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