All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Renowned surgical leader joins Vandalia Health

Vandalia Health has hired Ngoc Thai, MD, PhD, a board-certified surgeon and former system chair with over 20 years’ leadership and research experience, who will begin seeing patients in Morgantown, Kingwood, Weston and Elkins.
Dr. Ngoc Thai

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.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Webster Springs man arrested on strangulation charge after allegedly spitting on and choking victim

Police arrested a man on a felony strangulation charge after he allegedly admitted to spitting on, slapping and choking another person, according to a criminal complaint.

Volga man arrested after threatening officer at Upshur County Courthouse

A 59-year-old Volga man was arrested after allegedly threatening a deputy during processing at the Upshur County Courthouse following a DUI stop. He faces charges including DUI, possession of marijuana and retaliation against a public official; bail is $19,500.

WVWC’s first Master’s in Counseling students set to graduate

WVWC marks a milestone Friday as the first six graduates of its new Master of Arts in Counseling program cross the stage, bolstering West Virginia’s mental health workforce.

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney, 90, a retired oil and gas supply worker, Air Force veteran, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather from Fairmont and formerly of Buckhannon, died December 9, 2025.

West Virginia Board of Education approves Rock Cave Elementary closure

The West Virginia Board of Education approved the closure of Rock Cave Elementary School on Wednesday, ending months of community efforts to save the southern Upshur County school. The closure was one of several school consolidations approved across the state.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital opens mental health program for older adults

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has partnered with Senior Life Solutions to help older adults experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges often associated with aging.

Basketball ‘Cats fall on the road to Pitt-Johnston, 113-84

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — West Virginia Wesleyan put five players in double figures and shot a solid 41% from the field,…

Deputies: Teen driver left baby in Jeep that rolled into apartment during dispute

Deputies say an 18-year-old is charged with child neglect, DUI and underage consumption after leaving his 3-month-old in a Jeep that rolled into a Buckhannon apartment during a dispute, then running off.

Special Olympics of Upshur County competes at state bowling tournament

Twenty-two athletes from Special Olympics of Upshur County competed in the Special Olympics West Virginia state bowling tournament in Charleston, winning gold, silver and bronze medals.