Christopher E Bailey, MD, PhD

Associate Professor, Director of Allergy Services, Interim Chief of VA Services

Organization:

West Virginia University School of Medicine

Department:

Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery

Classification:

Faculty

• MD, East Tennessee State University
• PhD, The University of Texas
• BA, East Texas Baptist

Christopher Eric Bailey, MD PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at West Virginia University, where he has served since 2017. As a fellowship-trained rhinologist and skull base surgeon, Dr. Bailey specializes in advanced endoscopic sinus surgery, management of chronic rhinosinusitis, and sinonasal allergy care. He serves as the Director of the Allergy Division and Assistant Program Director for the Otolaryngology Residency Program. His clinical focus encompasses comprehensive rhinologic care including treatment of complex sinonasal disorders, allergic fungal sinusitis, and endoscopic skull base surgery, while also maintaining a general otolaryngology practice.

Dr. Bailey earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from East Texas Baptist University in 2000, followed by a PhD in Cell Biology from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2009. He completed his medical degree at East Tennessee State University in 2011 and his otolaryngology residency at West Virginia University in 2016. His advanced fellowship training in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery was completed at the University of Arizona in 2021. His unique background combining cell biology research with clinical medicine provides him with a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sinonasal disease processes.

Dr. Bailey's clinical and research interests focus on improving medical education in otolaryngology, sinonasal anatomy instruction, and the unified airway theory connecting upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. He has developed innovative educational curricula including self-directed sinonasal surgical anatomy video programs and has published extensively on topics ranging from acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis to hereditary angioedema management. His research contributions include work on eHealth literacy in otolaryngology patients and multi-center studies on sinus education effectiveness. He has authored book chapters on skull base reconstruction and acute invasive fungal sinusitis, demonstrating his expertise in complex rhinologic conditions.

Dr. Bailey is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and maintains active involvement in professional organizations and peer review activities. His recent academic achievements include serving as a consultant author for the International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis 2021, contributing to evidence-based guidelines that shape rhinologic practice worldwide. He has been recognized for his educational innovations with successful multi-center studies on sinus education and serves extensively in departmental leadership roles including chairing the Program Evaluation Committee. His commitment to advancing the field is demonstrated through his active peer review work, book chapter contributions on skull base reconstruction and acute invasive fungal sinusitis, and his role in organizing educational conferences including panels on allergy management controversies.

Medical Specialties

• Otolaryngology

Special Training

• Residency, Otolaryngology Residency
  West Virginia University, 2016