Fair Winds and Following Seas: Dr. James Tait Goodrich

James Tait Goodrich, M.D., Ph.D., was the Director, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in New York City. He also served as the Director, International Center for Craniofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery, and the Neurosciences at the University of Palermo in Palermo, Italy. Dr. Goodrich was certified in neurological surgery and pediatric neurological surgery.

Dr. Goodrich did his undergraduate work at the University of California, Irvine and completed his graduate work at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences of Columbia University where he received a Masters and Doctorate of Philosophy. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. Intern and residency training were completed at Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and the New York Neurological Institute.

A fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London, England, Dr. Goodrich also served as a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association for Neurological Surgeons, the American Epilepsy Society, the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons, and the European Brain Research.

Dr. Goodrich was a peer reviewer for a number of major neurosurgical journals, in addition to being the Legacy Section Editor for the Neurosurgery Journal. He was also the Section Editor for “Classics in Pediatric Neurosurgery” for the journal, Child Nervous System. He wrote over one hundred editorial comments, discussions, and book reviews.  Both his professional peers and his patients have recognized Dr. Goodrich’s clinical skills and he was voted one of the best medical doctors in New York by New York Magazine.  He was also featured in the Consumers Council of America’s 2002 Guide to America’s Top Surgeons and Best Doctors in America 2003. For his innumerable contributions to the field of pediatric neurosurgery, he was honored as the Physician Honoree for Celebrate Montefiore 2005.

From June 1963 until December 1968, Dr. Goodrich served with five units in the United States Marine Corps to include 1st Recon Battalion. He served in Vietnam from July 1967 until August 1968.

Dr. Goodrich was the recipient of the 2006 MCUF Major General John H. Russell Leadership award, the award was Presented to Dr. Goodrich by General Carl Mundy Chairman of the Marine Corps University Foundation.

Dr. Goodrich passed away on March 30^th, 2020 from complications of COVID-19.  He is survived by his wife Judy, and his three sisters.