Christopher Carpenter, M.D.

Stephan Sharf Interim Dean

An image of Chris Carpenter

Dr. Carpenter began his role as Stephan Sharf Interim Dean of OUWB on Sept. 5, 2023. 

Prior to that, he served as the Michael E. Maddens, M.D. Distinguished Chair and Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester, Michigan, and William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. In this and his other hospital and system roles he led and represented more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers in the provision of clinical care, the pursuit of innovative research, and the education and mentorship of future physicians and other health care providers.

Dr. Carpenter’s clinical subspecialty is in the field of infectious diseases, providing care for patients in both ambulatory and inpatient settings. He is active teaching and mentoring medical students, internal medicine residents and infectious diseases fellows in a variety of settings. His recent research endeavors include leading a COVID-19 vaccine study at WBUH and performing health care cost-effectiveness analyses of zoster vaccination. He has served on state and national committees, including the Food and Drug Administration Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee and the FDA Medical Devices Panel. Dr. Carpenter approaches his clinical, academic and leadership roles with a focus on service and collaboration, treating both his patients and colleagues as individuals and striving to facilitate achievement of their health, personal and professional goals.

Background

In addition to patient care, Dr. Carpenter initially focused on antimicrobial stewardship after joining WBUH more than 20 years ago, serving as Director of WBUH’s Antibiotic Stewardship Program for 15 years. He directed the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program for ten years and served as Section Head of Infectious Diseases for five years prior to assuming his current role as Chief and Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine in 2019. In 2022, after the merger of Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health, Dr. Carpenter was appointed to the Corewell Health Board.

Education

Dr. Carpenter earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and his Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Michigan. He subsequently completed internal medicine residency at Duke University followed by infectious diseases fellowship at Johns Hopkins University before joining WBUH in 2000. Dr. Carpenter also earned his Master of Health Services Administration degree from the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2017.

Affiliations and Awards

Dr. Carpenter has received recognition from his colleagues as an Hour Detroit Top Doctor (including being a member of the Top Doctor Hall of Fame), America’s Top Physicians and Best Doctors in America. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and he has served for the Michigan Infectious Disease Society. Dr. Carpenter also participates in and supports the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine, including the Association of Professors of Medicine.