Bernard F. Godley, MD, PhD, MBA

Bernard Godley MD, PhD, MBA is a senior executive search leader specializing in academic medicine and healthcare leadership. He currently leads the Global Academic Medicine Practice at Fusion Search Partners, where he advises boards and senior leadership teams on the recruitment of physician executives and enterprise leaders for academic medical centers and complex healthcare organizations.

Dr. Godley began his career as an NIH-funded academic ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon. His research focused on the molecular mechanisms of macular degeneration, including early identification of the genetic locus for progressive bifocal chorioretinal atrophy and pioneering work on mitochondrial DNA damage and repair in retinal cells. He holds a U.S. patent for a novel non-invasive ocular drug delivery technology.

Prior to transitioning into executive search, Dr. Godley served for a decade as Chair of Ophthalmology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where he led clinical, research, and educational programs. He later held senior leadership roles at Korn Ferry and AMN Healthcare, building and leading national academic medicine practices before joining Fusion Search Partners.

Dr. Godley brings to his work a rare combination of physician-executive experience, academic leadership, and deep insight into governance, leadership succession, and institutional mission.

Updated: September 2026