David Shahbodaghi, M.D., MPH, FAAFP, DTM&H, CTH®, CTropMed®, Haskell Memorial Hospital’s chief medical officer, has been selected for promotion to lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserve.
The U.S. Army published the selection list announcing Dr. Shahbodaghi’s promotion on August 25. His formal promotion ceremony is expected to take place at Fort Bliss during the next gathering of the 7248th Medical Support Unit.
Dr. Shahbodaghi serves in the Army Reserve as an officer in charge of the 7413th Troop Medical Clinic at Fort Bliss. His promotion recognizes a military medical career distinguished by clinical expertise, leadership, and service to soldiers and their families.
“Dr. Shahbodaghi’s promotion reflects the leadership, discipline, and commitment to service that defines both his military career and his work here in Haskell,” said Michelle Stevens, MHA, CRHCP, CEO of Haskell Memorial Hospital. “He brings an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and experience to our hospital and clinic, but what stands out most is his dedication to the people in his care. We are incredibly proud to congratulate him on this well-earned achievement.”
During the pandemic, Dr. Shahbodaghi led a U.S. Army Central Command response force in the Middle East under General Joseph Biehler. Working in a setting with limited resources, his team provided advanced medical care, coordinated more than 75 air-based medical evacuations, and cared for critically ill service members. This work ultimately culminated in saving 6 U.S. Soldiers who were critically ill with the COVID-19 Virus. His work during the pandemic later earned him recognition as a nominee for the Army’s 2025 Hero of Military Medicine Award.
Dr. Shahbodaghi’s other military distinctions include induction into the Order of Military Medical Merit, an organization recognizing excellence and distinguished service among Army Medical Department personnel. He has also received the Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters and was named a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 2024.
A board-certified family medicine physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Shahbodaghi earned his medical degree from the West Virginia University School of Medicine and a Master of Public Health from the West Virginia University School of Public Health. He completed his family medicine internship and residency at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, where he served as chief resident and later joined the core teachingfaculty. His clinical background includes family medicine, public health, travel medicine, and clinical tropical medicine.
At Haskell Memorial Hospital, Dr. Shahbodaghi provides comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages in our clinic and emergency care in our hospital. His work continues a commitment to rural medicine that began early in his life, when he witnessed both the rewards and challenges of caring for a small community through his uncle’s rural medical practice.
Haskell Memorial Hospital congratulates Lieutenant Colonel Shahbodaghi on this significant achievement and thanks him for his continued service to the country and the Haskell community.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shahbodaghi at Haskell Rural Health Clinic, call (940) 228-0612.
