Job Description

Overview

Join to apply for the Chief Medical Officer role at Howard University

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff for fit makes significant contributions to Howard Universitys overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here Is What We Offer

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

Position Summary

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) serves as the senior clinical leader of the hospital, responsible for overseeing the quality and delivery of medical care, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and guiding strategic clinical initiatives. The CMO aligns clinical operations with the hospital's mission to provide equitable, high-quality care to a diverse urban population. This role requires a visionary leader who can navigate the complexities of modern healthcare delivery while maintaining clinical excellence and fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and physician well-being. The CMO reports to the Chief Executive Officer, and the employment type can be full-time or flexible.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Leadership & Oversight: Lead and manage the hospital's medical staff and care delivery programs; Ensure consistent, evidence-based clinical practices across departments; Oversee credentialing, peer review, and performance evaluation of medical staff; Provide direct leadership to department chairs, medical directors, and clinical service lines; Foster a culture of clinical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Quality & Patient Safety: Collaborate with the Chief Quality Officer to implement and monitor patient safety and quality improvement initiatives; Develop and enforce clinical policies and protocols to meet regulatory and accreditation standards; Monitor and improve key performance metrics including mortality rates, readmission rates, hospital-acquired conditions, and patient satisfaction scores; Lead root cause analysis and implementation of corrective action plans for adverse events; Ensure compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, and DC Department of Health requirements
• Technology & Digital Health Strategy: Oversee electronic health record (EHR) optimization and clinical documentation improvement; Champion the adoption of digital health technologies, telehealth services, and remote patient monitoring; Guide the implementation of clinical decision support tools, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics; Collaborate with IT leadership to enhance clinical workflows and interoperability
• Strategic Planning & Collaboration: Partner with executive leadership to shape and execute strategic goals; Collaborate with academic partners on education, research, and clinical integration; Represent clinical interests to the hospital's governing board and external stakeholders; Lead the development and execution of the clinical strategic plan aligned with organizational priorities
• Population Health & Value-Based Care: Drive population health management initiatives and care coordination programs; Lead participation in value-based care models, accountable care organizations (ACOs), and bundled payment programs; Develop strategies to address social determinants of health and health equity gaps; Establish partnerships with payers to optimize quality outcomes and financial performance
• Operational & Financial Stewardship: Participate in budget planning and resource allocation for clinical services; Support utilization management and cost-effective care delivery without compromising quality; Monitor clinical productivity, efficiency metrics, and capacity management; Identify opportunities for service line growth and clinical program development
• Medical-Legal & Risk Management: Oversee medical liability risk management and claims review processes; Ensure appropriate documentation and compliance with medical-legal standards; Partner with legal counsel on malpractice defense and risk mitigation strategies; Maintain oversight of informed consent processes and patient rights protections
• Crisis Management & Emergency Preparedness: Lead hospital response to public health emergencies, natural disasters, and mass casualty events; Develop and maintain emergency operations plans and business continuity strategies; Serve as clinical liaison during pandemic response and community health crises; Ensure staff preparedness through training, drills, and simulation exercises
• Physician Well-being & Organizational Culture: Champion initiatives to prevent physician burnout and promote mental health support; Foster a culture of respect, psychological safety, and professional development; Address workplace concerns and conflicts among medical staff; Promote work-life integration and support for clinician well-being programs; Lead diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the medical staff
• Community Engagement: Serve as a visible leader in the community, advocating for public health initiatives and equitable access to care; Foster relationships with local health departments, academic institutions, and community organizations; Represent the hospital in media engagements and community forums; Support outreach programs addressing health disparities in underserved populations
• Direct Reports: Medical Directors/Department Chairs; Chief Quality Officer (matrixed relationship); Medical Staff Services/Credentialing Director; Graduate Medical Education Director (if applicable)

Key Performance Indicators

• Patient safety metrics (e.g., hospital-acquired infection rates, surgical site infections, medication errors)
• Clinical quality outcomes (e.g., mortality index, readmission rates, core measure compliance)
• Patient experience scores (HCAHPS)
• Regulatory compliance (Joint Commission, CMS, state licensure)
• Physician engagement and satisfaction scores
• Financial performance of clinical services
• Achievement of strategic clinical initiatives

Qualifications

• Required
• Medical degree (MD or DO) from an accredited institution
• Board certification in a clinical specialty recognized by the ABMS
• Active or eligible for a District of Columbia medical license
• Minimum 10 years of clinical experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within an acute care hospital
• Proven expertise in hospital operations, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare
• Current DEA license (or ability to obtain)
• Preferred
• Advanced degree or certification (MBA, MHA, MPH, MMM, or CPE)
• Fellowship or formal training in healthcare administration or physician leadership
• Experience working in urban healthcare settings and academic medical centers
• Familiarity with the healthcare needs of underserved and diverse populations
• Ability to maintain a clinical practice alongside administrative duties
• Track record of successful change management and organizational transformation
• Experience with value-based care models and population health initiatives
• Bilingual Capabilities (Spanish Preferred Given DC Demographics)

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and market standards for urban academic medical centers
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• Medical malpractice insurance with tail coverage
• Continuing Medical Education (CME) allowance and protected time
• Leadership development opportunities
• Relocation assistance available

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure: Compensation Range: $375,000 - $425,000

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