CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine invites applications and nominations for chair of its highly-regarded department of obstetrics and gynecology.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The UK College of Medicine seeks a visionary chair with a successful record of achievement in academic medicine in obstetrics and gynecology. Exceptional accomplishments as a clinician and academician are required as the chair's duties will include a clinical practice as well as ongoing research and academic activities.

The predominant criteria for appointment as chair include the proven ability to deliver excellent patient care while training future leaders in obstetrics and gynecology. In addition, the successful candidate will be a nationally-prominent academic leader and role model with an established record of excellence in clinical care, research, clinical education, and mentorship.

The successful candidate should demonstrate strong leadership skills as a listener, decision-maker, humanist and be an effective advocate for the department, its divisions, and its faculty. The candidate should have experience developing collaborative initiatives and the personal characteristics needed to promote, foster, and facilitate the trust of colleagues and the broader university faculty. The successful applicant should demonstrate impeccable integrity and be an effective communicator. Prior administrative experience as a department chair, division chief, or program director is preferred. Tenure available if appropriate.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

• MD, DO, MD/PhD, or equivalent
• National recognition as demonstrated through involvement in academic and professional societies at a national level
• Demonstrated leadership in administrative positions in medical school or an academic medical center setting
• Proven record of recruitment and retention of talent
• Board certification in obstetrics and gynecology
• Eligible for medical licensure in Kentucky

The College of Medicine seeks qualified applicants who value its missions and share its foundational commitment to creating an environment that values diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an Equal Opportunity Action Employer, we strive to foster a community where individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome.

Interested applicants should apply through the University of Kentucky Chair in obstetrics and gynecology job posting: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/438947. Questions and inquiries can be directed to Lisa Tannock, MD, vice dean for faculty affairs, at lisa.tannock@uky.edu. We will handle all applications in a secure, sensitive, and confidential manner.

Position is open until filled; however, for full consideration, please submit your application by Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

DEPARTMENT CHAIR ANTICIPATED DUTIES

This position is established in keeping with the mission statement of the UK College of Medicine.

Mission Statement

The College of Medicine promotes a diverse and inclusive environment that provides excellence in education, equitable health care, and transformative research to improve the health and wellness of Kentuckians and beyond.

Scope of Role

The chair of obstetrics and gynecology will make vital contributions to implementing the organization's most critical strategies and will strive to achieve excellence in a full range of quality measurements. The chair will serve as a liaison between the department and the enterprise, reporting directly to the dean of the College of Medicine and the executive vice president for health affairs. They will be directly involved with strategic planning, service development, market development, and outreach. Planning for future growth and recruitment to accomplish department goals will be integral to the duties of chair of obstetrics and gynecology.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with leadership inside and outside of the department to create an infrastructure comprised of high-quality clinical care that incorporates scholarly and teaching activities.
• Cultivate and maintain professional relationships with clinical leadership, including physician groups, patients, and external entities, to foster opportunities for revenue enhancement, enhanced customer service, and to positively impact core clinical measures.
• Define improved standards of department protocols, goals, and methods for implementation that reflect the department's vision for regional and national standing as a leader in academic medicine in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a respected service provider in Kentucky.
• Responsible for quality management and provider performance, including physicians, residents, nurse midwives, and advanced practice providers (APP) for the department.
• Review and report on provider performance annually.
• Recruit and mentor those of character into a culture of respect, kindness, and professionalism, where teamwork, innovation, and work satisfaction thrive.

Research

As a position of oversight, the chair of obstetrics and gynecology will ensure that department faculty collaborate within the department and across the college and campus, sharing research resources whenever possible. This will also include administrative, laboratory, and mentoring support. The chair will work closely to maximize the net yield of each project and avoid segregation or duplication of work in multiple isolated units.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight for the research portfolio of the department.
• Facilitate faculty mentoring in research.
• Facilitate an environment of collaborative research and conduct, including maintaining records of accomplishments and facilitating the acquisition of external funding.
• Continue his/her independent or collaborative research in line with the goals of the department, and publish in peer-reviewed literature as an author and co-author.

Education

The chair of obstetrics and gynecology will work with each unit to provide the necessary tools and resources to allow the highest level of education and training. The driving objective is to integrate all medical practices for a complete educational experience.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide oversight for the educational portfolio of the department.
• Participate in and advocate for quality teaching programs for residents within the department.
• Support the development and potential expansion of residency programs, as well as support the program directors.
• Support the two ACGME-approved Fellowships- Gynecology Oncology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Grow subspecialty fellowship programs as applicable.
• Mentor faculty in various professorial series and oversee practice development and productivity of the department.
• Oversee CME activities within the department.

Clinical Care

In conjunction with the medical directors, the chair of obstetrics and gynecology will be responsible for directing provider assignments and coverage of clinical needs. The position will also address budget priorities within the various units, including recruitment priorities and outreach decisions. This individual will coordinate with the leadership of ambulatory clinics, surgical departments, and procedural units. The chair will review the overall departmental budgets and actively participate in the annual enterprise budget meeting.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide oversight for the clinical portfolio of the department.
• Provide excellent clinical care.
• Participate in in-house/consult service, as needed.
• Perform at a consistently high level in his/her clinical practice.

Ideal Candidate Experience and Attributes

• Strong, visionary, inspirational leader who can artfully convey a long-term vision for the department, yet is equally skilled at implementing a detailed plan to achieve that vision. Highly approachable and compassionate; a record of promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, teamwork, respect, and honesty; a professional and personal demeanor characterized by integrity, graciousness, humility, genuineness, empathy, and sincerity; and a passion for the organization's mission and objectives.
• Exceptionally team-oriented; skilled at working well and partnering with providers across the care continuum to identify, build, and negotiate "win-win" relationships; politically astute yet apolitical with an ability to break down silos and ensure a collegial and productive work environment.
• Highly adept and at ease managing the day-to-day operational details with the ability to make strong and decisive decisions while simultaneously creating unity within a diverse department.
• Able to conceptualize and analyze complex business opportunities, understand the business of research and medicine, and apply that knowledge to appropriately manage a department's finances.
• Strong clinical skills and ability to continue to practice their field of expertise while serving as chair; should have skills in collaboration and the ability to learn and share.
• Ability to actively develop the department's mission, strategies, and practices to support a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Ability to actively develop the professional and academic career advancement of department members
• Actively embody, encourage, and support the five College of Medicine DIReCT values to help guide actions, behaviors, and decision-making to foster a cohesive work culture focused on patient-centered care. The DIReCT values are
  • Diversity: We foster a people-centered environment that is inclusive of all.
  • Innovation: We embrace continuous learning and improvement to drive positive change.
  • Respect: We value our patients and families, our community, our co-workers, ourselves, and the resources entrusted to us.
  • Compassion: We express empathy for the needs, thoughts, and feelings of those we serve and with whom we work.
  • Teamwork: We cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships to create positive outcomes