Search for the Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Chief of Medicine

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and OU Health

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and OU Health seeks a dynamic and innovative builder to serve as the next Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine (DOIM) and Clinical Chief of Medicine. This Chair will have the unique opportunity to grow the DOIM with few limitations, engaging in substantial recruiting while expanding the research and clinical enterprises. The Chair will be able to significantly expand the reach and impact of the DOIM, a critical player in the health of the state’s population, with strong support from new and engaged leadership at both the college and health system levels, in addition to significant support from the university and the state.

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (OUCOM) is the largest component of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) and is the academic arm of OU Health, the state's largest and flagship comprehensive academic health system. The health system and clinical group practice work in concert with the College of Medicine’s educational and research missions. OUCOM as part of the Health Sciences Center is on a growth trajectory with an ambitious strategic plan aimed in part at leveraging its strengths to become a top-tier academic health center, enhancing national recognition, bolstering Oklahoma's healthcare and public health workforce, improving health outcomes and quality of life for many Oklahomans, and reducing health disparities across the state. The state of Oklahoma consistently ranks among the lowest in population health in the United States; thus, achieving this mission will save lives. The Chair will be an impactful contributor and partner in advancing these critical goals.

The Department of Internal Medicine consists of approximately 205 faculty across 11 divisions. The Chair reports to the Executive Dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and has a matrixed report to the President and Chief Executive Officer of OU Health, reporting to the former for matters related to overseeing the advancement and execution of the academic missions in education and research, and to the latter for enhancing, developing, and ensuring the quality and effectiveness of clinical programs. The Chair will be charged with strategically aligning patient needs with clinical and research growth potential, ensuring the DOIM is fully prepared to fulfill both its clinical and academic missions seamlessly. The Chair will possess strong scientific judgment and expertise in attracting, recruiting, and retaining leading figures in clinical practice and research. They will prioritize mentorship across faculty, students, staff, residents, post-doctoral researchers, and fellows, fostering a culture of excellence in clinical practice, research, and education. The Chair will inspire and guide faculty development, leveraging OUHSC's robust core facilities, collegial environment, and endless opportunities for innovation and growth to attract top recruits. They will also enhance the Department's visibility and reputation on national and international platforms.

The Chair will be a dynamic and bold leader. They will have a collaborative leadership mindset and exemplify the highest degree of integrity and professionalism as a role model within the Department. The successful Chair will exhibit outstanding communication skills and a deep commitment to education, research, and clinical care to effectively lead and grow a phenomenal group of faculty, students, residents, and staff who have an alignment of mission and purpose. 

Applicants for this position should be board-certified physicians in Internal Medicine, be eligible for appointment within the Department, and have a substantial record of leadership and achievement in clinical, research, and education oversight. The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this search. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-oklahoma-health-sciences-center-college-medicine/chair-medicine. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to:  admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma:

The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Mission of the University of Oklahoma:

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.