Physician - Division Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine
Job Title
Physician - Division Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine
Requisition Number
FE04990
Working Title
Cardiologist
Department Name
7H354:INTERNAL MEDICINE & DIVISIONS - CARDIOLO
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Type of Position
Faculty
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Tenure Track Status
Non-Tenure Track
Required Education
- MD, MD/PhD, DO, or equivalent degree.
Required Related Experience
The ideal candidate for the Division Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine will possess the following background, experience, and skills:
- Strong, visionary, inspirational leader who can artfully convey a long-term vision for the division 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 when needed while at the same time creating unity within the division.
Required License/Registration/Certification
- Board certification in Cardiovascular Medicine.
- Board certification in Internal Medicine.
- Eligible for Medical licensure in the State of Kentucky.
Job Summary
The Opportunity
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine seeks their next Division Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine. Exceptional accomplishments as an academic leader and investigator will prepare the candidate for success in guiding the division’s busy clinical practice and supporting growing academic careers. The division chief reports directly to the Department Chair of Internal Medicine and collaborates closely with other leaders across UK HealthCare and the College of Medicine.
The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine is committed to achieving the highest standards in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular disease. Through dedication to scholarly pursuits, they aim to improve the future of heart health across Kentucky and beyond. To this end, they provide clinical services based on the latest evidence and technology, by advancing knowledge through research and by educating those in training, in practice, and their patients.
UK seeks a division chief who is a leader committed to the tri-partite academic mission, excels at building and guiding teams, collaborates effectively with hospital partners, and the ability to mentor early career faculty and trainees. Experience as a division or section chief, medical director, program director, or in leadership within national professional societies or major journals is especially valuable. Highly competitive candidates will bring a history of achievement as an academic cardiologist including clinical expertise, meaningful research contributions supported by a successful track record of promoting scholarship, securing extramural funding, progressive leadership experience, and recognition at the national and/or international level.
The predominant criteria for the appointment as division chief include a respected academic physician with a high-level of emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional patient care while training the future leaders in cardiovascular medicine. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong leadership skills as a listener, decision-maker and effective advocate for the division and the department. The candidate will encourage and participate in collaborative initiatives; communicate effectively, demonstrate integrity and foster the trust of colleagues across the University.
The division is poised to achieve regional and national recognition in clinical care delivery, medical education and research. It serves an integral role in a vibrant and robust academic environment within UK HealthCare, which brings state-of-the-art facilities and technology to the Lexington, Kentucky campus and broader region as UK HealthCare and College of Medicine moves toward its goal of becoming a top 25 academic medical center. UK is constructing a new hospital tower, to bring total beds on the main campus to 1,500 by 2029.
Position Summary
The Division Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine will play a central role in advancing the organization’s highest-priority strategies and in driving excellence across all quality measures. Serving as the leader across the clinical, educational, and research missions, the Division Chief will champion the continued growth of medical training, scientific discovery, and clinical integration in collaboration with the cardiovascular service line director. The Division Chief serves at the discretion of the Department Chair and works in close partnership with leaders throughout UK HealthCare, the Gill Heart and Vascular Institute, and the College of Medicine.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and develop an exceptional cardiovascular program, with a commitment to teaching and research.
- Lead strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for the division.
- Oversee faculty recruitment, retention, career development, and promotion/tenure processes.
- Manage clinical scheduling, workforce planning, and operational performance.
- Provide leadership for the division’s teaching programs and fellowship training.
- Collaborate closely with the cardiovascular service line leader to advance cardiovascular services.
- Promote academic excellence within the division, with emphasis on faculty development, scholarly productivity, and mentorship.
- Strengthen the division’s academic profile through programmatic growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and faculty support.
- Advance the division’s research mission, including clinical, translational, and basic science initiatives.
- Develop and expand translational research programs that connect the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center with divisional activities.
- Maintain an active personal research program.
- Support faculty in securing extramural funding and building research careers.
- Serve on division, department, college, hospital, and university committees as appropriate.
- Represent the division in institutional planning, interdisciplinary initiatives, and strategic collaborations.
- Provide high‑quality clinical care, which may include outpatient clinics, inpatient attending service, and on‑call responsibilities.
- Model excellence in patient care and support continuous improvement in quality, safety, and access.
- Teach medical students, residents, and fellows in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Participate in didactic teaching, seminars, and curriculum development.
- Support the fellowship program and ensure high‑quality training experiences.
Department of Internal Medicine
The Department of Internal Medicine is the largest in the College of Medicine and at the University of Kentucky with approximately 367 faculty, 171 staff, 222 residents and fellows, and 212 advanced practice providers. The department has 14 clinical divisions and 2 non-clinical divisions within its scope. The department of internal medicine is led by Dr. Darwin Conwell, MD and departmental leaders including Vice Chairs, Associate Vice Chairs, and the Office of the Chair Administration team.
Internal Medicine faculty secure over $35 million in grant funding annually to pursue cutting-edge research and discoveries, supporting projects in all internal medicine subspecialties. The department has published 287 peer-reviewed articles in the past year and maintains more than 50 active clinical trials and 240 active grants and contracts. The Department of Internal Medicine has 211 faculty who are actively involved in research activities and supervise biomedical learners, including PhD and master’s students, to gain in-depth experience in high-impact research labs.
Interested Applicants
To be considered for the position, interested applicants should submit application materials (CV, Letter of Interest) addressed to the Search Advisory Committee to Amber Gornik, Managing Associate at Korn Ferry, at amber.gornik@kornferry.com. Additionally, interested applicants must apply through the University of Kentucky Division Chief posting and upload a curriculum vitae and cover letter when prompted in the application process: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/644747
For inquiries or questions, please direct them to Jenny Seaver, Principal at Korn Ferry jenny.seaver@kornferry.com and Cassandra Rogers, Internal Medicine Faculty Affairs Administrator cassandra.rogers@uky.edu to the attention of Darwin Conwell, MD, Department Chair. All applications and inquiries will be handled in a secure, sensitive, and confidential manner. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Strong clinical skills and ability to continue to practice their field of expertise while serving as Chief; should have skills in collaboration and the ability to learn and share.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
- Strong record of clinical excellence, academic achievement, and leadership experience.
- Demonstrated success in research, education, and program development.
- Meet university criteria for appointment of Associate or Full Professor.
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled
Yes
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.