Physician - Division Chief of Medical Oncology

Job Title
Physician - Division Chief of Medical Oncology

Requisition Number
FE04896

Working Title
Medical Oncologist

Department Name
7H367:INTERNAL MEDICINE & DIVISIONS-MED ONC

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Type of Position
Faculty

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Tenure Track Status
Tenure Track

Required Education

MD, DO, MD/PhD, or equivalent

Required Related Experience

• 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
• Meet university criteria for appointment of Associate or Full Professor

Required License/Registration/Certification

• Board Certification in Medical Oncology
• Board Certification in Internal Medicine
• Optional Fellowship in Medical Oncology
• Eligible for medical licensure in Kentucky

Job Summary

The Opportunity
The University of Kentucky (UK) College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking medical oncology leader to serve as the Division Chief of Medical Oncology. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic academic physician to advance the division’s clinical, research, and educational missions while guiding a high-volume clinical practice. The Division Chief reports directly to the Department Chair of Internal Medicine and works collaboratively with leaders across the College of Medicine, UK HealthCare, and the Markey Cancer Center.

The Division Chief plays a key role in strengthening clinical programs, promoting academic development, and driving research initiatives aligned with departmental and institutional priorities. Serving as a central voice among major committees and councils, the Division Chief will shape the long-term direction of medical oncology at UK and the Markey Cancer Center.

UK is seeking a leader who embraces the full tri-partite mission and excels at building and guiding various teams, collaborates effectively with hospital partners, and has a track record of promoting scholarship and securing extramural funding. Highly competitive candidates will bring a history of achievement as an academic oncologist including clinical expertise, meaningful research contributions supported by funding, progressive leadership experience, and recognition at the national and/or international level. Experience as a Division or Section Chief, Medical Director, Program Director, or in leadership within national professional societies or major journals is especially valuable. In conclusion, UK seeks a respected academic physician who has a high-level of emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional patient care while training the future generation of medical oncologists. The successful candidate will be an engaged and thoughtful leader who fosters collaboration, demonstrates integrity, and communicates effectively across the organization.

Scope of the Role

The Division Chief of Medical Oncology 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 clinical programs, medical training, and scientific discovery. The Division Chief serves at the discretion of the Department Chair and works in close partnership with leaders throughout UK HealthCare, the Markey Cancer Center, and the College of Medicine.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and develop an exceptional medical oncology program, with a commitment to teaching and research.
• Work collaboratively with leadership across the enterprise; UK HealthCare, the Markey Cancer Center, and the College of Medicine.
• 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.
• Lead and promote a robust clinical trials research program, ensuring the division is competitive at the forefront of medical oncology research.
• Communicate and deliver a clear vision of the division that inspires a collaborative environment and excellence across the tri-partite mission.
• Responsible for quality management and provider performance, including physicians, advanced practice providers, fellows, and staff for the Division.
• Review and report on provider performance quarterly.
• Recruit and mentor those of character into a culture of respect, kindness, and professionalism, where teamwork, innovation, and work satisfaction thrive.
• Ensure the division meets its missions through effective administration, leadership, and strategic planning.
• Encourage and promote faculty development, promotion, recruitment, and retainment.

Experience and Professional Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the Division Chief will possess the following background, experience, and skills:

• Physician leader with creativity, drive, and enthusiasm to further develop and enhance world-class programs.
• Strong, visionary, inspirational leader who can convey a long-term vision for the division yet is equally skilled at implementing a detailed plan to achieve that vision.
• Demonstrates effective communication and listening skills.
• Commitment to excellence in all academic domains, including clinical, research, educational, and community missions.
• Proven ability to navigate complex multidisciplinary environments and build trust with multiple stakeholders throughout an academic enterprise.
• Fosters an environment and culture of collaboration.
• Committed to value, quality, and efficiency.
• A mentor with a track record for successful faculty development who will foster a culture of provider engagement and leadership in cutting-edge academic research.
• Ability to recruit, retain, and promote excellent faculty.
• Demonstrated ability to promote institutional stewardship throughout an institution’s enterprise.
• 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.
• Strong clinical skills and ability to continue to practice their field of expertise while serving as Division Chief; should have skills in collaboration and the ability to learn and share.

About the 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 334 faculty, 157 staff, 214 residents and fellows, and 203 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 L. Conwell, MD, MS, FACG 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 candidates should submit a Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter along with their application. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

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.