University of Tennessee

On behalf of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Medicine and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, CareerPhysician, the national leader in academic child health executive search and leadership development, invites applications and nominations for the role of Chair, Department of Pediatrics and Pediatrician-in-Chief. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead one of the nation’s premier academic pediatric programs and university systems and contribute to its longstanding legacy of excellence in clinical care, education, research, and public service.

Qualifications

• MD, DO, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree
• Board Certification in Pediatrics or one’s subspecialty area of practice
• Eligibility for permanent, unrestricted medical licensure in the State of Tennessee
• Academic accomplishments meriting appointment at the rank of a Tenure-Track Professor at UTHSC
• Leadership experience in a comprehensive academic medical center and children’s hospital
• Significant experience working with hospital and practice plan administration
• Proven expertise in implementing quality and process improvement initiatives, with a focus on patient experience, population health, and cost of care, in alignment with Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) principles
• Absolute integrity, ethical and moral behavior, and adherence to strict privacy and confidentiality standards
• A demonstrated track record as an effective manager with a participatory style; should be a mentor, coordinator, delegator, developer and coach.
• System thinker. Anticipates future consequences and trends accurately; has broad knowledge and perspective; is future oriented
• Is action oriented and full of energy for challenges; makes difficult decisions as needed; seizes opportunities as they arise; effectively copes with changes; shifts gears comfortably
• Strong financial acumen
• Strong communication skills are necessary, particularly verbal and listening communication skills; candidates must be articulate and able to provide fresh, creative ideas and solutions.

About Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

Recognized as a "Best Children's Hospital" by U.S. News & World Report for 14 consecutive years, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is nationally ranked in eight pediatric specialties:

• Cardiology & Heart Surgery
• Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
• Neonatology
• Nephrology
• Neurology & Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics
• Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
• Urology

Le Bonheur is part of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH) and has a longstanding academic partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The hospital generates annual net patient revenues of approximately $486 million and continues to expand its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge pediatric care and research.

In 2024, Le Bonheur celebrated two significant milestones in its growth and patient experience initiatives. The hospital completed a $95.4-million expansion, which added 14 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) beds to create a 74-bed NICU and established a 31-bed Cardiovascular Unit with 17 Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) beds and 14 cardiac step-down beds. The expansion also introduced eight new surgery recovery bays and a state-of-the-art MRI-guided cardiac catheterization lab, enhancing Le Bonheur’s capacity to provide advanced cardiac and neonatal care.

About UTHSC

UTHSC, with campuses across Tennessee, is the state’s largest educator of healthcare professionals and a leader in residency and fellowship training programs. The Department of Pediatrics is committed to enhancing children’s health through innovative research, exceptional patient care, and the education of future pediatric leaders.

Research efforts are supported by the Children’s Foundation Research Institute (CFRI), a 300,000-square-foot facility dedicated to basic, translational, and clinical research. The CFRI fosters collaboration to address pressing pediatric health challenges and reduce disparities in care.

About Memphis

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis is a culturally rich and vibrant city with a metropolitan population exceeding 1.3 million. Known for its low cost of living, revitalized downtown, thriving arts district, and renowned culinary scene, Memphis offers an exceptional quality of life. The city is home to iconic attractions, including Graceland, historic Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and a host of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Application Process

Application review begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations and applications, including a current CV and cover letter, may be submitted to Wesley Millican, MBA, CEO and Physician Talent Officer, Career Physician, c/o Jennifer Weimer at Jennifer@careerphysician.com. All inquiries and applications will remain confidential.

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the appropriate affirmative action office. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the campus ADA Coordinator.