Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
WashU Medicine
St. Louis, MO

The Washington University School of Medicine (WashU Medicine) seeks a strategic and collaborative physician leader to serve as the next Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished academic leader to guide a nationally prominent department into its next phase of growth and development. WashU Medicine is among the top medical schools in the country, ranking nationally #2 in NIH funding (Blue Ridge Institute) and #6 in Otolaryngology (NIH Reporter).

The Department has a rich 130-year history of leadership built on the foundations of academic medicine: patient care, research, and education. Today, the Department is a $60 million enterprise comprising 200 staff and 50 faculty members across eight divisions, with three areas of focus: cancer, neuroscience, and mucosal biology. Clinical services are delivered across 12 BJC HealthCare hospitals and outpatient centers, including St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital on the medical center campus. The Department offers four fellowship programs and a highly ranked residency program. It is well-positioned for success in key areas, including work culture, operations, clinical care, financial performance, and research funding.

The next Chair will possess proven leadership experience in a complex environment, with a track record of delivering exceptional patient care and supporting research and scholarship. They will have the knowledge and skills to leverage the Department’s strengths and provide a strategic vision for the continued growth and expansion of the clinical mission in collaboration with BJC HealthCare. They will identify and promote inherent synergies to advance interdisciplinary collaborations and research, aligning and supporting shared goals across WashU Medicine.

Desired Experience, Traits, and Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within a complex, multi-faceted university or integrated healthcare system with a demonstrated track record of delivering exceptional patient care, educational excellence, and program growth.
• Ability to collaborate successfully across divisions and departments, work effectively with diverse groups, and establish trust and credibility.
• Advocate for the strategic goals of WashU Medicine in alignment with the Department and BJC HealthCare leadership.
• Ability to develop and drive the implementation of a strategic vision and annual operating plans that ensure people, systems, and processes are coordinated and integrated.
• Foster an environment of accountability and continuous improvement by establishing and monitoring key performance measures to support the achievement of goals and outcomes.
• Lead innovative research strategies that foster discoveries and facilitate the translation of those discoveries to the clinic and beyond.
• Develop and mentor faculty and fellows and be adept at recruiting outstanding new faculty to build high-performing teams and foster a pipeline of future leaders.
• Clear commitment to high-quality medical education and training, with a dedication to promoting scholarship and research opportunities for students, residents, and fellows.
• Adept in building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with community physicians and external partners.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to inspire and unite staff, faculty, and trainees.
• Demonstrate financial and business acumen in partnership with administrative staff.
• Background in individual scholarship is strongly preferred but not required.
• Model impeccable values and high ethical standards.

Required Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold the rank of Professor or be eligible for promotion to Professor and possess an MD, DO, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree, as well as be board-certified in Otolaryngology. Applicants should have 10 years of experience in administrative and clinical leadership roles within a complex environment. Must hold or be qualified to obtain an unrestricted license to practice medicine in Missouri.

Application procedure

To apply, please submit your CV and letter of interest to:

Mark Prosperi
Executive Director, Talent Management and Executive Search
prosperim@wustl.edu

or

Nancy J. Donohoo
Senior Consultant, University Executive Recruitment
ndonohoo@wustl.edu

EEO Statement- The university’s policy is to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.