Chair, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services

The executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been retained to assist in this recruitment.  Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited and should be submitted to Sanna Bryant at [email protected].  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, a leading academic health center, invites applications for a full time Chair, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services position. The Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services is responsible for leading and expanding the excellence of the educational, scientific, and clinical programs of the department. The Chair has overall responsibility for operations and strategy in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services. Additionally, the Chair oversees the development of centers of excellence and outstanding clinical programs and inspires groundbreaking clinical, translational, and basic research.
 

This vital position requires a dynamic, passionate, and experienced Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences leader with a proven track record across the spectrum of individual scholarship; collaborative academic leadership; clinical and research program development; educational excellence; successful faculty recruitment, retention, and advancement; and community engagement. The Chair leads through innovation, effective management of department resources, and leverage of institutional assets. The Chair also works collaboratively with the McGovern Medical School and health system leaders, involving fellow chairs, administrators, faculty, and staff. The Chair demonstrates a personal communication style and integrity that fosters an environment of trust, teamwork, respect, accountability, and personal behavior that fosters innovation and excellence from all constituents.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: LaTanya Love, M.D.—Dean, McGovern Medical School and Executive Vice President, University Affairs, UTHealth Houston
Direct reports: Vice Chairs, Division Chiefs, Department Administrator, Program Directors
Other key relationships: Department Chairs, Institute and Center Directors, Health System Leadership, Vice Deans, Faculty and Staff, Donors, Community Leaders, Patients, and Families, Partner Institutions

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with institutional leadership, provide visionary and innovative leadership to taake the department into the next phase of growth, development, and excellence in its missions, achieving deserved national distinction in each.
• Provide the vision and leadership to achieve superior clinical programs within Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and related disciplines. Work closely and collaboratively with the leadership team to build, grow, and integrate areas of acknowledged clinical excellence with outstanding outcomes, value, access, and patient satisfaction.
• Actively participate in leadership of the faculty practice to develop innovative clinical growth strategies that increase market share in Houston’s rapidly growing population.
• Ensure delivery of excellent clinical education and advanced training to the medical students, residents and fellows, and research training to trainees. Provide leadership and oversight to the residency and fellowship programs within the department.
• Define and lead the department’s research strategy together with the dean. Support investigators within the department in efforts to secure NIH and other grant funding to support research. Ensure a deliberate investment in research activities and priorities within the department. Promote scholarly activities on the part of faculty, trainees, and students.
• Supervise, prepare, implement, and monitor the department budget that encompasses all funding sources and ensures compliance with grant, legislative, and institutional guidelines.
• Retain, recruit, mentor, and develop outstanding faculty within the subspecialties of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. Ensure an atmosphere of support and development, focusing on the development of faculty.
• Ensure compliance and ethical medical and financial practice across the department.
• Continually communicate and drive high-priority strategic initiatives to keep leadership focused. Communicate effectively and regularly with school and hospital leadership and with department faculty and staff regarding the overall health and performance of the department.
• Coach, mentor, and develop others to build internal capabilities and the talent that facilitates succession.
• Establish strong professional relationships, foster open communication and teamwork, and champion change. Effectively manage conflict and look for opportunities for collaborative solutions.

DESIRED OUTCOMES

• Enhance the department's national and international reputation.
• Identify and partner in the development of clinical programs for strategic growth.
• Engage and build relationships with faculty and support morale across the department.
• Recruit and retain departmental faculty and create a pipeline for the promotion of junior faculty.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations across UTHealth Houston and clinical partners
• Grow extramural funding for basic science, clinical trials, health services, and translational research programs.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE
Significant and successful leadership experience at an academic institution
Service as a division chief, vice chair, chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, or equivalent leadership experience. Strong financial acumen with knowledge of the complex finances at academic medical centers and healthcare delivery organizations. A passion for excellence in all aspects of the department’s mission, including research, education, clinical care, and service to our communities. Must meet the requirements for a faculty appointment at the full professor level.
 

Expanding and fostering strong clinical programs
Proven track record of developing, leading, and growing complex clinical programs that focus on access, high quality, and outstanding patient satisfaction.

Developing talent at all levels
Recruitment and development of physicians, coupled with demonstrated success in mentorship and the demonstrated enthusiasm and ability to identify, recruit, and retain staff across all roles. A strong history in building and sustaining a healthy organizational culture.
 

Growing research programs
Proven track record of supporting the success of a research program that led to significant growth in research funding and publications.
 

M.D. degree and board certification in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
Licensed or eligible for medical licensure in Texas. Additional degrees are considered additive and highly desirable.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Strategic and Visionary Leadership
In an ever-changing local, regional, and national healthcare environment, the successful candidate must create a compelling strategy and articulate a vision to continue the advancement of a critically important academic department and clinical enterprise for the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Collaborating and Influencing
As the leader in a complex health system, the ideal candidate must be able to build strong relationships with others in an environment where the medical school and the clinical system are partners and where the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences is seen as a leader within the overall institution. 

Business and Operational Acumen
With healthcare reimbursement moving from a volume-based system to a value-based system and with an increasing focus on managing the health of populations, the successful candidate must be mindful of these pressures. At the same time, and no less important, are ever-increasing downward pressures on research funding and an increase in cross-disciplinary projects and programs.

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
▪ The highest integrity and personal ethics.
▪ A commitment to service within the community.
▪ Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written.
▪ Strong organizational and process management skills.
▪ A commitment to listening and responding to the department members and their needs.
▪ An ability to prioritize the interests of the department above one’s own interest.