The University of Arizona (UArizona) College of Medicine – Tucson (UA COM-T) seeks an innovative academic neurologist to serve as Chair of the Department of Neurology. Reporting directly to UA COM-T’s Dean, Dr. Michael M.I. Abecassis, the chair will work collaboratively with the leaders of COM-T and Banner University Medicine to build upon excellence in existing clinical, teaching, and team-based research programs to position the department for growth and transformation.
The next Chair of the Department of Neurology will have the opportunity to enhance the subspecialty clinical offerings of the department by providing the continuum of tertiary neurological services, with opportunities to enhance collaborative programs with the Department of Neurosurgery, as well as with an additional 15 clinical departments, 5 basic science departments, and a multitude of centers and institutes, including but not limited to the Center for Innovation in Brain Science, which works to accelerate the advancement of evidence-based clinical care of brain disorders caused by disease, genetics or trauma, as well as the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute which provides southern Arizona with high-level neurosciences research designed to improve cognitive understanding and health.
The Chair will provide strategic leadership and direction for the growth of both clinical and academic activities of the department within the larger context of a growing academic medical center, by leveraging and further developing departmental strengths, expanding the Banner University of Arizona Medicine footprint. The Chair will set a clear vision, recruit, retain, inspire and engage faculty, mentor trainees and the careers of the faculty holding them accountable to agreed-upon objectives, create a collaborative environment conducive to camaraderie, excellent clinical care, research, education, and service, and drive results. The Chair will expand existing relationships and partnerships with community providers.
The successful candidate will be an outstanding clinical and academic leader with a national/international reputation as a respected and accomplished academic neurologist, and will have proven, substantial, and progressive leadership achievements. They will have a passion and proven track record for growing complex clinical care, building relationships with community-based providers, and possessing a desire to build systems and processes to maximize efficiency. Qualified candidates must hold an MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent medical degree, be board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, be eligible for medical licensure in Arizona, and meet UArizona criteria for appointment to a tenured/tenure eligible senior level faculty position.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
As the Chief Academic and Executive Officer for the Department of Neurology, and in conjunction with our affiliated clinical partners (Banner University Medicine and the Southern Arizona VA), the chair will provide leadership across the department’s tripartite mission (education and training, research, patient care) consistent with COM-T’s strategic plan that include other mission areas (faculty affairs, diversity and inclusion, financial sustainability, development, and brand communication). The Chair will serve as a ‘coach-player’ and mentor to faculty and trainees ensuring the highest quality of clinical services and programs in the context of an academic medical center focused on advancing the science and field of neurology across disciplines.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates for the position will hold MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degrees, will be board certified in Neurology and eligible for licensure in Arizona. University of Arizona criteria for appointment to a tenured senior-level faculty position is strongly recommended. In addition, candidates will be able to demonstrate a proven and substantial leadership experience in administrative positions in a medical school and/or academic medical center environment; involvement in academic and professional societies at a national level and a proven track record of collaboration across clinical and/or academic disciplines, including but not limited to research initiatives, faculty affairs, operations, key hospital interactions, graduate and undergraduate education, and fundraising will help identify the successful candidate and next chair of the department.
Procedure for Candidacy:
For full consideration, please apply at the UArizona link below as soon as possible. A CV and Letter of Interest will be required at that time. https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/19016?c=arizona.
Confidential inquiries or nominations may also be sent to Search Committee Chair, Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, neurologysearch@arizona.edu.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
The Department of Neurology believes in a culture focused on diversity and inclusion. Diversity is a focus of the Department of Neurology’s recruitment and retention practices. In accordance with the College of Medicine - Tucson's commitment to inclusive excellence, the Department of Neurology reflects this commitment by:
• Educating, training, and employing diverse faculty, staff, and student body
• Providing cutting-edge medical research
• Fostering the development of personal attributes in its employees and students that are necessary to achieve its mission
• Encouraging and supporting culturally relevant scholarly activities, that acknowledge and respect systems of healing that emerge from different traditions
• Providing a culturally competent, inclusive, and respectful environment