Chair, Department of Surgical Specialty

Chair, Department of Surgical Specialty & MSK (Associate/Professor)

Job Class Code: 00024
FLSA: Exempt
Posting Number: FRGV1977
Location: Rio Grande Valley, Texas
Division/Organization: Division of Health Affairs
Appointment Period for Non-Tenure Position: 1 year
Tenure Status: Non Tenure Track
FTE: 1.0

Scope of Job:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine (SOM) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the Chair for the Surgical Specialty and Musculoskeletal Integrated Service Unit. The successful candidate will also be put forth to hold the position of Subram Glopal Krishnana MD and Sumant Krishnan MD Endowed Chair. An endowed chair at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley represents one of the University's highest honors and is awarded to faculty who demonstrate exceptional distinction in their field. Resources associated with the endowed chair are included to support scholarly activities, research, and professional development. Reporting to Dean of the School of Medicine, the Chair will be responsible for building and maintaining a robust clinical practice, research programs, high quality graduate medical education programs, medical student education, and a collegial interactive culture. This leader will be expected to divide their time between administrative leadership while maintaining a surgical practice. This is a wonderful opportunity for a visionary leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and drive to oversee and build a thriving clinical enterprise.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Administration:

• Serve as the primary leader and representative of the Surgical Specialty and Musculoskeletal Integrated Service Unit. , including all represented / included surgical subspecialties.
• Leadership and Engagement with the UTRGV Ambulatory Surgery Center partnership.
• Collaborate with institutional leadership to build and grow an Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, and other surgical specialty education programs.
• Supervise and support the Surgical Specialty MSK faculty, a diverse group of specialists, including Dermatology, Family Medicine Sports Medicine, Orthopedic surgical specialties, Otorhinolaryngology, and Audiology.

Education and Training:

• Foster excellence in medical education for residents and medical students.
• Ensure compliance with ACGME requirements and maintain accreditation for all applicable GME programs.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for faculty, residents, fellows, and medical students.

Faculty Recruitment and Development:

• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline for faculty recruitment and retention.
• Promote faculty engagement in research, education, and clinical care.
• Cultivate a collaborative and supportive environment for academic and clinical growth.

Clinical Program Development:

• Oversee the expansion and success of clinical programs, including orthopedic and non-orthopedic surgical specialties.
• Collaborate with Clinical Service Line Administrators, assistant vice president of clinical operations, and assistant vice president of revenue cycle to enhance patient care and outcomes.
• Ensure the department meets quality and safety standards for clinical services.

Hospital and Community Relations:

• Maintain and strengthen clinical and business relationships with multiple hospital partners where learners train and faculty practice. .
• Work closely with hospital leadership to align department goals with institutional priorities.
• Advocate for resources to support the ISU's clinical, educational, and research missions.

Operational and Financial Oversight:

• Work with Department Administrator and Decision Support to develop and manage ISU budgets to support academic, clinical, and research activities.
• Monitor and ensure financial sustainability of clinical and educational programs.
• Lead efforts to secure funding and resources for ISU initiatives.

The UTRGV School of Medicine, established in 2015 and located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, has a focus toward community health. The school's program prioritizes social responsibility, respect, dignity, sensitivity, sensibility, advocacy and community service - with a mission to improve health, and life, at the individual and community levels.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MD with board certification in Orthopedic Surgery.
• Qualified for appointment at the rank of associate professor or full professor at an LCME accredited medical school.
• Eligible for medical license in the state of Texas.
• Five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in a department of orthopedic surgery for an academic medical center with a record of professional accomplishments on a national and international scale, with a strong focus on clinical and academic success for meeting the requirements for a faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or full Professor.

Discipline Specific Required Qualifications:

Preferred Qualification:

• Training in ACGME accredited Sports medicine fellowship, with ABOS sports medicine specialty certification highly preferred.
• Experience with residency program leadership and/or education.
• Strong clinical and academic credentials with a commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and research.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including hospital leadership, faculty, and trainees.
• Significant leadership experience and demonstrated success as a manager at the Chair, Associate Director, Director or program leader level gained within an academic medical center, including successful experience in the recruitment, retention, and management of clinicians and researchers.
• A distinguished academic record and national presence in one's discipline as evidenced by such activity as peer-reviewed publications, major journal editorial responsibility, a senior officer position in one's major national organization, or equivalent experience.
• Dynamic leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, and keen vision are required.
• Ability to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across the Rio Grande Valley.
• Strong organizational, management, financial, and budgetary skills with the ability to bring scientific leadership and organization innovation to the management of people and processes.
• A demonstrated ability to think strategically with a vision of how to develop clinical services, research, and education for the future while keeping an eye on the details of the implementation; can articulate a vision that will promote and integrate research, care, and education across UTRGV and the community.
• A proven background in recruitment, mentoring, and development of outstanding academic and administrative leadership. A dedicated leader and mentor to scientists, clinicians, and staff.
• An outstanding record of scientific achievement, grant support, scholarly accomplishments and mentoring.
• A proven ability to build strong teams, as well as to work as a team member with one's colleagues in management and in team leadership positions with one's direct reports.
• An ability to grow revenue and attract external funding from institutions and individuals, specific experience with donor fundraising is a plus.
• A demonstrated record of building strong teams, both within and across disciplines. Evidence of support for interdisciplinary research and clinical program development is highly valued.
• Experience or ability to nurture and grow a successful residency program.

Salary: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
License or Certification Required?: Yes
Number of Vacancies: 1
Desired Start Date: 04/06/2026