Professor and Chair, Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine

Job Overview

Founded in 1947, the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University Cincinnati College of Medicine has experienced sustained growth and transformation over the past decade through a strong culture of teamwork, shared governance, and collective leadership. Under a decade of effective stewardship, the department has evolved from a modestly sized unit into a large, dynamic, and increasingly nationally visible academic enterprise, and the department is seeking the next Chair.

The department represents a unique and integrated structure, encompassing Neurology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) as two distinct yet deeply interconnected entities operating within a single academic department. This dual structure creates a compelling opportunity for a Chair who values interdisciplinary leadership and can advance a unified vision that leverages the complementary strengths of both disciplines to enhance clinical impact, accelerate discovery, and support innovative education and training programs. Candidates must be prepared to lead within this integrated model and further strengthen collaboration across its components in service of the department’s goals.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished academic leader to guide a department integral to UC College of Medicine’s mission of excellence in clinical care, research, and education. The Chair will join the institution at a time of strong strategic alignment between departmental and university priorities. Neuroscience is a top institutional priority, designated as one of the major strategic focus areas, alongside the expansion of research enterprises supporting future National Cancer Institute designation and the pursuit of a National Institute of Health Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center designation.

Guided by the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine’s strategic plan, the department is organized around three primary goals: (1) optimizing brain–body health in Greater Cincinnati through the growth of integrated, high impact clinical programs; (2) advancing neuroscience research by expanding translational and clinical investigation and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration; and (3) developing tomorrow’s neuroscience workforce through the expansion of robust physician and interdisciplinary training programs. As a result, the incoming Chair will benefit from prioritized institutional investment and resource alignment that position the department for sustained expansion and increasing national prominence across clinical care, research, and education.

The next Chair will have the opportunity to build on this foundation—leading a vibrant, growing department at a moment of high energy, strong donor interest, and clear institutional commitment—while shaping the future of neuroscience and rehabilitation medicine through improved population health, research excellence, and the expansion of physician training programs within an integrated academic health system.

Essential Functions

In addition to being appointed as the Chief of Neurology for UC Health, the Chair will be an integral leader in the College of Medicine (CoM) and needs to think and function in a large academic health system context. The Chair is responsible for expanding high impact clinical programs and innovative diagnostic services, growing the research infrastructure, cross disciplinary collaborations and strengthening departmental culture to support faculty engagement and retention.

Additionally, the Chair will be responsible for:

• Developing and communicating a vision for the future of the department, developing and maintaining a strategic plan and goals that align with those of the CoM, UC Health, UC Physicians, VA Medical Center, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
• Directing and overseeing the quality and effectiveness of the department’s educational programs; fostering an environment that emphasizes and supports the importance of the department’s educational mission and recruitment of trainees. The candidate should have a track record of mentoring trainees and junior faculty to successful careers in Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine.
• Encouraging and supporting investigation and innovation, scholarly activities, and productivity. Implementing initiatives to promote and increase extramurally funded research in the department, including through a varied portfolio comprised of NIH, philanthropic and industry sponsored projects.
• Directing and overseeing the clinical services of the department and ensuring clinical excellence through a focus on patient safety, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient centered care.
• The recruitment, management, evaluation, development, and retention of talented faculty to fulfill the needs and missions of the department and various stakeholders.
• Fostering a congenial, mentoring environment in which the trainees, faculty, and staff all feel supported and empowered to attain their greatest desired potential.
• The financial performance and long-term fiscal stability of the department’s academic and clinical practice budgets. Developing annually, in collaboration with the department administrator, a budget for the department and overseeing management of department finances and resources in accordance with CoM and university policies and procedures.
• Seeking opportunities to increase philanthropic support for the department and CoM and actively participating in philanthropy and development programs.
• Modeling professionalism and ethical standards for faculty, residents, fellows, and staff and holding each of these cohorts similarly accountable.

Required Education

• MD or MD/Ph.D.

Required Experience

The ideal candidate will hold an M.D., D.O., or a combined degree such as M.D./Ph.D., etc., and meet the qualifications for the academic rank of Professor. The candidate will have obtained American Board of Neurology certification and possess or be eligible for a medical license in the State of Ohio. The candidate must practice the highest level of personal integrity.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.