Description

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine invites applications and nominations for the position of Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery in the Department of Surgery.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine seeks a visionary Chief with a successful record of achievement in academic medicine and extensive administrative experience as a division chief or program director. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong leadership skills as a listener, decision-maker, humanist, and an effective advocate for the Division and its faculty. Exceptional accomplishments as a surgeon and academician are a must as the Chief’s duties will include a clinical practice.

The predominant criteria for appointment as Chief includes the proven ability to deliver excellent patient care while training future leaders in plastic surgery. The successful candidate will also have a record of advancing the field through innovative research and scholarly activity.

The candidate should have experience developing collaborative initiatives and the personal charisma to promote, foster, and facilitate the trust of colleagues and the broader university. The Chief should demonstrate impeccable integrity and be an effective and able communicator.

The Division of Plastic Surgery currently consists of 6 faculty, 5 APPs, and several staff members. The Division also manages a 6-year Integrated Plastic Surgery residency program that matches two residents per year.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

• M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. or equivalent with a sustained record of scholarly activity
• National recognition as demonstrated through involvement in academic/professional societies at a national level
• Demonstrated leadership in administrative positions in medical school or academic medical center setting Proven record of recruitment and retention of talent and mentorship
• Board certification in Plastic Surgery
• Eligible for medical licensure in Kentucky

DIVISION CHIEF ANTICIPATED SPLIT OF DUTIES

General responsibilities:

•  Provides strategic leadership and oversight for the growth and development of the Division’s referral and outreach programs. Ensures high quality, cost competitive delivery of clinical services consistent with the Department’s approach of focusing on customer service, community welfare, responsiveness, and respect.
•  Oversees the design, implementation and evaluation of marketing and business strategies to assure growth of the Plastic Surgery service line. Participates in community awareness activities to promote clinical programs/services.
•  Works collaboratively with all clinical departments and research unit leadership to create a service line infrastructure comprised of high-quality clinical care that incorporates research and teaching activities. Cultivates and maintains professional relationships with clinical leadership, including physician groups, patients, and external entities to foster opportunities for revenue enhancement, enhanced customer service, and to positively impact core clinical measures.

Administrative Responsibilities:

•  Define improved standards of Division protocols, goals, and methods for implementation that reflect the Department’s vision for regional/national standing as a leader in academic medicine in Plastic Surgery, as well as a respected service provider in Kentucky.
•  Participate in and coordinate schedules for weekday clinical coverage.
•  Responsible for quality management and physician performance for the Division.
•  Review and report on physician performance annually.

Academic Responsibilities:

•  Participate in and advocate for quality teaching programs for residents in the Division.
•  Support the development of fellowship programs and their Directors; grow his/her own respective subspecialty fellowship program as applicable.
•  Mentor faculty in various professorial series and oversee practice development and productivity of the Division.
•  Oversee CME activities related to Plastic Surgery within the Department.

Research Responsibilities:

•  Provide oversight for the research portfolio of the Division.
•  Facilitate faculty mentoring in research.
•  Facilitate an environment of collaborative research and conduct independent or collaborative research in line with the goals of the Department, including maintaining strong records of accomplishments and encourage external funding.
•  Publish in peer reviewed literature as author and co-author.

Clinical Responsibilities:

•  Provide excellent clinical coverage.
•  Participating in in-house/consult call coverage for weeknight/weekend rotations, as needed.
•  Perform at a consistently high level in the OR.

IDEAL CANDIDATE EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES

•  Strong, visionary, inspirational leader who can artfully convey a long-term vision for medical education, yet is equally skilled at implementing a detailed plan to achieve that vision. Highly approachable and compassionate; a record of promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, teamwork, respect, and honesty; a professional and personal demeanor characterized by integrity, graciousness, humility, genuineness, sincerity; and a passion for the organization’s mission and objectives.
•  Exceptionally team-oriented; skilled at working well and partnering with providers across the care continuum to identify, build, and negotiate “win-win” relationships; politically astute yet apolitical with an ability to break down silos and ensure a collegial and productive work environment.
•  Highly adept and at ease managing the day-to-day operational details with the ability to make strong and decisive decisions when needed; able to conceptualize and analyze complex business opportunities; and oversee multiple projects.
•  Strong surgical skills and ability to continue to practice while chief; should have skills in collaboration and the ability to learn and share.

KEY ATTRACTORS TO THE ROLE

•  Lead a dynamic and growing Division that currently consists of 5 faculty members, 2 APRNs, strong staff support as well as an outstanding Integrated Residency training program in Plastic Surgery with 12 residents.
•  Operate at the beautiful, newly-renovated UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital, a regional tertiary referral care center for Kentucky and portions of surrounding states.  Live in Lexington, Kentucky – a city rich in history, economic and business development, scenic surroundings, diverse opportunities for year-round recreation and enjoyment, and an inviting and safe community to live and raise a family.

DIVISION OF PLASTIC SURGERY

The Division of Plastic Surgery currently consists of 6 faculty, 5 highly trained APPs, several staff members and a strong 6-year Integrated Plastic Surgery residency program that matches two residents per year. The current clinical offerings in the Division include: Aesthetic Surgery; Craniofacial Surgery; Pediatric Plastic Surgery; Microsurgery; Hand Surgery; Breast Reconstruction; Facial and Nasal Reconstruction, Head Surgery, Cleft Lip and Palate; Pediatric Plastic Surgery; Congenital Anomalies; Craniomaxillofacial Surgery: Burn Surgery; Wound Management; General Reconstructive Plastic Surgery; Post-traumatic Injuries; Cosmetic Breast Surgery; and Body Contouring.

Along with Orthopaedic Surgery, the Division of Plastic Surgery conducts the Combined Hand and Upper Extremity Service. All aspects of hand surgery are addressed, including trauma, congenital, rheumatoid and reconstructive surgery. Newer techniques of microsurgery, bone distraction, and nerve repair are evaluated and offered to patients. Research projects in wound healing, bone growth factors, and carrier vehicles are ongoing as are evaluative studies in advanced laser technology and skin substitutes.

Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program: The six-year program combines three years of core general surgery residency experience with three years of plastic surgery residency training. The first three years are tailored to provide individuals with a progressive graduated educational foundation in general surgery and other allied surgical disciplines pertinent to the skills in plastic surgery.

Considerable use has been made of collaborative services, including the development of a Hand Service, a Head and Neck Service, and the Multidisciplinary Craniofacial team. The Hand Service rotations serve as an example of the level of progressive involvement throughout the tiers of the integrated program. A similar progression has been established for the Burn Unit with initial rotations covering aspects of acute resuscitation and critical care. Subsequent rotations deal with wound excisions, grafting and reconstruction.

University of Kentucky Plastic Surgery residents receive clinical exposure that encompasses the full breadth and depth of reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. Residents are engaged in clinical and translational research at all stages of their training.

Research and Microsurgery Training Laboratory:  The University of Kentucky Plastic Surgery research includes studies in wound healing (including burns), breast cancer etiology, implant biofilms, tendon repair, and microvascular surgery. The Division operates two basic research laboratories which also houses a microsurgery-teaching laboratory. An experienced research associate assists all investigators (faculty and residents) with grant, IRB and IACUC submissions, oversees ongoing clinical and animal projects, and manages the administration of research accounts. The Division utilizes the University of Kentucky’s Clinic Research-DOC for research nurses and coordination of sponsored clinical trials.

Interested applicants should send their curriculum vitae to Dirk Jansson, Managing Director of Physician Executive Search at Jackson Physician Search via email at dirk.jansson@jacksonphysiciansearch.com or contact via phone at (470) 374-2705.