Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) invites nominations and applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. This is a transformative opportunity for an accomplished, visionary, collaborative, and strategic leader to guide one of the nation's most dynamic academic emergency medicine departments. The Chair will lead the Department's clinical, educational, research, and administrative missions, foster an inclusive and high-performing culture, and advance strategic priorities across MCW and its health system partners. Building on a strong legacy of innovation and growth, the next Chair will shape the future of emergency medicine at MCW and strengthen the Department's regional and national impact.

The Department of Emergency Medicine is a nationally recognized academic department with more than 114 faculty members, 30 Advanced Practice Providers, and strong partnerships across MCW, its clinical affiliates, and communities throughout Wisconsin. The next Chair will lead the Department's continued evolution by expanding its academic programs, strengthening community and population health initiatives, and recruiting and developing exceptional faculty.

The Department's growing clinical enterprise spans eight emergency department sites across the Froedtert Health network and the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, providing care for more than 200,000 patients annually across diverse practice settings. At its center is Froedtert Hospital, southeastern Wisconsin's only adult Level I Trauma Center. The Department also maintains a close and highly collaborative relationship with Children's Wisconsin, one of the nation's leading pediatric healthcare organizations and the region's only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

The Department's educational mission includes one of the nation's longest-standing emergency medicine residency programs, currently training 36 residents, complemented by a robust portfolio of fellowship programs. Its nationally recognized research enterprise has particular strengths in EMS, resuscitation science, toxicology, injury prevention, substance use, and acute care outcomes. These programs provide a strong foundation for continued innovation, discovery, and leadership in emergency medicine.

The successful candidate will be a nationally respected academic emergency medicine leader with experience leading within a complex, high-performing organization. They will bring a record of clinical, scholarly, and administrative achievement; a collaborative and inclusive leadership style; and the ability to articulate and execute a compelling strategic vision. The Chair will be expected to develop faculty, foster innovation, build productive partnerships, and position the Department for sustained growth and impact. Additional information regarding the qualifications, experience, and personal attributes sought in the successful candidate can be found later in this document.

Review the Full Position Profile

The MCW Executive Faculty Search team is assisting with this critical recruitment. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted confidentially as outlined at the end of this document.

Procedure for Candidacy



To receive full consideration, please submit your application materials by the priority deadline of October 1, 2026. A complete application includes a current curriculum vitae and a cover letter. Executive biographies are also welcome. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The cover letter can be addressed to the Search Committee Co-Chairs Dr. John Rhee and Dr. Michael Widlansky and should describe the candidate's interest in the opportunity and highlight key leadership experiences, research interests, and/or accomplishments in education. Candidates are encouraged to address the following leadership competencies: Emotional Intelligence, Growth and Development Mindset, Collaboration and Relationship Building, Ability to Inspire Trust, Change Leadership, Effective Communication, Innovation, Results Orientation and Financial Stewardship. Candidates are not expected to address each competency in equal depth; however, the cover letter should provide evidence of strength across these areas in highlighting career accomplishments and experiences.

The MCW Executive Faculty Search team is assisting with this critical recruitment:

Amanda Steffens, CPRP, Principal, Executive Faculty Search [email protected]

Cedric Kuakumensah, Executive Faculty Search Associate [email protected]

Kate Martin, Senior Executive Recruitment Coordinator [email protected]

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