Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Kent Hospital President/COO, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is responsible for assuring the provision of high-quality care, maintaining positive relations with the medical staff, and collaborating with the executive team in developing future strategies for the organization. The CMO is responsible for strengthening the relationship between hospital administration and the medical staff. Serves as the chief administrative leader responsible for clinical quality within the organization. The CMO works closely with both administrative staff and members of the medical staff and its leadership to maintain the high quality of medical care and to promote medical staff participation in furthering the mission of the organization. Responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the medical staff services for the entire organization including both acute care campuses and all outpatient facilities.

Duties & Responsibilities
• Develops, implements, and evaluates clinical practice protocols in collaboration with the clinical staff, facilitating the transition of evidenced-based practices. Drives the development of a culture of patient safety. Makes recommendations to Administration to initiate health care services in response to innovations in techniques, methodologies, and other trends in health care. Establishes standards of medical care that are consistent with the Hospital's philosophy and goals.
• Provides ongoing implementation of the Quality Improvement Plan to assure safe and effective patient care. Oversees the medical staff Peer Review function to provide for ongoing professional practice evaluations and focused practice evaluations.
• Integrates, monitors and evaluates quality assurance, disease management, and utilization review activities and develops standards to improve quality outcomes both clinically and administratively to ensure the highest standards in treatment and care of patients and to ensure compliance with all relevant licensing and accrediting bodies. Provides leadership and vision in the development of clinical guidelines and care pathways.
• Directs Quality Improvement activities: prepares agenda for Quality Improvement Committee meetings and serves as Committee Chairperson. Initiates audits and studies to demonstrate compliance with JCAHO and other regulatory agency requirements; maintains all vital records and statistics.
• Serves as a member of the senior management team and assists in the strategic development of initiatives and programs. Participates in the annual operating and capital budget process providing input regarding budgets of medical affairs, clinical quality, and program and facility development.
• Is responsible for physician engagement strategies including supporting community physicians in physician recruitment and promoting programs that enhance physician satisfaction. Receives and reviews all applications for admission to the medical staff: complete preliminary preparations, including opinions and recommendations for consideration by the Credentials Committee. Recommends changes in the review process when indicated to improve the procedure. Attends and participates in appeal hearings. Assists in reviewing physician contracts, compensation, and stipends for physicians with duties in the medical center.
• Encourages inter-departmental cooperation and coordination of medically oriented services in response to innovations in techniques, methodologies and other trends in health care. Coordinates with Departmental Chairs and investigates and resolves problems and conflicts between medical staff members and Administration or any other departments. Meets with patients or their family members to discuss complaints or other matters of concern related to medical services delivered by the hospital in an effort to address and resolve the complaint.
• Ensures medical staff development, plans and programs are implemented and maintained. Supports Medical Staff Officers, Chiefs, and Committee Chairs to provide leadership for the medical staff. Supports team and individual growth among leaders. Supports medical staff in its self-governance and accountability to the Hospital Board for quality and safety of patient care. Assures medical staff compliance with bylaws, rules, and regulations, as well as policies, procedures, and behavior standards.
• Establishes continuing medical education and other relevant programs and encourages medical staff attendance. In conjunction, establishes and maintains systems to record all data pertinent to the medical credentialing process, licensure of physicians, educational meeting attendance, and participation by medical staff members.
• Provides support to and champions the organization's infection control program. Supports the quality initiatives and the clinical integrations of the organization.
• Participates in the development of clinical information systems and electronic medical records to allow proper utilization of clinical data and feedback to physicians regarding practice patterns and performance.
• Regularly attends all relevant medical staff meetings, administrative team meetings, and board meetings where appropriate. Participates in Hospital and professional meetings, committees, and conferences as needed.
• During an emergency, disaster, or catastrophic event CMO may be assigned to any disaster service activity that promotes the protection of public health and safety.
• Oversees the efforts of staff members who manage the Epidemiology Program, the Tumor Registry, Quality Improvement program, and Diagnostic Imaging. Interacts and coordinates Utilization Review activities as they affect the quality of patient care services. Supervises, motivates, and directs the work of assigned staff; conducts routine performance evaluations.
• Maintains high standards of professional expertise in all aspects of medical care and health service delivery; be familiar with all regulatory requirements, procedural changes, and revisions in professional standards.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Must have a Medical Degree with board certification. MBA, MHA, related degree or credential in medical management is desirable. Must be eligible for licensure in Rhode Island. Must be eligible to become a member of the medical staff. 5-7 years of experience in an academic setting and in medical staff administrative leadership is preferred. Demonstrated leadership in an acute care hospital as a CMO, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director, or other relevant position is preferred. Strong clinical competency and experience leading physician groups and other clinical staff in large-scale quality programs and change efforts. Track record of working effectively with medical staff, including other physician leaders/Chiefs, nursing staff and leadership, and other administrative leaders with a very positive and respectful spirit. Demonstrated commitment to effective dyad partnership with nursing staff and leadership. Experience in the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff; faculty development. Proven track record with quality improvement and clinical operations. Experience with Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) is desirable.