Chair, Department of Clinical Medicine

Dubuque; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

University College invites applications for the Chair of the Department of Clinical Medicine to lead clinical education across four years of the DO/MD program. The role oversees curriculum design, assessment, faculty recruitment, and collaboration with simulation and GME leaders to ensure alignment with accreditation standards.

The Chair will mentor faculty, manage operations and budget, advance scholarship in medical education, and represent the department in committees and community

Qualifications

• Substantial teaching experience in medical education, preferably in clinical skills or clerkship coordination.
• Strong communication, organizational, and mentoring abilities.
• Knowledge of COMLEX-USA competencies and COCA standards; experience with interprofessional education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and continuous improvement of the clinical skills curriculum.
• Oversee OSCEs, simulation exercises, and standardized patient encounters.
• Coordinate with curriculum committees to align content with COMLEX-USA and COCA standards.
• Recruit, appoint, and evaluate clinical faculty and adjunct instructors.
• Provide mentorship and professional development to enhance instructional effectiveness.
• Manage departmental operations, scheduling, and budget.
• Represent the department on committees and in professional meetings.

Skills

Med ed teaching

Communication

Organizational skills

Mentoring

Leadership

Interprofessional education

Simulation-based instruction

Education

MD/DO with board certification

Job description

The Chair of the Department of Clinical Medicine provides academic and administrative leadership for the clinical faculty and the delivery of the clinical skills curriculum throughout the four years of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. The Chair ensures that instruction in clinical reasoning, physical diagnosis, communication, and patient care is well integrated with biomedical and osteopathic principles and aligned with accreditation and competency standards. The position reports to the Associate Dean of Clinical Education and Graduate Medical Education and collaborates closely with the Associate Dean of Preclinical Education, the Director of Simulation and Clinical Skills, and course and clerkship directors.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, coordination, and continuous improvement of the clinical skills curriculum, including patient interviewing, physical examination, diagnostic reasoning, and documentation

• Ensure vertical integration of clinical skills content across preclinical and clinical years
• Oversee the development of assessment tools such as OSCEs, simulation exercises, and standardized patient encounters
• Collaborate with curriculum committees to align all clinical skills activities with COMLEX-USA competency domains and COCA standards
• Recruit, appoint, and evaluate clinical faculty and adjunct instructors across core and specialty disciplines
• Provide mentorship, peer review, and professional development opportunities to enhance instructional effectiveness and scholarly activity
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative department culture that values teamwork, professionalism, and innovation in clinical teaching
• Manage departmental operations, scheduling, and budget in coordination with the Associate Dean for Clinical Education & GME
• Collaborate with the Office of Simulation and Clinical Skills to ensure facilities, standardized patients, and resources meet educational goals

• Participate in strategic planning, policy development, and resource allocation for clinical education

• Monitor and evaluate clinical teaching quality through course reviews, student feedback, and performance outcomes
• Contribute to accreditation reporting, ensuring compliance with COCA and NBOME standards related to clinical instruction and assessment
• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives in alignment with institutional goals
• Maintain an active role in teaching and, where applicable, clinical practice
• Engage in scholarship in medical education, clinical pedagogy, or applied clinical science
• Represent the department and College on committees, at professional meetings, and in community partnerships

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the University’s Mission

Skills and Abilities:

• Substantial teaching experience in medical education, preferably in clinical skills or clerkship coordination
• Strong communication, organizational, and mentoring skills
• Knowledge of COMLEX-USA competencies, COCA accreditation standards, and competency-based medical education
• Experience overseeing clinical faculty or directing clinical skills programs in an osteopathic or allopathic medical school
• Familiarity with simulation-based instruction and interprofessional education

Qualifications:

• Medical degree (D.O. or M.D.) with board certification in a clinical specialty
• Demonstrate leadership and administrative experience in academic or clinical settings
• Record of scholarly productivity or innovation in medical education