Chief Medical Officer

Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation; New Mexico; On-site; USD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Continuing education support

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation seeks a Chief Medical Officer to lead medical services, integrate clinical care with tribal values, and maintain patient care while remaining clinically connected.

Reporting to the CEO and collaborating with the Board, the CMO will oversee clinical departments, drive quality initiatives, and advance AAAHC accreditation readiness in a culturally responsive care model anchored in the Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico community.

Qualifications

• MD or DO degree required; board certified or eligible.
• Current, unrestricted medical license in the United States; NM licensure obtainable after hire.
• CPR and/or ACLS certification required.
• 10+ years progressive clinical experience, including 3–5 years in medical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for all medical services at KPHC.
• Oversee clinical departments through directors and ensure quality/improvement activities.
• Coordinate with Board and CEO; advance AAAHC accreditation readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Cultural humility

Community engagement

Education

MD/DO degree

Board certification or eligibility

NM/US medical licensure

Tools

NextGen

ADP

Sage

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wipfli is assisting our client, Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation (KPHC), in seeking a collaborative and community-centered Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to join its executive leadership team. This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished physician leader to help shape the future of clinical care for a mission-driven, tribally chartered healthcare organization while remaining clinically connected to the patients, providers, and community it proudly serves.

Located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on the Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo, KPHC is a community-based health center operating under an Indian Health Service (IHS) Title I contract. Dedicated to ensuring health and wellness through excellence in healthcare with respect for culture, KPHC has grown from a primary care clinic into a comprehensive, multidisciplinary health system offering primary care, dental, optometry, pharmacy, behavioral health, public health, and specialty services, helping patients access high-quality care close to home.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Board of Directors and Health Board, the CMO provides executive leadership for all medical services at KPHC. The position is responsible for the planning, development, organization, integration, administration, and evaluation of clinical services across the Health Center, overseeing nursing, behavioral health, pharmacy, public health, optometry, dental, laboratory, radiology, and all clinic providers. Uniquely, this role blends executive leadership with continued clinical practice, allowing the CMO to remain connected to patients while guiding strategy, stabilizing operations, and strengthening a culture of trust and culturally responsive care. In addition, the CMO serves as a key strategic advisor to executive leadership and a visible leader within the community, helping to advance the Health Center’s mission and long‑term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical and Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing clinical guidance and strategic insight to support organizational decision‑making.
• Maintain a patient panel and provide direct patient care approximately one to one and one‑half (1–1.5) days per week, supporting community integration, provider engagement, and a working understanding of day‑to‑day clinic operations.
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to develop and execute long‑term clinical strategies, programs, and organizational priorities.
• Align clinical services with organizational goals and translate vision into actionable plans that advance the mission of KPHC.
• Provide same‑day provider coverage or crisis support when departments are short‑staffed or as organizational needs dictate.

Medical Operations and Quality

• Provide leadership and oversight for all clinical departments, largely through a team of department directors.
• Lead quality assurance and performance improvement activities and prepare the organization for AAAHC accreditation, including mock and formal surveys.
• Oversee the credentialing process for all medical staff and ensure compliance with AAAHC, CMS, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Coordinate with the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) Department on Contract Health Services and referrals.
• Formulate and implement policies and programs related to clinical services in partnership with the management team and medical staff.

Provider Recruitment and Team Development

• Serve as the medical staff recruitment and retention officer, with particular attention to factors affecting staff morale and engagement.
• Lead recruitment efforts for outpatient providers, physicians, behavioral health, dental, and radiology support.
• Lead, mentor, and develop clinical staff; foster a collaborative, accountable, and high‑performing team culture.
• Establish clear individual and departmental goals aligned with organizational priorities, and support team growth through education and professional development.

Board, Community, and Stakeholder Relations

• Prepare for and present at monthly board meetings, providing updates on clinical operations, productivity, and pending items.
• Interact regularly with the Board of Directors and Health Board, receiving departmental reports and communicating key operational information to governing leadership.
• Work with tribal health entities and community stakeholders to promote understanding of KPHC's health programs and encourage community participation in healthcare planning and evaluation.
• Build strong, trust‑based relationships with providers, staff, board members, and community partners.

Executive Leadership and Organizational Governance

• Fulfill the responsibilities of a corporate officer and support the organization's mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.
• Help stabilize clinical operations and rebuild organizational consistency during a period of executive transition.
• Contribute to organizational governance efforts, including policy development, EEO program implementation, and personnel administration.
• May serve as the acting Chief Executive Officer in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

About the Community

This position is based on‑site at the Santo Domingo Health Center in New Mexico, nestled in the heart of the Kewa Pueblo between the vibrant cultural hubs of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The region offers an exceptional quality of life, combining rich cultural heritage, stunning high‑desert landscapes, and a deep sense of community. Residents enjoy year‑round sunshine, world‑renowned arts and cuisine, outdoor recreation, and easy access to two of the Southwest's most dynamic cities, each less than an hour away. For physician leaders seeking the opportunity to drive meaningful change while practicing medicine in a truly unique, mission‑driven setting, KPHC offers the best of both career and community.

Employee Benefits

At KPHC, we invest in our employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well‑being, work‑life balance, and professional growth. Eligible employees may enjoy:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options for employees and eligible dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program.
• Relocation assistance to support your transition.
• Life and disability insurance coverage.
• Continuing education and professional development support.

Applicants will be considered based on whether they meet the minimum mandatory qualifications for the position. Among applicants who meet all minimum mandatory qualifications, preference will, to the maximum extent feasible, be granted to qualified Native American applicants.

Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from an accredited medical school required.
Current, unrestricted license to practice medicine within the United States required; New Mexico licensure obtainable after hire.
Board Certified or Board eligible required.
CPR and/or ACLS certification required.
Ten or more (10+) years of progressive clinical experience, including three to five (3–5) years in a medical leadership or executive role.
Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and mentor high‑performing clinical teams while fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
Sound judgment in evaluating complex situations, resolving conflict, and making timely, evidence‑based decisions.
A visible, community‑oriented leadership style — someone who listens, builds relationships, and leads change thoughtfully rather than aggressively.
Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, boards, physicians, staff, and community stakeholders.
Knowledge of, or ability to appreciate and respect, the customs of the Santo Domingo people and their effect on healthcare delivery.
Familiarity with, or ability to learn, KPHC core systems, including NextGen, ADP, Sage, and Microsoft Office applications.
Commitment to integrity, cultural humility, and stewardship of organizational resources.
Preferred: Prior experience working with Indian Health Services (IHS), a Tribe, or a Tribal organization; ambulatory healthcare and AAAHC accreditation experience; bilingual skills in English and the Keres native language.