Clinical Director of Primary Care (MD/DO)

Mercy Care; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Care in Atlanta is seeking a Director of Primary Care to lead our Primary Clinics, ensuring patient-centered care and HRSA compliance. You will guide the clinical team, mentor physicians and nurse practitioners, and promote integrated care addressing medical, behavioral, and social needs for underserved populations.

The role emphasizes collaboration across departments to maintain seamless, compliant services and to advance Mercy’s compassionate mission and inclusion for all patients served.

Qualifications

• MD with board certification in primary care.
• 7–10 years in healthcare with ≥5 in leadership or supervision.
• FQHC experience strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Expertise in population health and integrated care models.

Responsibilities

• Lead the clinical team and mentor physicians and nurse practitioners.
• Advance integrated care addressing medical, behavioral, and social needs for underserved populations.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure seamless, integrated, compliant care.
• Support leadership development and mentorship for the right candidates.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Population health

Integrated care models

Mentoring

Strategic planning

Budget management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

MD, board certification in primary care

Job description

Description

The Director of Primary Care leads the delivery of exceptional, patient-centered care across Mercy Care’s Primary Clinics. This role ensures compliance with HRSA standards while advancing integrated care models that address medical, behavioral, and social needs for Atlanta’s most vulnerable populations.

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

Day Shift

Description

The Director of Primary Care leads the delivery of exceptional, patient-centered care across Mercy Care’s Primary Clinics. This role ensures compliance with HRSA standards while advancing integrated care models that address medical, behavioral, and social needs for Atlanta’s most vulnerable populations.

The Director of Primary Care leads the Clinical Team while serving as a mentor and educator for physicians and nurse practitioners, fostering professional growth and clinical excellence. This role collaborates across departments to ensure seamless, integrated care and compliance with all health system policies, while actively supporting the Mercy Philosophy of compassion and inclusion.

Physicians new to formal leadership roles who demonstrate strong clinical excellence, collaboration, and a desire to grow into leadership are encouraged to apply. Mercy Care is committed to supporting leadership development and mentorship for the right candidate.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD, board certification in primary care specialty required.


• Minimum 7-10 years in a healthcare setting, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role; FQHC experience strongly preferred.


• Prior formal leadership experience is preferred but not required for physicians who demonstrate readiness for leadership, strong clinical judgment, and a commitment to learning and professional growth.


• Demonstrates superior written and verbal communication and presentation skills appropriate for audience comprehension. Able to communicate effectively with individuals and groups representing diverse perspectives.


• Expertise in population health, chronic disease management, and integrated care models.

Experience Requirements

• Mentors and develops physicians and nurse practitioners, grows and strengthens clinical teams, and manages budgets to ensure operational excellence.


• The Director collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to advance integrated care models addressing medical, behavioral, and social needs for underserved populations, while ensuring compliance with HRSA standards and organizational goals.


• Strong strategic, analytical, and program development skills


• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams and driving process improvement

Why Mercy Care

“We don’t turn anyone away.” In these words, a member of Mercy Care's outreach team captured the philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy—embrace everyone in need. This sentiment drives the mission, vision and daily work of Mercy Care.

After the Civil War, four pioneering Sisters of Mercy came from Savannah to Atlanta and established Saint Joseph’s Hospital. When Saint Joseph’s relocated to the Atlanta suburbs a century later, volunteer physicians, nurses and other hospital staff took to the streets of downtown Atlanta and used their healing skills to serve those most vulnerable. In this compassionate and inspiring mission were the seeds of today's Mercy Care.

In 2012, Saint Joseph’s Hospital became Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Mercy Care remained under Saint Joseph's Health System. At the point of this transition, the resources and energies of Saint Joseph’s Health System went into the Mercy mission of service to the poor.

In the past decade, wonderful things have happened. Mercy Care has grown in all respects, meeting new patient and community needs as well as space needs. In 2017, we built a beautiful clinic in Chamblee to serve the large and growing Hispanic community. In 2022, we renovated and expanded the Decatur Street clinic while still serving our patient population.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.