Department Chair - Primary Care

CommonSpirit Health; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Starting bonus

Competitive chair package

Job summary

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health seeks a Department Chair of Primary Care to lead operations, quality and growth across Behavioral Health, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine & Pediatrics in an extensive Western Washington network. You will set the department's vision and work with system leaders to advance clinical programs, education and research.

The role emphasizes collaboration with academic and executive leaders, driving metrics, coaching division chiefs, and representing the department to

Qualifications

• MD or DO degree from an accredited institution.
• Board certification or eligibility in a relevant ABMS specialty.
• Active or eligible license in the state of Washington.
• Strong clinical skills and leadership in programmatic development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Department of Primary Care's operations, quality, efficiency, growth and delivery across divisions.
• Establish vision, objectives and initiatives aligned with system strategy.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and development of providers.
• Drive performance metrics including productivity and patient satisfaction.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and external partners; represent the department.

Skills

Strong clinical skills

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Leadership experience

Programmatic development

Education

MD/DO degree

ABMS board certification or eligibility

Active WA medical license

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As the Department Chair of Primary Care at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you will lead the operational, quality, efficiency, growth and delivery of care in the Divisions of Behavioral Health, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine & Pediatrics in an extensive integrated health‑care system network spanning Western Washington.

Every day you will be responsible for establishing the Department’s vision, objectives, and initiatives in accordance with the health system’s overarching strategy. This individual will advocate for departmental requirements while ensuring congruence with the broader strategic priorities of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH). In collaboration with System Leaders, the Chair will provide expertise in managing the Department of Primary Care across all domains, collaborating with colleagues in a progressive academic and executive leadership model.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the Department’s operational metrics, integrating methodologies to advance clinical programs and optimization of clinical results. The Chair will facilitate multidisciplinary cooperation across divisions to foster excellence in clinical practice, education, and research. Finally, this position serves as the primary representative for the Department of communications with CommonSpirit and VMFH executive leadership, hospital administration, service line directors, and external partner organizations.

Further Details of the Department of Primary Care Chair Position Include:

• Working in a highly collaborative, academic, research and teaching environment
• Develops and enforces system‑wide clinical care pathways, work‑flows, and quality initiatives, ensuring providers adhere to best practices
• Oversees the recruitment and retention of high‑quality, culturally aligned providers, actively participating in the hiring and on‑boarding process
• Drives accountability for performance metrics, including productivity, patient satisfaction, quality, and evaluates division chiefs and other physician leaders within the Department
• Provides coaching, mentorship, and professional development for division chiefs and medical directors
• Participates in any necessary counseling and corrective actions regarding provider behavioral or quality‑of‑care issues
• Works with the Physician Enterprise Chief Medical Officer and administrative partners to develop an annual strategic plan for the Department that includes specific initiatives that will be pursued each year to achieve growth and quality objectives
• Reporting to the Vice President/CMO of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Physician Enterprise
• Supporting a diverse culture where academic and community physicians collaborate
• Electronic medical records via EPIC
• Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Women, under‑represented minorities, and Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply

We are offering a highly competitive salary, starting bonus and relocation assistance, in addition to our competitive chair package in conjunction with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health a part of CommonSpirit Health.

Job Requirements

Required:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution
• Board certification or eligibility in a relevant ABMS specialty
• Active or eligible license in the state of Washington
• Strong clinical skills with experience in programmatic development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment
• Commitment to providing high‑quality, compassionate care
• Clinical and leadership experience

Where You’ll Work

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area. Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth. Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care. We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top‑quality, professional healthcare in modern, well‑equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.