Trauma Program Medical Director (opens in new tab)

Tnafp; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, TN, in partnership with Parkwest Medical Center, seeks a visionary Trauma Surgeon to establish and lead a Level II Trauma Program. The Trauma Medical Director will shape clinical protocols, accreditation efforts, and quality initiatives while coordinating a diverse team of physicians and APPs.

The role reports to Premier Surgicalist Director and Parkwest leadership, building a high-performing program that elevates patient outcomes and community care

Qualifications

• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
• Board Certified in General Surgery.
• Board Certified in Surgical Critical Care or trauma care.
• Active ATLS certification and Tennessee license eligibility.
• Leadership experience in trauma services.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical direction and oversight for the Trauma Program.
• Lead a multidisciplinary trauma team.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, credentialing, and retention.
• Lead trauma call coverage and activations.
• Ensure compliance with ACS and state trauma standards.
• Develop clinical pathways and evidence-based protocols.
• Liaise with hospital leadership and community partners.

Skills

Trauma leadership

Clinical leadership

Team coordination

Strategic planning

Communication

Recruitment & onboarding

Quality improvement

Education

MD/DO degree

TN medical license eligibility

ATLS certification

Job description

Location: Knoxville, TN

Premier Surgical Associates and Parkwest Medical Center are seeking an accomplished, visionary Trauma Surgeon to develop and lead the hospital’s Level II Trauma Program. The Trauma Medical Director will serve as the clinical, administrative, and strategic leader responsible for the development, implementation and ongoing management of trauma services.

In this key leadership role, the Medical Director will coordinate a team of physicians and advanced practice providers delivering trauma care across numerous specialties. The successful candidate will establish clinical protocols, lead trauma accreditation efforts, drive quality improvement efforts, and foster collaboration among physicians, nursing leaders, hospital leadership and community stakeholders.

The Trauma Program Medical Director will be employed through Premier Surgical Associates and based at Parkwest Medical Center. The position will report administratively to the Premier Surgicalist Director and collaboratively to the Parkwest Surgical Service Line Director and hospital leadership to achieve program goals and maintain compliance with applicable trauma designation standards.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of trauma care in East Tennessee by building a high-performing trauma program that delivers exceptional patient outcomes and serves as a regional destination for trauma services.

Key Responsibilities

Medical and Clinical Leadership

• Provide overall medical direction and clinical oversight for the Trauma Program and Trauma Center operations.
• Develop and lead a multidisciplinary trauma team, including trauma surgeons and specialty physicians.
• Assist with physician recruitment, onboarding, orientation, credentialing, and retention efforts.
• Participate in trauma call coverage and trauma activations.
• Develop and oversee trauma admission, triage, transfer, consultation and discharge criteria.
• Establish, implement, and monitor trauma clinical pathways, algorithms, practice management guidelines (PMGs), and evidence-based protocols.
• Collaborate with nursing leadership and ancillary department to support the clinical needs of trauma patients and ensure optimal patient outcomes.
  

Program Administration and Strategic Leadership

• Lead the strategic development, growth, and operational success of the Trauma Program.
• Collaborate with executive and service line leadership on resource allocation, staffing, budget priorities and program expansion.
• Ensure compliance with ACS verification requirements, state trauma regulations, accreditation standards, and hospital policies.
• Participate in trauma center designation, verification, and reaccreditation activities.
• Monitor compliance with medical staff bylaws and trauma center requirements.
• Establish and oversee trauma call schedules and specialty coverage requirements.
• Recommend trauma privileges and participate in credentialing reviews for trauma call panel physicians.
• Serve as liaison between trauma physicians, hospital leadership, the medical staff and community partners.

Other Duties

• Performance Improvement and Patient Safety
• Education and Professional Development
• Research and Community Outreach
• Communication and Collaboration

About Premier Surgical Associates and Parkwest Medical Center

Premier Surgical Associates is East Tennessee’s largest independent general and vascular surgery practice. Premier’s board-certified surgeons provide care across a wide range of specialties including general surgery, vascular surgery, surgical oncology, colorectal surgery and bariatric surgery. Headquartered in Knoxville, Premier Surgical also serves patients through general surgery offices in Cleveland and Johnson City, as well as vascular satellite clinics throughout East Tennessee.

Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship facility in Knoxville, Tennessee, is the region’s largest hospital and a nationally recognized leader in cardiac, stroke, surgical, and emergency care. Consistently ranked among Tennessee’s top hospitals, Parkwest combines advanced technology with compassionate, patient-centered care to serve communities across East Tennessee.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Board Certified in General Surgery
• Board Certified in Surgical Critical Care with expertise in trauma care and active medical staff privileges.
• Current Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification.
• Current unrestricted medical license or eligibility for licensure in the state of Tennessee.
• Participation in trauma call coverage.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in trauma services, performance improvement, patient safety, and multidisciplinary program management.
• Knowledge of ACS trauma center verification standards, Trauma PIPS principles, and applicable state trauma system requirements.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and physician leadership skills.
• Ability to effectively lead multidisciplinary teams and drive continuous improvement in trauma care delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
• Fellowship training in Trauma Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, or Surgical Critical Care.
• Previous Trauma Medical Director, Associate Trauma Medical Director, or Trauma Program leadership experience.
• Experience leading an ACS-verified Level I, II, or III Trauma Center.
• Experience with trauma verification surveys, TQIP participation, and PIPS leadership.