Director of Medical Education / Designated Institutional Official

Akron Children’s Hospital is dedicated to building a diverse workforce – one that reflects our patient population and represents the communities we serve. Whether you’re a resident, a physician early in your career, or a seasoned physician with years of experience, Akron Children’s Hospital has something different that’s hard to explain. You feel it in the atmosphere as soon as you enter through the doors. You experience it every day with your colleagues, staff, patients, and their families. Once you’re here, you know you’re home.

Position Summary:

The Director of Medical Education / Designated Institutional Official (DME/DIO) is an enterprise leader who oversees all aspects of medical education across undergraduate, graduate, and the continuing medical education for 1300 medical staff. Reporting directly to the Chief Academic Officer, this pivotal leadership role ensures the integration of the hospital's academic mission with clinical practice and research, in accordance with the highest standards set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and other national accreditation bodies. The Pediatric Residency Program Director, and all Fellowship Directors report to the DME/DIO.

The Vice Chair of Education for the Department of Pediatricsassists the Chair of Pediatrics to develop an overarching strategy for educational excellence. Reporting directly to the Chair of Pediatrics/ Pediatrician in Chief, this leader will oversee, monitor and innovate programs to develop the next generation of child health specialists and ensure effective implementation of the Department’s educational goals and strategies. The Vice Chair of Education will oversee the Residency Program Director, Fellowship Directors and Clerkship Directors to ensure an exceptional learner experience across the continuum.

This is a full-time role with the expectation that the individual maintains a clinical presence that covers 30% of their time.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Oversight: Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for UGME, GME, and CME that align with organizational goals and ACGME requirements.

ACGME Compliance: Ensure adherence to ACGME institutional requirements, including maintaining the accreditation status of all programs, overseeing the Annual Institutional Review, and ensuring that program coordinators and directors are fully compliant with ACGME standards.

Institutional Advocacy and Liaison: Serve as the primary institutional official in all matters related to ACGME accreditation. Act as the spokesperson for all graduate medical education (GME) programs during ACGME site visits and reviews.

Program Development and Evaluation: Lead the development and continuous modernization of curricula to enhance educational quality and outcomes. Establish systems for the evaluation and monitoring of program and faculty performance against set benchmarks.

Resource Management: Allocate resources to support educational initiatives and program improvements. Secure funding and support for GME activities.

Faculty and Staff Development: Lead efforts in strategic recruiting, intentional mentoring, and assuring meaningful, measurable faculty development. Similarly, ensure the professional development, evaluation, and management of administrative staff in concert with the Administrative Director for Medical Education.

Collaboration and Integration: Foster integration between educational programs and clinical practice. Enhance inter-professional education and collaborative practice models that have demonstrable impact on the Quadruple Aim.

Commitment to inclusivity and diversity: Review and modernize policies and procedures in academics to assure inclusivity and equity

Crisis Management and Adaptability: Provide leadership in adapting educational and operational approaches during crises to ensure continuity and quality of education.

Quality Improvement: Initiate and lead quality improvement projects that enhance educational efficiency and effectiveness, responding to internal and external reviews and feedback.

Representation and Advocacy: Represent the hospital and its educational programs at regional, national, and international forums. Advocate for policy changes and advancements in pediatric medical education.

Required Qualifications:

- MD or DO degree with board certification in an American Board of Medical Specialties specialty.

- At least 5 years of leadership experience in medical education within an academic hospital setting.

- Extensive knowledge and experience with ACGME rules and regulations.

- Proven track record of successful program development, accreditation processes, and strategic leadership in medical
   education.   

- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple
   disciplines and organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Advanced degree in education, healthcare administration, or a related field.

- Experience working in a high-volume pediatric healthcare system.

- Demonstrated ability in leading complex organizations through change and innovation

This position is a 501(c)(3) site which qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Federal government.

This opportunity offers:

Attractive guaranteed base salary
Starting Bonus
Comprehensive benefits package
 Occurrence based malpractice
Relocation assistance 
Generous vacation and CME time/money
Student loan repayment strategies

Hospital Overview

Akron Children's has been caring for children since 1890. With two hospital campuses, 6 regional health centers and 50+ primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, we’re making it easier for today's busy families to find the high-quality care they need. We also partner with other health systems to bring our neonatal and pediatric expertise to patients in their community hospitals.

Ranked among America’s Best Children’s Hospitals by Newsweek in 2022 and 2023, Akron Children’s Hospital is the largest pediatric healthcare system in Northeast Ohio. With more than a million patient visits a year, we’ve been leading the way to healthier futures for children through quality patient care, education, advocacy, community service and medical discover for more than 130 years! Children aren’t just a segment of our focus; they are our focus. The services at Akron Children’s Hospital span the entire scope of medical services available today – from routine and preventative care to emerging technologies in surgery and patient care. 

Akron Children’s Hospital is the only freestanding pediatric hospital in Northeast Ohio and the 8^th largest children’s hospital in the country. We are a major teaching affiliate of Northeast Ohio Medical

University. Active involvement in medical student and resident education; academic appointment at Northeast Ohio Medical University is available and commensurate with experience. Akron Children’s is dedicated to family-centered care and improving the treatment of childhood illness and injury through research at the Rebecca D. Considine Clinical Research Institute.

The resources available to our physicians, the cutting-edge technology, the collaboration from all departments and the cohesive nature in which we work allow us to live our mission and truly treat every child as we would our own.

Community  Overview

It’s something you know as soon as you experience it. Our communities — the Northeast Ohio community — are deeply ingrained into our work, our volunteerism, and our daily lives. We are truly a part of the communities we serve, and the communities are a part of us. You’ll be proud to tell people you meet that you work at Akron Children’s as their faces light up and they tell you their own connection to the Hospital. Working at Akron Children’s gives you so many opportunities to live in, work in and love Northeast Ohio.

Runners, hikers, bikers, and families who like to explore have plenty of options including the recreation of the Towpath Trail. The 110-mile towpath trail from Cleveland to below Canton offers places of tranquility, and hidden views of wildlife. Sports are a way of life in our region with many private and

public golf courses as well as numerous lakes for fishing, boating, and sailing. Not far from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we also offer many sports opportunities for youth as well as adults including basketball, baseball, soccer, football, swimming, tennis and more.

From major league attractions to small-town appeal, Northeast Ohio area has something for everyone. The area is rich in history and cultural diversity, and provides a stimulating blend of outstanding educational, cultural, and recreational resources. This four-season community offers outdoor enthusiasts more than 40,000 acres of parks for year-round enjoyment. Northeast Ohio has become a premier destination to work, live, play, shop and dine. 

Please include your curriculum vitae, letter of interest and a statement of educational philosophy with your application.