Chair of the Department of Surgery

Introduction

Founded in 1961, the University of Connecticut (UConn) ranks among the nation’s best public research universities. Home to more than 1515 students and 600 faculty and 5,000 staff, the University of Connecticut Health System.

 The Department

The Department of Surgery at the University of Connecticut is a premier department with excellent academic faculty and staff. The Department has a tradition of innovation and excellence in undergraduate medical education. It is also recognized for its excellent Graduate Medical Education training programs in surgery and surgical subspecialties including Otolaryngology, Urology, and Vascular Surgery. Clinical, translational, and basic science research with intramural and extramural funding are aspects of the department with available laboratory and clinical infrastructure.

The Department comprises eight divisions and is a leader within the School of Medicine, the University Medical Group (UMG) Physicians’ practice plan, and the UConn Health System known as U Conn Health. Committed to the missions of the SOM, UMG, and UConn Health, the Department has excelled in multiple areas including tertiary and quaternary clinical care.

The Departmental missions include the provision of comprehensive surgical services for Hartford, CT and the surrounding region; the training of the next generation of surgical leaders; Advance state-of-the-art and scientific basis of the discipline of surgery; Provide leadership in ensuring surgical health care for all members of the Hartford community.

Position Overview

The University of Connecticut School of Medicine (SOM) invites applications and nominations for the Department Chair of the Department of Surgery.

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Medicine, the next Chair of Surgery will demonstrate transformational leadership empowering faculty and staff and setting a tone of shared goals and purpose with the school and health system. The Chair, through inclusive and equitable leadership, will maintain the highest standards of patient care and safety, educational outcomes, research impact, and financial stewardship. The Chair will be responsible for promoting the academic growth of surgical divisions as well as recruitment, retention, and professional development of an excellent and diverse faculty. The Chair will nurture opportunities to expand research among divisions, focusing on interdisciplinary and collaborative team-based endeavors. The Chair will also enrich the Department by encouraging partnerships across the School of Medicine, community partners and other external stakeholders.

Functions

The Chair must be a competent and prudent steward of the Department, guiding it through the changes in the healthcare and social environment. The Chair will be a model of adaptability and possess skills for conflict resolution and management of adversity. The Chair must be a strong advocate for balancing the academic, educational, and clinical missions of the department and institution. In collaboration with University of Connecticut leaders, the Chair will focus on growth and the provision of the highest quality surgical care with equitable access and efficiency. Within the Department, the Chair will promote a culture of institutional stewardship and transparency, including commitment to improved business operations, efficient and effective use of resources, and a willingness to re-align resources with evolving strategies as needed. The Chair will also serve as a leader in Operating Room oversight and efficiency.

Required Education

MD or MD/Ph.D.

Required Experience

• A distinguished record of building clinical activities and programs.
• The ability to initiate and sustain partnerships that advance the academic, research, and clinical missions of the Department.
• National recognition as evidenced by involvement in academic societies at a national level and track record of sustained scholarship.
• Current board certification in Surgery and/or a related surgical subspecialty area as well as a successful personal clinical program are required.
• The Chair of Surgery must also have an appropriate record of scholarship, teaching, and service to meet the requirements for Full Professor at the University of Connecticut.

Required Trainings/Certifications

• Current board certification in Surgery and/or a related surgical subspecialty area is required.

Additional Qualifications Considered

Successful Chair candidates will:

• Be recognized as outstanding clinically active leader in surgery or general surgery and have an excellent track record in clinical care, research, and teaching within a nationally recognized surgical program.
• Have demonstrated success as a leader either through Department, Center, or Institutional leadership.
• Be collaborative and able to lead an effective and efficient Department with the highest standards of clinical outcomes, educational acumen, and research impact in a complex and dynamic environment. 
• Embody values consistent with the missions of the University of Connecticut focusing on collaboration, inclusion, and service to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
• Supports the academic tripartite mission as a collaborative leader who stands as an advocate for patients, learners, staff and faculty members within the Department, School of Medicine, and University.

Application Process

Applicants should submit a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae. The application should be transmitted electronically in RTF or PDF format via https://jobs.uchc.edu/CSS_External/CSSPage_Welcome.asp, search code 2023-1192 or sent directly to the search committee Chair, Dr. Robert Fuller at rfuller@uchc.edu, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, MC1930, Farmington, CT 06030-1930.

The University of Connecticut Health Center is an affirmative action employer, in addition to an EEO and M/F/V/PWD/PV employer.