Job Description: Trauma Medical Director
Position Overview
Role: Trauma Medical Director – Acute Care Surgery Program
Location: Charlotte
Job Relationships
Reports To: Chief Physician of the Surgical Institute
Receives Assignments From: Leadership of the Surgical Institute and Trauma Program
Supervises:
Trauma Service physicians and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), in collaboration with the Trauma Program Manager, Trauma Registrars, and members of the trauma performance improvement team.
Job Summary:
The primary responsibility of the Trauma Medical Director is to ensure an exceptional patient experience at all times, aligning with the organization's commitment to patient and family care. We value respect and compassion among our team members, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages empowerment, inspiration, and courage. The director will implement safety behaviors and high-reliability strategies to guarantee a safe and remarkable patient experience. This role entails providing clinical leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the Trauma and Acute Care Surgery program. The Trauma Medical Director is accountable for enhancing high-quality, patient-centered trauma care, supporting the trauma center's Level 2 designation, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Collaboration with hospital administration, medical staff, and multidisciplinary teams is essential for a coordinated and continuously improving trauma program. The director will oversee trauma program performance through protocol development, performance improvement initiatives, patient safety processes, and collaboration with various clinical services, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, emergency medicine, and critical care. Additionally, the Trauma Medical Director will work closely with the Trauma Program Manager and other key personnel to identify opportunities for program enhancement, address deficiencies, and maintain effective daily operations of trauma services. This position also involves representing the trauma center in various medical staff, hospital, community, regional, and state activities, advocating for trauma system development and promoting a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
Education
Medical Degree: Required - from an accredited medical institution
General Surgery Residency: Required - completion of a general surgery residency program
Fellowship Training: Required - trauma fellowship and surgical critical care training
ExperienceMinimum 3 Years of Experience: Required - clinical experience in trauma service or trauma fellowship training
Leadership Experience: Required - demonstrated leadership in trauma, acute care surgery, or a similar hospital-based program
Performance Improvement and Regulatory Experience: Preferred - experience in leading multidisciplinary performance improvement and regulatory readiness activities
Collaboration Skills: Proven ability to work effectively with physicians, nursing staff, administration, and community partners
Communication Skills: Strong operational, analytical, and relationship-building abilities
Licensure and Certification:- Medical License: Required - current unrestricted medical license or eligibility for licensure in the relevant state
- Board Certification: Required - in General Surgery
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS): Required - current certification must be maintained
- Continuing Medical Education: Required - ability to meet trauma-related CME requirements
- Additional Skills/Requirements
- Expertise in evidence-based trauma care and surgical critical care practices
- Knowledge of trauma center designation and accreditation standards
- Ability to develop and maintain clinical protocols and guidelines
- Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to analyze clinical data and quality metrics for program improvement
- Essential Functions Strategic and Program Leadership
Provide leadership for the Trauma and Acute Care Surgery program and support trauma center designation and accreditation readiness.
Collaborate with hospital administration and medical staff to identify program priorities and resource needs.
Represent the trauma center in local, regional, and national initiatives.
Clinical Oversight:
Participate in the care of patients with urgent injuries and maintain involvement in the Trauma Service.
Oversee trauma care management and ensure compliance with clinical standards.
Develop and update trauma protocols and guidelines.
Quality, Safety, and Peer Review:
Monitor trauma program quality and collaborate with performance improvement personnel.
Implement an effective Trauma Physician Peer Review Program.
Participate in trauma-related committees and support quality improvement initiatives.
Collaboration and Medical Staff Engagement:
Work with clinical leaders to address concerns related to the Trauma Service.
Assist in resolving patient and family grievances regarding trauma care.
Promote professionalism and advocacy among physicians.
Education, Outreach, and Program Development:
Provide trauma-related education and community outreach programs.
Support injury prevention and public promotions of the trauma center.
Collaborate with team members for operational oversight.
Non-Essential Functions • Additional duties as assigned.