Chair of Medicine and Oncology

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Medicine and Oncology. This leader will set the department’s strategic vision, guide faculty development, and oversee all academic, clinical, and operational functions. The Chair reports directly to the Dean of the School of Medicine.

Position Overview

The Chair of Medicine and Oncology will lead the continued growth of an academic department dedicated to advancing cancer prevention, innovative research, and exceptional medical education. A central focus of the department is the development of a comprehensive academic oncology program addressing cancers prevalent in the Rio Grande Valley. The program integrates clinical services, translational research, clinical trials, and education within the Cancer and Surgery Center.

The Chair is responsible for providing visionary leadership and ensuring excellence across all departmental missions, including:

• Clinical Leadership: Oversight of high quality patient care within all departmental clinical programs.
• Research Advancement: Support and growth of basic, translational, and clinical research initiatives, including clinical trials.
• Education: Integration of outstanding educational programs for medical students, residents, fellows, and other trainees.
• Faculty Development: Recruitment, mentorship, evaluation, and promotion of faculty; fostering a culture of wellness, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Administration: Financial oversight, budget planning, and resource allocation aligned with institutional priorities.
• Strategic Planning: Development and implementation of departmental strategies consistent with the School of Medicine’s mission.
• Representation: Serve as an ambassador for the department at local, regional, state, and national levels.

Additional Responsibilities (UTRGV School of Medicine Standard Expectations for Chairs)

The Department Chair shall:

• Report directly to the Dean
• Ensure effective administration of the department
• Lead regular department meetings to communicate key updates, policies, and programmatic initiatives
• Recruit and recommend appointments of faculty, including community faculty
• Oversee implementation of all UTRGV and SOM policies applicable to the department
• Develop and submit the department’s annual budget, including compensation recommendations
• Manage departmental finances and space allocation
• Recommend faculty appointments, promotions, and tenure
• Organize the department to meet current and emerging needs of the School of Medicine
• Ensure faculty wellness, mentorship, career development, and performance evaluation