Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Commissioner

About the Role

The Deputy Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) will collaborate closely with the Commissioner and senior leadership to advance public health across the Commonwealth. This role serves as a pivotal advisor on policy formulation, program development, and regulatory matters, while leading DPH’s oversight of healthcare system quality, safety, and workforce function. The CMO will shape strategic healthcare initiatives, foster cross-sector collaboration, and represent the Department in media and public engagements. During public health emergencies, the CMO will provide clinical guidance and coordination to ensure effective medical response efforts.

Responsibilities

• Advise the DPH Commissioner and senior leadership on policy, program, and regulatory issues to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
• Provide medical oversight and serve as a clinical resource for DPH, focusing on health planning and external clinical engagement.
• Supervise the Bureau Director of Health Care Safety and Quality, Bureau Director of Health Professions Licensure, and the Board of Registration in Medicine, offering guidance on regulatory approach, stakeholder relationships, workforce development, quality performance, and racial equity integration.
• Supervise the Director of the Office of Healthcare Strategy and Planning, providing guidance on health policy and system planning initiatives.
• Advise public information efforts on public health and clinical issues, representing the Department in media appearances and public engagements.
• Review guidelines, papers, and regulatory proposals with clinical implications to ensure alignment with medical standards.
• Organize a medical advisory group of DPH physicians to support policy, program, and regulatory work.
• Liaise with governmental and professional groups, representing the Commissioner on advisory boards and commissions.
• Advise the Commissioner during public health emergencies, providing clinical guidance and coordination for acute medical surge readiness and response efforts.
• Manage public health initiatives as assigned by the Commissioner, driving innovation and promoting equity within healthcare systems.
• Collaborate with leadership to set priorities consistent with organizational objectives, fostering collaboration and leveraging medical expertise.

Requirements

• Current and valid registration as a Physician under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.
• Board certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties in a relevant medical specialty such as internal medicine, pediatrics, or family medicine.
• Demonstrated expertise in theories, practices, methods, and principles of general medicine pertinent to the care and treatment of the physically ill.
• Understanding of healthcare planning and regulatory frameworks.
• Commitment to advancing health equity and addressing health disparities, with familiarity in social determinants of health and racial equity.
• Comprehensive understanding of public health principles and a breadth of expertise in various public health issues.
• Excellent communication skills, including adeptness in media relations and delivering presentations before large audiences.
• Ability to lead large teams and implement substantial new initiatives.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting medical documents such as patient profiles, medication orders, and medical records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of public health principles, epidemiology, and health policy.
• Ability to convey complex medical concepts to diverse audiences, including the media and policymakers.
• Experience advising on policy, program development, and regulatory compliance in a public health or governmental setting.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and build partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Adaptability to changing situations, adept at meeting emergency or evolving program requirements.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of medical data to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Experience planning and conducting training and instruction in medical-related matters for other physicians.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have at least five years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience as a registered physician, three years of which must have been in a specialized field such as pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, endocrinology, neurology, or infectious disease.

Special Requirements

• Current and valid registration as a physician under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.
• Certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties in a relevant area of specialization.

Benefits

The Commonwealth offers an outstanding suite of employee benefits, including comprehensive health, retirement, and work-life balance programs. Benefits are designed to support you, your loved ones, and your future.

Mission and Vision

Mission: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) promotes and protects health and wellness and prevents injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and healthcare services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.

Vision: A Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

A criminal background check and verification of education, licensure, and certifications will be completed prior to hire. Education and license/certification information may be published on the Commonwealth’s website in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law.