Chief Medical Officer, CMO - Saint Joseph Health System - Indiana

Saint Joseph Health System is a not-for-profit, multi-hospital health system located in North Central Indiana, continuing the legacy of caring for Michiana begun by the Sisters of the Holy Cross and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ more than 150 years ago. The system includes a 254-bed acute-care hospital, a 58-bed acute-care hospital, over 150 providers, community health centers, senior living facilities, rehabilitation and wellness centers, home care, and health insurance services.

About the Role

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) serves the medical staff and hospital leadership to fulfill the mission, plans, and objectives of the Regional Ministry Organization (RHM). This role impacts quality and financial outcomes across clinical and operational departments, focusing on physician relationships, service line development, and strategic implementation. The CMO collaborates with executive teams, medical staff, and Trinity Health leadership to set standards for patient care, quality improvement, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Act as a bridge between RHM management and medical staff to foster strong physician relationships and secure input on major decisions.
• Oversee centralized medical staff functions, including development plans, recruitment, and medical directorships.
• Support formal medical staff functions at all facilities, chairing committees as appropriate and collaborating with facility and medical staff leadership.
• Develop and implement physician Continuous Quality Improvement processes, ensuring effective quality improvement systems.
• Set universal standards for patient care and lead goal-setting and improvement plans for Trinity Health quality standards.
• Participate in service line and patient care competency development, acting as a resource and influencer for strategic goals.
• Promote programs and services to referring physicians, educating them on RHM initiatives and resolving service issues.
• Provide leadership development opportunities for medical staff and model behavior that aligns with RHM’s business and strategic operations.
• Collaborate with Trinity Health’s Senior Vice President of Clinical Care to align RHM clinical operations with Trinity Health standards and policies.
• Foster unity among facility medical staffs and seek opportunities for collaboration to enhance teamwork.
• Supervise and manage the medical affairs division to achieve cost-effective objectives and improve physician relationships.
• Participate in Managed Care strategies, Senior Leadership Council meetings, and Executive Leadership activities.
• Provide leadership and problem-solving support to RHM management teams, ensuring physician input in decision-making.
• Maintain professional growth by staying current with healthcare trends and leading new learning initiatives.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited medical school (MD or DO) with completion of an accredited residency program in a medical specialty.
• Board certification in a specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), with agreement to maintain certification.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years in clinical practice and 5 years in executive leadership.
• Proven ability to lead and implement quality improvement initiatives and medical staff quality programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to discuss quality issues and foster RHM culture.
• Advanced leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with a presence characterized by honesty, integrity, and the ability to inspire others.

Leadership Competencies

As a Trinity Health executive, the CMO is expected to demonstrate the following leadership traits aligned with the organization’s Mission, Core Values, and Promise Statement:

• Mission Statement: Serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within communities.
• Core Values:
  • Reverence: Honor the sacredness and dignity of every person.
  • Commitment to Those who are Poor: Stand with and serve those who are poor, especially the most vulnerable.
  • Justice: Foster right relationships to promote the common good, including sustainability of Earth.
  • Stewardship: Honor heritage and hold accountability for human, financial, and natural resources.
  • Integrity: Remain faithful to stated values.
  • Safety: Embrace a culture that prevents harm and nurtures a healing, safe environment.
• Promise Statement: "We Listen. We Partner. We Make it Easy."
• Actions:
  • Listen to understand and learn continuously.
  • Keep processes simple and create solutions.
  • Deliver outstanding service and own safety.
  • Expect, embrace, and initiate change.
  • Demonstrate exceptional teamwork and trust in others’ intentions.
  • Hold self and others accountable for results.
  • Communicate directly with respect and honesty.
  • Serve every person with empathy, dignity, and compassion.
  • Champion health equity and the common good.

Skills

• Articulate and clear communication with all stakeholders.
• Commitment to Trinity Health’s Mission, Values, and Vision through actions.
• Collaborative, approachable, and facilitative leadership style.
• Creative and positive problem-solving for both day-to-day and global issues.
• Mature decision-making, seeking higher ground in interactions, particularly during conflict.
• Ability to build influential relationships to drive change.
• Independent judgment in clinical, qualitative, and financial decisions impacting patient care and operations.
• Freedom to identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes based on professional standards, RHM policy, or regulatory requirements.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to adapt to frequently changing work priorities.
• Willingness to travel as needed to various Trinity Health sites.