Chief Medical Officer - Rio Grande Valley

General Purpose of Job

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is responsible for providing leadership and guidance to Medical Directors and Clinical Staff in support of all clinical activities of Driscoll Children’s Hospital – Rio Grande Valley (DCHRGV). The DCHRGV CMO serves as the senior professional medical resource to the facility, providing guidance to the DCHRGV President, while reporting to the Driscoll Health System CMO. The DCHRGV CMO provides regulatory oversight either directly or through delegation to the appropriate staff and is responsible for the day‑to‑day medical administration of DCH‑RGV’s programs. The CMO must be committed to furthering the mission and vision for Driscoll Health System.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides support and guidance to Driscoll system quality initiatives.
• Influences and engages the medical staff in the improvement of the quality of patient care and the culture of patient safety.
• Works with the DHS CMO to support system Quality Department activities as requested.
• In collaboration with the DHS CMO, develops and implements quality improvement plans and assists in quality reviews, including peer reviews and responses to governmental or external inquiries, reviews or investigations for all Driscoll‑related entities.
• Works directly with the DCHRGV CEO, hospital physicians and clinical staff to implement patient safety initiatives.
• Develops positive, mutually supportive relationships between hospital administration and the medical staff.
• Collaborates with DHS CMO to oversee clinical quality, which includes setting expectations, monitoring performance, and leading physician acceptance of patient outcomes, patient safety, and patient experience.
• Participates in recruitment and retention of physicians.
• Improves care standardization, including partnering with administration and clinical staff to enhance operational efficiency and quality.
• Participates in physician leadership development.
• Collaborates with DHS CMO to oversee facility‑specific peer review, credentialing, OPPE (ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation), and utilization.
• Facilitates medical education based on gaps in clinical effectiveness, compliance, and best practices.
• Serves as a change management leader/champion.
• Addresses the inherent conflicts between autonomous physicians and hospital goals.
• Participates in evaluation of new clinical services.
• Collaborates closely with senior leaders to accomplish these responsibilities.

Education and Experience

• Medical Degree from a certified medical college.
• Minimum of five years of direct clinical experience in the area of clinical practice.
• Minimum of one year of administrative leadership experience.
• Experience in medical management in a managed care setting is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid/unrestricted Medical License in the State of Texas.
• Board Certification in area of clinical practice.