Medical Director Heart Failure and Transplant Program

Baylor Scott & White Health is seeking a fellowship-trained, board-certified Advanced Heart Failure Transplant Cardiologist to serve as Medical Director for the Advanced Heart Failure Transplant team in the Central Texas Region.

About the role

This is an opportunity to lead a robust program with 8 Heart Failure Cardiologists and multiple APPs as part of a multidisciplinary team including surgical, imaging, structural, and critical care expertise. The program currently performs approximately 50 heart transplants annually, has excellent SRTR outcomes, and is positioned for future growth through outreach partnerships with nearby affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

• Inpatient and outpatient care of heart failure and transplant patients (80% clinical effort)
• On-call duties approximately 6-8 weeks per year at the Temple location
• Perform Cath lab procedures (e.g., right heart catheterization, implantable pulmonary artery monitors) and interpret ECHO for VAD and heart transplant patients
• Participate in research, development, and writing of transplant policies, protocols, and practice guidelines (20% administrative effort)
• Implement transplant program policies and procedures related to patient care
• Organize, direct, and integrate the transplant program with other hospital departments and services
• Promote a cooperative and collaborative working environment among clinical disciplines involved in transplant care
• Establish a physician/nurse case management process to foster cost-effective, high-quality patient care
• Participate in transplant budget planning and management
• Oversee orientation and continuing education for transplant nursing staff and clinical transplant coordinators
• Lead efforts to develop and maintain the Transplant program
• Collaborate with the Transplant Administrator to establish program goals and objectives
• Develop and maintain practice guidelines, policies, and methodologies for medical/surgical transplant care
• Participate in site reviews by regulatory agencies and insurance companies
• Ensure compliance with laws and guidelines from OPTN/UNOS, CMS, and The Joint Commission
• Communicate regularly with referring physicians and ensure adequate attending physician availability
• Establish physician/surgeon call schedules for all transplant care
• Participate in regional, statewide, and national activities affecting the transplant program
• Attend meetings and conferences to remain current on relevant issues
• Oversee the Transplant program’s Quality Management Committee to implement performance improvement activities
• Monitor compliance with transplant treatment guidelines, policies, and protocols
• Review and investigate all transplant performance improvement inquiries
• Report quality of care issues to appropriate individuals and committees
• Consult on quality care issues and adverse outcomes to improve patient care
• Maintain relations with community organizations and legislative bodies related to transplant
• Oversee fundraising activities in support of transplant needs
• Participate in hospital outreach activities as requested

Academic Duties

• ACGME education of Cardiology Fellows, Internal Medicine Residents, and support of a newly developed Advanced Heart Failure fellowship
• Faculty appointment through Baylor College of Medicine at rank commensurate with academic experience
• Involvement with medical student education (variable based on interest)
• Research interest encouraged, with potential for additional protected time based on grant funding

Requirements

• M.D., D.O., or equivalent degree from another country
• Current certification in cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, with additional certification in Heart Failure or substantial experience
• Documented direct involvement in the primary care of ≤ 20 newly transplanted heart or heart/lung recipients, with continued follow-up for a minimum of 3 months post-operative
• Current knowledge of heart transplantation, including:
  • Acute and chronic heart failure
  • Patient and donor selection
  • Use of mechanical circulatory support devices
  • Pre- and post-operative hemodynamic care
  • Post-operative immunosuppressive therapy
  • Histological interpretation and grading of biopsies
  • Long-term outpatient care
• Documented observation of 3 heart procurements and 3 heart transplants
• Documented management and evaluation of ≤ 3 multi-organ donors donating a heart or heart/lung
• Acceptance onto the hospital’s medical staff and on-site presence at the hospital
• License to practice medicine in Texas
• Five years of clinical experience in transplantation; administrative experience a plus

About Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple is a 650-bed flagship teaching hospital and part of Baylor Scott & White Health, the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas. The hospital serves as a major tertiary and referral center for Central Texas, offering comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, surgical, and emergency care across a wide range of specialties. It is a key academic site with multiple residency and fellowship programs, supporting physician education and clinical training. The hospital is recognized nationally for excellence in teaching and clinical care and was named the #1 Hospital with a Cardiovascular Teaching Program by Fortune Magazine in 2025.

About Temple, Texas

Located in Central Texas between Dallas and Austin, Temple offers a lower cost of living and a relaxed lifestyle with convenient access to major metropolitan areas. The community is known for its strong healthcare presence, growing economy, and family-friendly environment. Residents enjoy parks, museums, cultural attractions, and a revitalized downtown, along with easy access to outdoor recreation and nearby cities.

About Baylor Scott & White Health

Baylor Scott & White Health is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas and one of the largest in the United States. The integrated network includes hospitals, specialty clinics, outpatient facilities, and an academic research institute, providing comprehensive care across a broad range of medical specialties. Known for its commitment to innovation, research, and patient-centered care, Baylor Scott & White offers providers access to a collaborative network, advanced clinical resources, and opportunities within one of the state's most respected healthcare organizations.

Qualifications include a Doctorate Degree in Medicine and licensure to practice medicine in Texas by the start date. Where applicable, the employee shall be currently board-certified in their specialty or demonstrate active pursuit of board certification as defined by the appropriate specialty board.