The Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) is seeking applicants for the full-time position of Pediatric Otolaryngology Section Chief, with the associated position of Department Chair at Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) in Aurora, CO.
The Pediatric Otolaryngology Section Chief/CHCO Department Chair will provide strategic leadership and direction for the Department of Otolaryngology and CHCO across clinical care, research and education in Pediatric Otolaryngology. The Chief will be responsible for advancing the Department’s academic missions, including providing the highest level of complex Pediatric Otolaryngology care, training of medical students, residents and fellows, and fostering high-impact research, aligned with the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the CU School of Medicine’s mission, vision and goals. The Chief will be responsible for CHCO Department Chair duties as outlined in Medical Staff Bylaws. Scope of responsibility will include faculty recruitment, development, and retention; strategic practice management & business development in alignment with CHCO; delivery of the highest level of care in the academic medical center setting to patients and referring provider/community networks; stewardship of residency training program and nationally-regarded fellowship program; and growth of the NIH funding portfolio in pediatric otolaryngology in alignment with CUSOM’s Top 10 in 10 goal for NIH funding.
This position will exhibit the following characteristics/requirements of a Department Section Chief and Hospital Department Chair:
Appointed by the CU Department Chair of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as full time academic faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM)
Appointed by the CHCO Board of Directors
Clinically active and respected
Active clinical practice at CHCO
Member in good standing of Attending/Admitting Staff
A. Clinical Leadership
Responsible for all clinical activities in Pediatric Otolaryngology, to include:
1. Administrative and Operational Responsibilities:
Monitor the professional performance of privileged members in the department, making recommendations relating to Medical Staff membership and clinical privileges at the time of appointment and reappointment.
Immediately inform the President of the Medical Staff, if the physical and/or mental health status of a member of his/her division comes into question such that the practitioner's ability to provide safe and competent patient care may be jeopardized.
Oversee quality and appropriateness of patient care rendered by providers in their department.
Provide input into and ensure adherence to CHCO Policies and Procedures.
Work with administrative partners to optimize patient care, patient and family experience
Develop and implement plans to improve all clinically related activities of the CHCO Department including patient and family experience
Attend CHCO strategic and operational meetings, as requested, and work to align business and strategic growth opportunities for the Section/Department with CHCO
2. Fiscal Responsibilities
Work with administrative partners to prepare annual volume and operating budgets and capital budget requests pertaining to the CHCO Department.
In concert with CHCO administrative partner, review monthly Productivity Statistics report for the CHCO Department and develop action plans for improvement and sustainability
Suggest and participate in cost savings/productivity strategies to meet or improve the operational budget while maintaining quality service, provider satisfaction, excellent patient outcomes, and patient and referring provider satisfaction.
Report to the Medical Board or other committees as requested
In collaboration with the CUSOM Department administrator and clinical program director, review monthly financial statements for the Section and develop action plans for improvement and sustainability.
B. Education Leadership
Work with Department of Otolaryngology Education Leadership (e.g. Chair, Vice Chair of Education, Residency Program Director, Fellowship Director) to:
Ensure high-quality pediatric otolaryngology training within the residency program
Monitor resident case volumes, operative experience, and milestone achievement specific to pediatric otolaryngology
Provide oversight for pediatric otolaryngology fellowship, including curriculum, recruitment, and accreditation compliance
Foster a culture of mentorship for trainees and junior faculty
Ensure high-quality clerkship and elective experiences; residency rotations and fellowship experiences
Engage in recruitment of students into otolaryngology and pediatric subspecialties
Promote integrated learning across disciplines relevant to pediatric otolaryngology care
Represent pediatric otolaryngology in Departmental and Institutional education committees
C. Research Leadership
Work collaboratively with Department of Otolaryngology Research Leadership (e.g. Chair, Vice Chair of Research) to:
Establish a clear, forward-looking research vision for pediatric otolaryngology aligned with Departmental and institutional priorities
Identify and prioritize key thematic areas (e.g., airway, hearing loss, sleep, outcomes research, translational science)
Recruit, retain, and develop clinician-scientists and basic/translational investigators
Increase extramural funding (e.g. NIH, foundations, industry) across the section
Drive high-impact publications, presentations, and national visibility
Encourage participation in national meetings and leadership in professional societies
This position is expected to work onsite in Aurora, CO.
