Location: Chicago, Illinois

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Department of Internal Medicine

Work Type: Full Time 

Chairperson, Department of Internal Medicine

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, IL

Position Overview 

The Chair of Internal Medicine serves as the senior academic and clinical leader of Rush’s largest department. Reporting to the Dean of Rush Medical College, the Chair will set and execute a bold vision that advances excellence across patient care, education, research, and health equity, while strengthening the department’s impact across the broader health system. Within the department, there are 599 Faculty with primary appointments, 85 Faculty with secondary appointments, and 26 full-time research Faculty; there are a total of 340 total employed faculty and 572 physicians with privileges in the Department of Internal Medicine. Additionally, there are 124 Internal Medicine Residents and 112 Fellows.

 The Chair provides oversight and strategic direction for a wide array of department subspecialties, including: 

• General Internal Medicine

• Allergy & Immunology 

• Infectious Diseases 

• Cardiology 

• Digestive Diseases 

• Nephrology 

• Community Epidemiology 

• Hematology/Oncology 

• Pulmonary, Critical Care, & Sleep Medicine 

• Community & Global Health, Health Equity 

• Hospital Medicine 

• Rheumatology 

• Endocrinology 

• Geriatric & Palliative Medicine

• Translation & Precision Medicine

The Chair is also accountable for departmental leadership across major enterprise service lines including:

• Hematology, oncology, bone marrow transplantation, cardio-oncology, onconephrology, and palliative oncology within the Cancer service line 

• Gastroenterology within the Digestive Diseases service line 

• Cardiology within the Heart and Vascular service line

• Pulmonary and critical care medicine within the Lung Program service line

• General internal medicine, geriatric medicine, and palliative care within the Primary Care service line

• Hepatology and transplant nephrology within the Transplant service line 

As part of U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals list, 7 core Internal Medicine specialties were recognized among the Top 30 nationally: Geriatrics (#10), Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (#13), Diabetes & Endocrinology (#14), Pulmonary & Lung Surgery (#16), Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (#25), and Cancer (#29).

A central priority for the Chair will be advancing true system-wide integration of Internal Medicine across Rush University System for Health, including Rush University Medical Center, Rush Copley Medical Center, Rush Oak Park Hospital, and Rush University. The Chair will unify strategy, standards, and culture across all sites, ensuring consistent care delivery, coordinated program development, shared faculty engagement and academic rigor, strategic growth, and aligned operational performance. By strengthening collaboration across locations and service lines, the Chair will enhance access, ensure the highest levels of quality, and amplify the department’s collective expertise throughout the enterprise. 

Equally critical to the prioritization of academic and clinical excellence is the deliberate expansion of the department’s research portfolio. The Chair will champion high-reliability care, measurable quality outcomes, and innovation in care delivery, while building a robust and sustainable research enterprise. Through strategic recruitment, mentorship, and investment in infrastructure, the Chair will grow funded research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and elevate national visibility for Rush Internal Medicine. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to clinical and academic service, including the teaching and mentoring of residents, fellows, and medical students. A proven track record of research achievement, collaborative leadership, academic excellence, and community engagement is highly desirable. The incoming Chair will have an established national/international reputation and demonstrated ability to implement a strategic vision through innovation, collaboration, and accountability. The ideal candidate will hold an MD or equivalent degree, be board-certified, and possess credentials that merit appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. They should also exhibit a deep commitment to academic innovation and possess the leadership skills necessary to guide faculty development and advancement across clinical, research, and educational missions. As a department leader, the Chair will provide an energetic and inventive vision for growing clinical volume, improving clinical productivity, and further defining clinical expertise within the academic framework. In addition, the Chair will play a key role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to advance clinical care and promote the growth of translational and clinical research initiatives. 

Key responsibilities

Rush’s Chair of Internal Medicine is a clinical and academic leader that will report directly and primarily to the Dean of Rush Medical College. Chairs serve at the discretion of the Dean and are accountable for the academic, clinical, research, educational, and financial performance of their departments in alignment with the mission and strategic priorities of Rush. 

Chairs are expected to operate with a system-wide perspective, advancing departmental goals while supporting enterprise priorities across the main campus, regional hospitals, and ambulatory sites. Chairs are accountable for outcomes across all missions and are expected to exercise leadership beyond departmental boundaries in service of system-wide goals. 

In executing their responsibilities, Chairs collaborate closely with: 

• Dean of Rush Medical College (RMC) 

• President of Rush University/Chief Clinical Officer 

• President of Rush Medical Group (RMG) 

• Service Line Leadership 

• Vice and Associate Deans within RMC 

• Chief Medical Officer (CMO) 

• Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) 

• RUMC and regional hospital leadership 

• Ambulatory Site Directors and administrative leaders 

This collaborative structure ensures coordinated execution of clinical strategy, operational alignment, and high-quality patient care across the Rush system. 

Department Chairs are responsible for strategic planning for their departments, incorporating external trends, competitive landscape, workforce needs, and internal institutional priorities. Departmental strategies must align with the academic, clinical, and financial goals of Rush University System for Health and Rush Medical College. 

1. Faculty and Provider Recruitment, Development, and Performance

Chairs are responsible for the recruitment, retention, compensation, evaluation, and professional development of faculty across all missions. This includes ensuring appropriate faculty composition and role distribution to support clinical growth, educational excellence, and research productivity. The Chair also oversees the recruitment and retention of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), ensuring adequate staffing levels and competencies to support the department's clinical and educational objectives, while fostering effective integration of APPs into clinical teams and workflows. 

Chairs work in close partnership with the Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs to: 

• Support faculty mentorship and career development 

• Oversee promotion and tenure (P&T) processes 

• Ensure fair, transparent, and mission-aligned faculty evaluations 

• Foster faculty engagement, wellness, and professional fulfillment 

Chairs nominate faculty for initial and subsequent appointments and provide formal annual evaluations, guidance, and mentoring. Chairs have the authority and responsibility to assign and periodically reassess faculty roles across clinical care, education, research, and administration in alignment with departmental needs, individual strengths, and institutional priorities. 

Chairs are accountable for managing conflicts of interest and commitment in accordance with institutional policies and for the academic productivity, professionalism, and conduct of departmental faculty. 

The Chair is also responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive succession planning strategies for key faculty and staff leadership positions within the department. This includes identifying high-potential individuals, providing mentorship and leadership development opportunities, and ensuring continuity of departmental operations and strategic initiatives through thoughtful preparation for future transitions. 

2. Educational Programs (UGME, GME, and Continuing Education)

Chairs are responsible for the quality, integration, and strategic advancement of educational programs within their departments and share accountability for educational outcomes and accreditation standards. 

• Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME): 
  Chairs collaborate with the Vice Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education to support medical student education, curriculum integration, assessment, and innovation. Chairs ensure faculty engagement in teaching and alignment with educational frameworks and institutional curricular priorities. 

• Graduate Medical Education (GME): 
  Chairs work closely with the Vice Dean for Graduate Medical Education to oversee residency and fellowship programs, including recruitment, accreditation, evaluation, and program quality. Chairs are responsible for appropriate trainee supervision, educational experience, and alignment of training programs with system clinical needs. 

• Continuing Medical Education (CME):

Chairs support the development of continuing medical education and lifelong learning initiatives that advance clinical excellence and academic leadership. 

3. Research and Scholarly Activity

Chairs are responsible for fostering a culture of research excellence and scholarly productivity, ensuring departmental research priorities aligns with institutional strategy. 

In collaboration with the Vice Dean for Research, Chairs: 

• Support and strategically grow basic, translational, clinical, and population-based research portfolios 

• Promote interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration 

• Contribute to the development of research infrastructure and funding strategies 

• Provide input on departmental research strengths, opportunities, and growth areas 

Chairs are expected to integrate research initiatives across the system and align departmental efforts with enterprise research institutes and strategic priorities. 

4. Clinical Programs and System Integration

Chairs serve as clinical leaders and role models, responsible for maintaining high standards of patient care, quality, safety, and professionalism. 

In partnership with the Dean, President of Rush University/Chief Clinical Officer, President of Rush Medical Group, Chief Medical Officer, regional hospital leaders, and site directors, Chairs: 

• Lead the development and execution of clinical strategy 

• Support system-wide access, growth, and service line integration 

• Ensure consistency in clinical quality and patient experience across sites 

• Foster effective integration of APPs into clinical teams and workflows to optimize clinical throughput and patient care delivery 

• Align departmental clinical programs with academic missions and system priorities 

Chairs are accountable for departmental quality outcomes, credentialing recommendations, and compliance with Medical Staff Bylaws and clinical policies. 

5. Financial Stewardship and Resource Management

Chairs are responsible for the financial performance and long-term fiscal sustainability of their departments, including: 

• Budget development and oversight 

• Strategic resource allocation 

• Recruitment proformas and workforce planning 

• Collaboration with finance and operational leaders to optimize performance 

Chairs are expected to align financial stewardship with long-term strategic goals, including reinvestment in faculty, programs, infrastructure, and academic missions. All expenditures and compensation recommendations are made in accordance with institutional policies and with appropriate approvals through the Dean’s Office and system leadership. 

6. Philanthropic Leadership

The Chair plays a vital role in advancing the philanthropic mission of the institution by actively partnering with the Office of Philanthropy to identify, cultivate, and steward donor relationships. This includes participating in donor meetings, sharing the department's vision and impact, and helping to secure philanthropic support for research, education, clinical programs, and faculty recruitment. While specific philanthropic activities may vary based on specialty and departmental priorities, the Chair is expected to work collaboratively with the philanthropy team to meet and exceed established fundraising goals that support the department's strategic initiatives and enhance its reputation as a leader in academic medicine. 

7. Facilities and Space Planning

Chairs oversee departmental space planning and utilization, ensuring facilities support academic, clinical, and research missions. All requests for new or modified space are coordinated through the Dean in alignment with institutional planning processes. 

8. Culture, Values, and Leadership Expectations

Chairs serve as visible leaders and stewards of Rush’s ICARE values: Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Chairs are expected to foster: 

• Inclusive, respectful, and high-performing departmental cultures 

• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion 

• Model ethical leadership, collaboration, and accountability 

 Qualifications & Core Competencies

The successful candidate will be a board-certified MD or DO with substantial and progressive leadership experience in an academic medical center environment. This individual will bring a demonstrated ability to lead within a highly matrixed health system, aligning diverse stakeholders around a shared strategic vision while balancing clinical excellence, academic advancement, and financial stewardship. A collaborative and transparent leader, the Chair will possess the judgment, credibility, and decisiveness necessary to guide a large, complex department through continued growth and integration. 

Qualifications and Competencies 

• Medical Degree: MD or DO; board certified and eligible for medical licensure in the State of Illinois 

• Academic Credentials: Eligible for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor 

• Leadership Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in an academic medical center (e.g., Division Chief, Vice Chair, Program Director, or comparable role) 

• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated success in program development, faculty recruitment and retention, and oversight of complex clinical and academic budgets 

• Operational Acumen: Strong understanding of the clinical, research, and educational missions of academic medicine and the administrative balance required to sustain and grow them 

• Organizational Effectiveness: Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to lead effectively within a matrixed organizational structure 

• Strategic Execution: Proven ability to translate institutional priorities into clear departmental strategies, measurable goals, and actionable plans 

• Commitment to Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity in faculty recruitment and fostering an inclusive environment while promoting equitable delivery of care. 

Rush offers competitive total compensation that includes base pay, benefits, and other incentive programs for our employees. The total pay range shown reflects the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, knowledge and skills; relevant experience and training; education, certifications, and licensure; primary work location; and other business and organizational factors. This total pay range is for a full-time, 1.0 FTE employee, and includes any incentive payments that may be applicable to this role, as well as additional compensation such as sign-on and retention bonuses and relocation allowances. Opportunities for increased compensation based on exceeding productivity targets. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package.

Pay Range: $750,000 - $850,000

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits, learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Join Rush and become part of one of the nation’s best healthcare systems.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

About Rush University Medical Center

Rush University System for Health (RUSH) is an academic health system whose mission is to improve the health of the individuals and the diverse communities it serves through the integration of outstanding patient care, education, research and community partnerships. RUSH comprises Rush University Medical Center, Rush University, Rush Copley Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital, as well as numerous outpatient care facilities. Rush University, with more than 2,500 students, is a health sciences university that comprises Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences and the Graduate College. Rush University Medical Center is an elite medical community recognized for excellence in patient care, medical discovery and clinical expertise. Our continued pursuits have earned Rush University Medical Center the distinction of being on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Honor Roll for 2021-2022. This places the Medical Center amongst the top 20 of the 3,000 hospitals evaluated. U.S. News & World Report has also recognized nine Rush programs amongst the nation’s best, including top ten national rankings for neurology and neurosurgery and orthopedics. T...hese accolades, along with many others that include a decade of Magnet® designation, are a reflection of the collective efforts and commitment to excellence demonstrated by our physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses and medical staff. Rush University Medical Center has received Vizient's Quality Leadership Award, ranking first among 99 academic medical centers across the country. For the second consecutive year, all three Rush University System for Health hospitals have earned the LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation in the Healthcare Equality Index.

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