Academic Surgeon

Norfolk, Virginia - Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University (previously Eastern Virginia Medical School) seeks an accomplished, collaborative, and visionary academic surgeon to serve as its next Chair of the Department of Surgery. Reporting directly to the Dean of the School of Medicine and senior health sciences leadership, the Chair will have the opportunity to build upon the Department's distinguished legacy while advancing innovation, growth, and excellence across its clinical, educational, research, and community missions.

As part of the recently integrated academic health enterprise between Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Health Sciences is uniquely positioned to leverage the resources of a comprehensive public research university and a nationally recognized medical school. The Norfolk, Virginia - Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University (previously Eastern Virginia Medical School) seeks an accomplished, collaborative, and visionary academic surgeon to serve as its next Chair of the Department of Surgery. Reporting directly to the Dean of the School of Medicine and senior health sciences leadership, the Chair will have the opportunity to build upon the Department's distinguished legacy while advancing innovation, growth, and excellence across its clinical, educational, research, and community missions.

As part of the recently integrated academic health enterprise between Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Health Sciences is uniquely positioned to leverage the resources of a comprehensive public research university and a nationally recognized medical school. The organization includes the Schools of Medicine, Health Professions, and Nursing, and maintains longstanding partnerships with leading healthcare organizations throughout Hampton Roads, most notably Sentara Health, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, and the Hampton VA Medical Center. Together, these relationships create a robust academic and clinical environment that supports interdisciplinary collaboration, education, research, and patient care across the region.

The Department of Surgery is one of the institution's most prominent and nationally recognized clinical and academic departments. Under the longstanding leadership of Lunford D. Britt, MD, MPH, the Department has achieved distinction for excellence in trauma, acute care surgery, surgical education, outcomes research, and health equity. Faculty provide comprehensive surgical care through divisions and programs that include acute care surgery and trauma, surgical oncology, general surgery, vascular surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and surgical critical care. Department faculty serve as key clinical leaders at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, the region's only Level I Trauma Center, while also supporting care delivery across multiple affiliated hospitals and clinical sites throughout Hampton Roads.

The Department maintains a strong commitment to education and workforce development through its highly regarded General Surgery Residency Program, Integrated Vascular Surgery Residency Program, Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, and Vascular Surgery Fellowship. Residents and fellows train across a diverse set of clinical environments, including Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, the Hampton VA Medical Center, and other regional partners, benefiting from broad surgical exposure, robust mentorship, and meaningful research opportunities. Faculty are actively engaged in basic, translational, clinical, and health services research, contributing to advancements in surgical care, trauma outcomes, healthcare disparities, and population health.

The next Chair will be an accomplished academic surgeon and respected leader who can build upon the Department's strong foundation while positioning it for continued growth and national prominence. The Chair will provide strategic leadership across all mission areas, strengthening faculty recruitment, retention, mentorship, and succession planning; advancing research productivity and extramural funding; enhancing educational programs; and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture. Working collaboratively with university leadership, health system partners, department faculty, and community stakeholders, the Chair will further expand the Department's clinical reach and impact while ensuring operational excellence and financial sustainability.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead one of the nation's most respected academic surgery departments during a transformative period of growth and integration, shaping the future of surgical care, education, and discovery across Virginia Health Sciences and the broader Hampton Roads community.

Candidates must possess an M.D., D.O., or equivalent degree, be board certified in a surgical specialty, qualify for medical licensure in Virginia, and warrant appointment as Professor. They will bring a distinguished record of clinical accomplishment, academic achievement, and administrative leadership within an academic medical center. Experience leading complex clinical operations, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting faculty development, and advancing research and educational programs will be highly valued.

All nominations, expressions of interest, and applications including a cover letter and CV should be directed to Kim Smith and Ashley Rittgers through the office of Jillian Williams preferably via e-mail to [email protected].