Chief Medical Officer - CMO - for Optum Community Care Services, CCS

UnitedHealth Group•Houston, TX

48d•$278,000 - $417,500•Remote

About The Position

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here's your opportunity. We're going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. Position Summary: The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Optum Community Care Services (CCS) is the senior clinical executive responsible for shaping and executing the clinical vision and strategy across the CCS enterprise. As a key member of the leadership team, the CMO provides oversight of all clinical operations, quality improvement initiatives, and medical management programs to ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and evidence-based care to Veterans through the VA Community Care Network (VACCN). This role combines strategic leadership with operational accountability, guiding multidisciplinary teams - including Medical Directors, behavioral health and dental leaders, and patient safety professionals - to achieve clinical excellence and meet contractual and regulatory requirements. The CMO serves as the principal clinical advisor to the CEO of CCS and collaborates with external and internal stakeholders, and external providers to advance whole-person care, value-based models, and innovative clinical solutions. The CMO is responsible for ensuring that all clinical programs are aligned with Optum’s mission to improve health outcomes and reduce costs while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, provider engagement, and regulatory compliance. This includes leading peer review processes, overseeing utilization management strategies, and driving continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making and performance monitoring. As a visible and influential leader, the CMO fosters a culture of clinical integrity, collaboration, and accountability, while mentoring clinical staff and promoting professional development across the organization. You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Requirements

MD or DO with active, unrestricted U.S. medical license
Board certification in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Surgery, Physiatry, or Emergency Medicine
15+ years of clinical experience, including 5+ years in a senior clinical leadership role
Proven expertise in clinical quality, utilization management, and regulatory compliance
Proficiency in data analysis and evidence-based decision-making
Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex clinical programs
Proven exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills
Willing or ability to travel up to 10%25

Nice To Haves

Advanced training in healthcare administration, public health, or clinical informatics
Experience with Veterans or Military healthcare systems
Experience in leadership in federal healthcare programs (VA, DoD)
Experience with RFI/RFP processes and federal contracting
Familiarity with VA Community Care Network

Responsibilities

Strategic Clinical Leadership: Lead the development and execution of CCS’s clinical strategy, ensuring alignment with CCS goals, federal regulations, and Optum Serve’s mission.
Oversight of Clinical Quality Programs: Direct the design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical quality initiatives, including peer review processes, patient safety programs, and performance metrics.
Governance and Committee Leadership: Chair the CCS Clinical Quality Improvement Program Committee and oversee all clinical governance bodies.
Clinical Operations Management: Supervise Medical Directors and other clinical leaders, ensuring consistent application of evidence-based practices and adherence to clinical standards.
Regulatory and Contractual Compliance: Ensure all clinical activities meet federal, state, and contractual requirements, including CMS, VA, and Optum Serve consulting engagements.
Innovation and Program Development: Lead the development of new clinical programs, including value-based care models, utilization management strategies, and integrated behavioral and physical health initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary clinical liaison to external and internal entities, fostering collaboration and trust.
Clinical Risk Management: Oversee clinical risk assessments, adverse event reviews, and corrective action planning to ensure patient safety and mitigate liability.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize clinical data analytics to guide strategic decisions, monitor outcomes, and drive continuous improvement.
Mentorship and Education: Provide mentorship to clinical leaders and staff, promoting professional development and clinical excellence.