Chief Medical Officer (CMO) - Optum SC

UnitedHealth Group•Sumter, SC

8d•$279,500 - $440,500•Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of the Optum Care Delivery team, you’ll be an integral part of Optum's vision to make healthcare better for everyone. At Optum, you’ll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. We believe you deserve an exceptional career, and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) serves as the senior clinical leader for Optum South Carolina, and is responsible for representing the organization externally, stabilizing provider culture, advancing clinical quality initiatives, and aligning clinical strategy with business direction. The CMO provides leadership for all physicians and advanced practice clinicians, with an emphasis on clinical credibility, market presence, provider alignment, and strategic growth. The CMO oversees clinical governance, promotes organizational discipline, stewards clinical excellence while harmonizing standards, data, and value-based care performance with enterprise strategies, ensures high-quality patient care, and maintains Optum South Carolina standing as a well-respected clinical network across South Carolina. The CMO is an actively practicing physician who also dedicates administrative leadership time to shaping Optum South Carolina’s strategy, reputation, culture, and provider performance. This role partners closely with the executive leadership team to advance growth, affordability, health equity, and overall patient experience.

Requirements

A valid, unrestricted medical license in the state in which they practice and within the specialty of practice (if applicable) – or ability to obtain prior to start
Medical Doctor (MD or DO)
Board Certification
Must be in good standing and remain in good standing with credentialing requirements
Must maintain any required clinical privileges at the hospitals used to treat patients
Demonstrated success in value-based care (quality, risk adjustment/coding accuracy, utilization management, and patient experience)
5+ years of recent experience in clinical practice
Experience in both managed care (value-based care) and fee-for-service based models
Proficient computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, email systems, and web-based programs.
Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of health care professionals and staff, both in and outside of the local care delivery organization.
Ability to travel to all clinics throughout the state of South Carolina

Nice To Haves

Preferred, 5+ years of experience in a leadership role in a medical facility or related environment

Responsibilities

Lead Optum South Carolina clinical strategy and represent the organization with employers, health systems, community partners, and regional stakeholders.
Strengthen Optum South Carolina market presence through relationship-building, physician networking, and strategic outreach initiatives.
Serve as Optum South Carolina senior clinical ambassador, enhancing recruitment credibility and promoting Optum’s reputation across South Carolina.
Guide long-term clinical priorities, growth initiatives, referral development, and market strategy in partnership with organizational leadership.
Work closely with the COO and operational leadership to foster a strong partnership that ensures seamless operations, aligned execution, and sustained performance across clinics.
Maintain visible leadership amongst providers to reinforce culture, trust, and clinical alignment during organizational transition.
Set goals to reduce costs related to facilities, low-value care, specialty referrals, and other measures; engage providers in action planning to meet targets.
Address patient care issues identified by clinical teams and offer strategic input on specialty and primary care adequacy.
Act as a clinical liaison with the Marketing team.
Ensure adherence to all applicable clinical, operational, and regulatory requirements.
Identify and mentor high-potential lead physicians.
Lead, actively participate in and attend meetings as well as committee participation.
Tasks and duties pertinent to practicing medicine within standards of care.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities, as directed.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive team-focused company culture.
Accountable for population health outcomes, including quality scores, risk adjustment performance, utilization management, and total cost of care.
Lead provider engagement strategies that improve physician satisfaction, retention, and organizational trust.
Utilize clinical analytics and performance dashboards to drive evidence-based decision making.
Lead initiatives addressing health disparities and social determinants of health across South Carolina communities.
Develop physician leadership pipelines and succession planning strategies.