Medical Director, Hereditary Cancer & High-Risk Program

Ochsner Health•New Orleans, LA

13d

About The Position

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways. At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today! The Medical Director of the Hereditary Cancer and High-Risk Program is a physician leader responsible for the development, oversight, and expansion of a comprehensive program dedicated to identifying and managing individuals at elevated risk for cancer. This role blends clinical expertise, strategic vision, and operational leadership to build a best-in-class program that integrates genetics, prevention, and early detection into routine care. The Medical Director will lead a multidisciplinary team that includes advanced practice providers (APPs), genetic counselors (GCs), and other specialists, ensuring the delivery of evidence-based, personalized risk assessment and management plans. This individual will serve as the clinical and strategic architect of the program, working across departments to establish referral pathways, standardize care, and expand access to high-risk services. Key Responsibilities Clinical Leadership The Medical Director will provide direct clinical oversight of the hereditary cancer and high-risk clinic, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals with increased cancer risk due to family history, genetic predisposition, or other risk factors. They will guide the development of individualized screening and risk-reduction strategies, incorporating the latest evidence and national guidelines. They will supervise and mentor APPs and GCs, fostering a collaborative and high-performing clinical environment. The role includes case review, consultation on complex patients, and establishing standards for care delivery across the program. Program Development & Strategy A central responsibility of this role is to build and scale the hereditary cancer program. This includes designing clinical workflows, defining program scope, and identifying opportunities for growth across the health system. The Medical Director will develop and implement standardized clinical algorithms and care pathways for common hereditary cancer syndromes (e.g., BRCA-related cancers, Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis), ensuring consistency and quality across providers. They will continuously refine these pathways based on emerging evidence and institutional data. Multidisciplinary Collaboration & Referral Development The Medical Director will work closely with a broad range of colleagues, including primary care providers, oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, gynecologists, and other specialists, to build strong referral relationships and increase program visibility. They will serve as a key ambassador for the program, educating providers on appropriate referral criteria, genetic testing indications, and high-risk management strategies. The role requires effective communication and relationship-building skills to integrate the program seamlessly into the broader health system. Operational Oversight The Medical Director will oversee day-to-day program operations in partnership with administrative leadership. This includes staffing models, clinic capacity planning, workflow optimization, and performance monitoring. They will establish key performance indicators (KPIs) such as referral volume, genetic testing uptake, adherence to screening recommendations, and patient outcomes, using these metrics to guide program improvement. Research, Innovation, and Education The role includes fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence. The Medical Director will identify opportunities for clinical research, including participation in trials related to early detection, genetic testing, and cancer prevention. They will also contribute to educational initiatives for providers, trainees, and patients, helping to advance knowledge in hereditary cancer risk assessment and management.

Requirements

MD or DO with board certification in oncology, medical genetics, internal medicine, or a related field
Demonstrated expertise in hereditary cancer syndromes, cancer risk assessment, and preventive oncology
Experience working with or overseeing multidisciplinary teams, including APPs and genetic counselors
Proven track record in program development, clinical leadership, or service line growth
Strong understanding of genetic testing technologies, guidelines (e.g., NCCN), and risk management strategies
Eligibility for medical licensure in the relevant state

Responsibilities

Provide direct clinical oversight of the hereditary cancer and high-risk clinic
Guide the development of individualized screening and risk-reduction strategies
Supervise and mentor APPs and GCs
Design clinical workflows, defining program scope, and identifying opportunities for growth across the health system
Develop and implement standardized clinical algorithms and care pathways for common hereditary cancer syndromes
Work closely with a broad range of colleagues to build strong referral relationships and increase program visibility
Serve as a key ambassador for the program, educating providers on appropriate referral criteria, genetic testing indications, and high-risk management strategies
Oversee day-to-day program operations in partnership with administrative leadership
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs)
Identify opportunities for clinical research
Contribute to educational initiatives for providers, trainees, and patients