Medical Director - Physician Assistant

South University Richmond•Montgomery, AL

About The Position

The Medical Director is a faculty member, with rank commensurate with experience, who supports the Program Director in ensuring that didactic instruction and supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) align with current physician assistant practice standards. The role contributes to program mission and vision development, instruction, student evaluation, curriculum design and improvement, and assessment for compliance with ARC-PA Accreditation Standards. The Medical Director advocates for the PA program and profession, supports clinical partnerships, and helps ensure that students achieve the learning outcomes and competencies needed for PA practice. The position also contributes to the department and campus community, complies with applicable university governance mandates, and performs duties described in the faculty job description and Faculty Supplement to the South University Employee Handbook. The Medical Director reports to and supports the Program Director, while also receiving assigned responsibilities from the Campus Director/Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations, the PA Department Chair, and the Dean of the College of Health Professions.

Requirements

Must be a currently or previously licensed osteopathic or allopathic physician or physician assistant.
Must be currently or previously board certified by the appropriate certifying body.
If currently licensed, the license must be valid and unencumbered.
Physician Assistant candidates must have graduated from an accredited PA program and hold current NCCPA certification or emeritus status.
A minimum of five years of clinical experience is required.
A minimum of two years of healthcare leadership experience is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of current practice standards and the role of the physician assistant.
Strong commitment to the purpose and goals of South University and the Physician Assistant Program.
Strong leadership skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build successful relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Nice To Haves

A doctoral degree is preferred.
At least two years of teaching experience in a graduate-level, health-related profession is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide ongoing medical guidance so didactic and supervised clinical practice instruction reflects current standards of care and evidence-based practice.
Assist faculty with continuous review and assessment of the PA curriculum and support program self-study and improvement.
Advocate for the PA program and profession in medical and academic communities.
Support clinical site development and retention as a member of the Clinical Education Team.
Engage with clinical facilities and preceptors to support student learning outcomes and graduate competencies.
Serve on the Admissions Committee, contributing to recruitment, interviews, candidate screening and selection, admissions-process review, and data-driven improvements.
Participate in accreditation activities and ongoing program evaluation, including review of mission, vision, and program goals.
Teach in the PA program, including coordinating preceptors for SCPE and rotation courses, lecturing in areas of expertise, and advising students as needed.
Contribute to curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement through data analysis and strategic planning.
Evaluate student performance and provide remediation and support as appropriate.
Participate in evaluating students in OSCEs, lab practicals, clinical reasoning and problem-solving activities, and clinical and technical skills sessions.
Assist the Program Director with recruiting and evaluating teaching faculty and clinical preceptors, including service on search committees.
Participate in Student Progress and Promotions Committee meetings, faculty retreats, student orientation, white coat ceremonies, PA Day activities, Program Advisory Council meetings, and other faculty and student events.
Maintain high moral and ethical standards in professional and evaluative duties.
Represent the PA Department and program at professional organization meetings, conferences, and social functions as necessary.
Remain current in medical practice and participate in required annual faculty development.
Participate in service, community engagement, campus relations, and scholarly activities appropriate to the role.
Perform additional duties assigned by the Program Director, Campus Director/Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations, PA Department Chair, and Dean of the College of Health Professions.