Medical Director of Palliative Care

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare • Wilmington, NC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is seeking a Senior Medical Director to lead inpatient palliative medicine and hospice services in coastal Wilmington, North Carolina. The role combines clinical care, physician and team leadership, strategic program development, quality improvement, and education. The Senior Medical Director will guide a multidisciplinary team, strengthen relationships with the medical center and community physicians, and help develop patient-centered care models as the organization expands its palliative care programs.

The position provides palliative care consultations for patients and families facing serious illness, serves as attending physician for inpatient hospice patients, and supports care across settings. It also includes supervision and mentorship of clinical team members, quality and safety leadership, recruitment and development support, operational planning, and teaching fellows, residents, and students. This is a structured weekday, on-site leadership role.

Requirements

• MD or DO from an accredited program.
• Ability to obtain and maintain North Carolina medical licensure and hospital medical staff privileges.
• Board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, or eligibility and commitment to obtain certification within the first year.
• At least five years of experience caring for patients with serious or life-limiting illness, with a strong foundation in hospice and palliative medicine.
• Experience leading teams and mentoring advanced practice providers.
• Interest in education and mentorship, including working with fellows, residents, and other learners.
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary environments and value partnership, communication, and shared purpose.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert palliative care consultation for patients and families facing serious illness.
• Lead and coordinate comprehensive care plans in partnership with interdisciplinary teams.
• Serve as attending physician for inpatient hospice patients and support care across settings.
• Ensure high-quality, patient-centered care aligned with best practices in symptom management and end-of-life care.
• Supervise and mentor hospice and palliative care team members, including registered nurses, advanced practice providers, social workers, and physicians.
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of team members.
• Serve as a liaison between clinical teams, hospital leadership, and community physicians.
• Help drive the strategic direction and expansion of palliative care services.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives, performance metrics, and patient safety efforts.
• Partner with leadership to enhance program visibility, access, and community engagement.
• Contribute to operational planning, program development, and service line growth.
• Teach and mentor hospice and palliative medicine fellows, residents, and students.
• Advise clinicians and the broader community on best practices in end-of-life care.
• Represent Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in committees, forums, and professional settings.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunities to expand leadership influence, mentor future clinicians, and contribute to education and program development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree