Professor - Chief, Division of Allergy. Clinical Immunology, and Rheumatology

Position Summary:

The Chief of the Division of Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology provides strategic, clinical, academic, and operational leadership for a multidisciplinary division within the Department of Medicine. This individual will oversee the growth and excellence of clinical programs, research initiatives, and educational missions, while maintaining an active clinical practice focused primarily in rheumatology.

The Chief will serve as a key leader within the department and health system, responsible for advancing patient care delivery, faculty development, research productivity, and regional/national reputation in rheumatologic and immunologic diseases.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for the division aligned with departmental and institutional priorities
• Expand and integrate clinical services across rheumatology, allergy, and clinical immunology
• Identify and develop new programmatic areas (e.g., autoimmune disease centers, biologics/infusion services, multidisciplinary clinics)
• Build partnerships across subspecialties (e.g., nephrology, pulmonology, dermatology, oncology)

2. Clinical Leadership (Primary Focus: Rheumatology)

• Maintain a high-quality, patient-centered clinical practice in rheumatology
• Standardize clinical protocols and care pathways across sites
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and value-based care strategies
• Optimize access, patient throughput, and care coordination
• Collaborate with hospital and ambulatory leadership to enhance service line performance

3. Histocompatibility Laboratory Oversight

• Supervise Director of HLA and support the HLA operations
• Participates in HLA contract reviews and negotiations
• Partners with Director on HLA compliance requirements, audits, and certifications

4. Faculty Recruitment, Development, and Retention

• Recruit high-caliber faculty across all three disciplines
• Establish clear expectations for clinical productivity, research, and teaching
• Mentor faculty in career development, promotion, and scholarly achievement
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and academic excellence

5. Research & Scholarly Activity

• Promote a robust research portfolio including clinical, translational, and basic science research
• Support faculty in obtaining extramural funding (NIH, foundations, industry)
• Develop clinical trials infrastructure within rheumatology and immunology
• Encourage interdisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations

6. Education & Academic Mission

• Oversee educational programs for medical students, residents, and fellows
• Strengthen fellowship programs (if applicable) or develop new training programs
• Ensure high-quality teaching and curriculum development
• Promote faculty engagement in national academic societies and leadership roles

7. Financial & Operational Oversight

• Manage divisional budget, including clinical revenue, research funding, and expenses
• Monitor and improve financial performance (RVUs, payer mix, cost efficiency)
• Partner with administrative leadership on staffing models, clinic operations, and resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and accreditation standards

8. Institutional & External Engagement

• Represent the division within departmental, school, and health system leadership structures
• Build referral networks and regional partnerships
• Enhance the division’s visibility through national organizations (e.g., ACR, AAAAI)
• Participate in philanthropy and development efforts as appropriate

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Financial and operational acumen
• Collaborative leadership and team building
• Academic productivity and mentorship
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Chair, Department of Medicine
• Direct Reports: Division faculty, administrative staff

Qualifications:

Required

• MD or MD/PhD
• Board certification in Rheumatology (required)
• Eligibility for Louisiana medical licensure
• Academic rank of Associate Professor or Professor (or eligible)
• Demonstrated leadership experience in an academic medical center
• Strong record of clinical excellence and teaching

Preferred

• Established track record of funded research or program development
• Experience leading multidisciplinary or multi-site clinical operations
• Experience with faculty recruitment and mentorship
• Familiarity with value-based care and population health strategies