Clinical Chair, Pediatric Innovation Center
CLINICAL CHAIR, PEDIATRIC INNOVATION CENTER
OVERVIEW
The Pediatric Innovation Center, with a total of 30 beds, is dedicated to providing specialty rehabilitation care for children from infancy through adolescence, including care for children with traumatic injuries, congenital and developmental disorders, and those surviving cancer.
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Pediatric Innovation Center leads the world in advancing the knowledge and care of conditions affecting the function and development of children. It provides state-of the-art care and feature lively child-centered themes to create a positive, stimulating — uplifting — atmosphere for young patients, their families and caregivers. Clinicians and scientists associated with the Center are exceptionally qualified practitioners in specific areas of care — particularly in the special competencies required to treat children. To drive the best possible outcomes for their young patients, these pediatric specialists also leverage the leading knowledge and discoveries evolving in other Innovation Centers (e.g. Brain; Spinal Cord; Nerve, Muscle & Bone; Cancer).
The Clinical Chair leads the Pediatric Innovation Center and is responsible for establishing clinical priorities, recruiting and retaining experts, patient quality and safety, and partnering with all Research Chairs to determine research priorities. The Clinical Chair also directs and implements research aimed at achieving the best outcomes for pediatric patients presenting with functional impairment of the brain; spinal cord; nerves, muscles & bones; and/or resulting from cancer of the treatment of cancer.
Aggregating patients with such conditions in a unified care and research structure allows us to dedicate investments in talent, space and equipment, a focus that attracts a high volume of patients with varying complexity. This depth and breadth of experience continuously sharpens our skill and expertise in facilitating the recovery process.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develops strong vision for Pediatric Innovation Center and is able to articulate and communicate it effectively. Vision must be aligned with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s overall Vision to improve outcomes, recovery and even advance the science of "cures" in pediatric care. Vision must include evidenced-based medicine, the principles of quality improvement and patient safety, and the integration of science/research where possible within clinical milieu.
Provides leadership to Pediatric Innovation Center, accountable for overall success and effectiveness of entire Center (as well as for clinical care of his/her patients)
Partners with Research Chairs of Ability Labs through close collaboration in order to:
a) Ensure that clinical intervention and care embrace scientific process and is involved in relevant clinical research
b) Establish research priorities
c) Ensure that scientifically validated innovations, including treatments and devices, are quickly adopted into clinical practice
d) Inform and support research initiatives
Establishes practice standards, and with others (e.g., nurses, allied health staff, research Chairs), oversees quality of interdisciplinary clinical care, including appropriate development and implementation of clinical protocols, performance standards and policies across system of care
Oversees and is responsible for clinical quality, team process, medical practice, patient safety, outcomes and patient satisfaction; ensures an effective and safe care environment
Ensures an evidenced-based scientific approach to patient care delivery
Directs strategy and service development consistent with patient, referrer, managed care/payor expectations
Serves as practicing physician and provides medical leadership to patient’s interdisciplinary team of physicians, nursing and allied health staff
As practicing physician, ensures appropriateness and effectiveness of patient treatment plan; oversees and coordinates involvement of physicians, nursing and allied health staff to resolve complex medical problems
Actively participates in assigned medical staff committees, chairing when appropriate
Recruits, hires, mentors and develops highly qualified staff capable of providing care consistent with our Mission and standards
Ensures competencies and other specialized skills of Attending Physicians within Pediatric Innovation Center; directly supervises and appraises physicians and, when necessary, initiates discipline or termination procedures
Shares responsibility with Pediatric Clinical and Administrative Managers for:
a) Planning, developing, implementing and evaluating operations, including managing patient volumes and establishing annual budget for volumes
b) Oversees Pediatric Innovation Center operations
c) Develops and manages Center against set of clinical, service and financial outcomes that reflect optimal performance and are consistent with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab standards and expectations
Implements leadership strategy cultivating collaborative, professional, creative work environment to stimulate inquiry, scientific method and continuous quality improvement
Advances our academic mission by providing exciting teaching environment, maintaining strong relationships with academic institutions and professional organizations
Pursues intra- and extra-mural funding to support research (includes influencing and overseeing growth of federal funding), as appropriate
Pursues scholarly activity through scientific presentation and publication
Participates in research and medical education activities for residents and fellows, including teaching medical students and residents, Grand Rounds, continuing education and in-service training
Actively represents and promotes Shirley Ryan AbilityLab throughout region, nation and world to all key university, clinical and business constituencies
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to Chief Medical Officer, with dotted-line/matrix reporting to Chief Scientific Officer
Responsible for Attending Physicians under the umbrella of the Pediatric Innovation Center
Active member of Clinical Research Integration Council led by Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Medical Officer
PROFESSIONAL & INTERPERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Recognized in field as leader in medical care and science for pediatric conditions resulting in loss of function
Requires forward-thinking, proactive, results-oriented leader with demonstrated skills in management systems/processes and knowledge of organizational behavior
Outstanding interpersonal skills, including proven ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, referring parties, SRAlab staff, managed care organizations and payors, our scientists and other internal and external stakeholders
Proven mentoring experience
Demonstrates quantitative skills necessary to initiate and review clinical and business analyses
Fully embraces scientific basis of medical practice; facile with scientific concepts and research method
QUALIFICATIONS
Licensed to practice medicine
Successful completion of a residency program with Board Certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation or other appropriate specialty
Advanced degree in applied research in associated field is a plus (master’s or doctoral)
Faculty appointment of Associate Professor or higher at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, required unless otherwise agreed to by Chief Medical Officer
A practitioner with proven leadership qualities and experience in patient care and programs directed at the rehabilitation of pediatric patients with functional impairment
Demonstrated research experience and knowledge needed to facilitate the translation of research to clinical practice in the area of pediatric function
Proven ability to develop and lead large, complex, multi-dimensional team that is quality- and outcome-oriented, patient-care-service driven
Demonstrated success with progressive organizational responsibilities, including hiring/firing staff and management of clinicians/physicians, budgetary responsibilities, program development and growth; solid quantitative skills necessary to initiate and review clinical and other business analyses
Demonstrated ability to identify needs, rationalize directions, marshal resources within a complex organizational system
Outstanding communication and listening skills with demonstrated abilities in negotiation and persuasion
Experience with and knowledge of fundraising; demonstrated experience in donor cultivation activities
About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you will be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.
SRAlab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Required Skills Required Experience