University of Iowa Health Care seeks its next Chair and Department Executive Officer (DEO) of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (OVS). University of Iowa Health Care represents the integrated healthcare enterprise of the University of Iowa, which includes the University of Iowa Health Care Clinical Enterprise, the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, and University of Iowa Physicians. University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center serves as the main campus for University of Iowa Health Care and is one of the largest university-owned teaching hospitals in the United States and sits adjacent to the Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. University of Iowa Health is expanding, including the Iowa City Medical Center Downtown branch, Medical Center North Liberty, and locations in the Quad Cities. The faculty and staff of University of Iowa Health Care conduct biomedical research that has led to some of the most important discoveries in the treatment for cancer, heart attack, stroke, eye disease, hearing loss, genetic diseases, birth defects, and many other conditions. Through its educational mission, University of Iowa Health Care trains the next generation of global leaders in patient care, medical research, and education.

Located within the Carver College of Medicine, one of the top public medical schools in the country, the UI Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has a distinguished record in research, education, and clinical care. Faculty maintain a robust presence locally, regionally, and nationally, and in recent years, many have held leadership positions in a variety of national organizations. The department offers comprehensive services across all ophthalmic subspecialties, including cornea, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastics, ocular oncology, and retina. Innovative clinical offerings include advanced imaging techniques and participation in cutting-edge clinical trials aimed at improving vision care.

The department is comprised of 57 faculty members, which includes 47 clinical faculty, most of whom are actively involved in training residents and fellows. The residency program compiles 24 ACGME-approved positions and is renowned for its rigorous training; approximately ten postgraduate fellows are trained each year across various subspecialties. Research is a cornerstone of the department, with faculty securing significant NIH funding to advance the understanding and treatment of eye diseases. Research in the department incorporates the Iowa Institute of Vision Research and includes a focus on inherited eye diseases. The department's commitment to research is further exemplified by its continuous NIH support over the past 29 years. In addition to clinical and research excellence, the department is dedicated to education and professional development for all eye care professionals; a highlight of the department’s educational programing is EyeRounds.org, which serves as a resource for students, residents, physicians and patients across the globe.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.

• MD, MD/PhD, or a degree equivalent to an MD is required for this position

• National recognition for achievement in clinical, educational and/or research pursuits that would warrant a tenured appointment.


• A minimum of ten years demonstrated academic and/or clinical achievement in a large volume, high-performing, contemporary department with comparable complexity to the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.


• Candidates must be an active clinician.


• Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellent financial acumen.


• Demonstrated leadership as a creative and accomplished administrator who understands the changing healthcare environment and the complexities of clinical operations.


• Candidates must have experience with building and leading new programs.


• Candidates must have experience with educating trainees at various levels.


• Must have demonstrated experience with developing research infrastructure and securing extramural funding.


• Must have the ability to provide expertise and leadership across the larger institution of University of Iowa Health Care.


• Demonstrated knowledge of effective strategies for working with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. 

• Certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology and licensure or eligibility for licensure in the state of Iowa.

• A history of past or active NIH funding and/or clinical research is desirable.


• Comfortable in the public domain with the ability to engage the community through philanthropy to support education, research, clinical and service missions. 


• An open and direct communication style with a collegial presence that encourages consensus building, collaboration, and cooperation to both foster and maintain strong relationships.


• Demonstrated experience with clinical leadership within a multi-site health system setting.


• A strong advocate for the department who negotiates well across all levels of the organization to support the department's objectives.