The Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs in the Department of Foundational and Clinical Sciences (FCS) at the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine (FCoM) at Belmont University is a key leadership role responsible for developing and overseeing the clinical experiences and affiliations that support the educational mission of FCoM. This position provides strategic leadership in cultivating and sustaining relationships with clinical partners, including HCA Healthcare and the TriStar Division in Nashville, as well as other clinical affiliates supporting the medical school.

In collaboration with the FCS Department Chair, the Vice Chair of Educational Affairs, the Vice Chair of Rural Affairs, and other FCoM leaders, the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs ensures that clinical learning experiences are of the highest quality and aligned with accreditation standards, institutional goals, and the evolving needs of medical education. This role requires an individual who can effectively navigate partnerships between academic and clinical entities while maintaining a strong commitment to student learning, faculty engagement, and the mission of FCoM.

Job functions:

Clinical Educational Engagement

Provides leadership in securing and maintaining clinical affiliations, with a primary focus on HCA Healthcare/TriStar hospitals in Nashville, while also supporting partnerships with other affiliated health systems.Serves as the primary FCoM liaison with HCA Healthcare and chairs the FCoM/HCA Advisory Committee.Collaborates with course and clerkship directors to ensure that clinical rotations meet educational objectives, accreditation standards, and student learning needs.Develops and implements a framework for evaluating and improving the quality of clinical experiences.Advocates for and facilitates faculty development programs for community-based physicians and clinical faculty engaged in medical student education.Provides oversight for the recruitment, onboarding, and development of clinical preceptors across all affiliated training sites.Ensures that clinical learning environments support the professional formation of medical students and promote a positive learning culture.Monitors student feedback and assessment data related to clinical education and partners with faculty and administration to implement improvements.Works closely with the Vice Chair of Educational Affairs to integrate foundational science principles into clinical training.

Affiliation and Partnership Management

Develops and nurtures collaborative relationships with healthcare organizations, hospitals, and community-based clinics to enhance student learning opportunities.Engages with clinical partners on issues related to supervision, assessment, and professional identity formation for medical students.Identifies and negotiates agreements with clinical sites to ensure sufficient placement opportunities for students across all phases of training.Partners with clinical stakeholders to address challenges related to balancing medical student training with residency training and clinical service needs.Assists in mitigating conflicts of interest related to community-based faculty appointments.Collaborates with FCoM leadership to explore new opportunities for expanding clinical education through innovative models, including interprofessional and longitudinal experiences.

Strategic Planning and Leadership

Works with the FCS Chair and FCoM administration to align clinical education priorities with the mission, vision, and values of Belmont University.Contributes to strategic planning efforts to enhance clinical learning experiences and ensure the continued growth of clinical partnerships.Represents FCoM in discussions with external organizations, including national medical education networks and accrediting bodies.Advocates for student well-being and professional development within clinical settings.Promotes a clinical learning environment that incorporates unity and belonging.The above statements describe the job’s essential responsibilities and requirements. They are not an exhaustive list of the duties that may be assigned to job incumbents.