Overview
Lead Healthcare Transformation at a System Level
The Virginia Department of Corrections is seeking a visionary Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to lead and advance healthcare delivery across one of the largest correctional systems in the nation.
This is more than a clinical leadership role, it is an opportunity to shape public health outcomes, influence policy, and drive system-wide clinical excellence for a diverse and often underserved population. You will oversee 36 facilities across three regions, providing leadership and oversight for approximately 3 Regional Medical Directors, 25 Physicians, and 29 Nurse Practitioners.
Position Overview
The Chief Medical Officer serves as the senior clinical leader for the agency, providing strategic direction, oversight, and innovation across all medical services. You will partner with executive leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, and cost-effective care across multiple facilities, while advancing initiatives in population health, behavioral health integration, and quality improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide executive leadership and clinical oversight for statewide healthcare operations
- Establish and maintain clinical standards, policies, and protocols
- Lead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives across all facilities
- Partner with executive leadership on strategic planning, compliance, and healthcare innovation
- Oversee and mentor a multidisciplinary team of physicians and healthcare professionals
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and legal requirements
- Drive initiatives focused on population health, chronic disease management, and behavioral health integration
- Serve as a key advisor on clinical and public health matter
Why this Role Matters
- Influence care for a large, high-need patient population
- Drive meaningful change in public health and health equity
- Operate at the intersection of clinical medicine, leadership, and policy
- Lead transformation into a complex, mission-driven healthcare environment
Qualifications
- MD or DO from an accredited institution
- Board Certification in a recognized specialty
- Active, unrestricted medical license (or ability to obtain in Virginia)
- Progressive leadership experience (e.g., Medical Director, Associate CMO, CMO)
- Demonstrated success in healthcare operations, quality improvement, and clinical leadership
Preferred:
- Experience in correctional healthcare, public health, or large integrated system
- Strong background in population health or behavioral health
- Experience leading multi-site or statewide healthcare operations
What We’re Looking For
- A strategic thinker who can lead at both the executive and clinical level
- A mission-driven physician leader passionate about serving underserved populations
- A leader who can balance clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and innovation
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence across diverse stakeholders
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive executive compensation package (Commensurate with experience)
- Comprehensive benefits (health, retirement, paid leave)
- Opportunity for state-level leadership and long-term impact
Join Us
If you are a physician leader ready to make a statewide impact on healthcare delivery and public health, we invite you to apply and lead with purpose.
Apply Today
About Virginia Department of Corrections
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) is the largest state agency with more than 11,000 employees across the Commonwealth. We operate secure facilities and probation and parole offices to provide care and supervision for inmates under state custody.
Virginia currently has the nation's lowest recidivism rate at 17.6 percent.
Mission
We ensure public safety by providing effective incarceration, supervision, and evidence-based re-entry services.
Vision
A premier correctional organization working to secure a safer Virginia.
Values
Safety: We are committed to the safety and security of all individuals. We proactively work to create a safe and secure work environment by protecting each other, our communities, and our reputation.
Integrity: We behave with high standards of personal and professional conduct. We are trustworthy, fair, and honest. We are ethical at all times.
Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for our actions, decisions, and consequences.
Respect: We appreciate the differences and the dignity of individuals. We value others’ points of view. We accept people as they are. We are polite, courteous, and empathetic.
Learning: We are best-in-class because of our commitment to personal and professional growth, continuous improvement, and evidence-based practices.
Service: We serve by encouraging all individuals to become the best versions of themselves with humility, unity, passion, commitment, and thankfulness.