Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is seeking outstanding applicants for the position of Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Health Sciences Center (HSC) in the School of Medicine. The UNM Health Sciences Center strives for excellence across four key areas: patient care, education, research, and community engagement. The faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences practice within the University of New Mexico Hospital system (UNMH). The UNM School of Medicine is celebrated for its innovations in medical education and has earned a reputation for prioritizing diversity in its student body and physician workforce.

The University of New Mexico Health System hospitals serve as both the tertiary care center and the safety net hospitals for New Mexico. In general, New Mexico is underserved; for example, it has about half the national average of eye providers per capita. The eleven clinical faulty cover the major service lines: Comprehensive, Cornea, Glaucoma, Neuro-ophthalmology, Oculoplastics, Pediatrics, Medical Retina, and Vitreo-retinal surgery.

UNM Hospital has two eye clinics. The original eye clinic is on the first floor of the Main UNMH hospital and a satellite clinic is one mile away at 1600 University Blvd NE. The building that houses the 1600 University Eye Clinic was recently purchased by UNMH and will be expanded to increase clinic capacity by about 150%. Non-emergent eye surgeries are performed at the University’s Outpatient Surgery and Imaging Services (OSIS) building. Emergency surgery and inpatient consultations are performed at the main UNM Hospital. The UNMH Eye Clinic has approximately 50,000 patient visits a year. Those visits generate about 10,000 diagnostic procedures, 2500 treatment procedures in the clinic and 1800 eye surgeries each year.

The Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences plays a major leadership role in all HSC mission areas. It is expected that the successful candidate will have a record of trans-disciplinary leadership as further detailed below.  The Chair will lead the department on behalf of the Dean of the School of Medicine, the Executive Vice President for the Health Sciences Center (HSC) and the President of the University.

The ideal candidate for Chair will have a history of successfully providing strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of clinical service, educational programming, and research endeavors.  The successful candidate will have an understanding of and experience with administrative and fiscal responsibilities, and a demonstrated commitment to faculty development, consensus building, and interdepartmental collaboration. The Chair must be a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives and foster an equitable working environment.

The Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences will work alongside the other SOM departmental chairs and operate in a manner that is consistent with the SOM’s missions and values. The Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences must consider all pertinent infrastructure and operational elements of University of New Mexico Hospitals (UNMH) and the SOM necessary to help implement the HSC Strategic Plan while at the same time being attentive to the fiscal implications. The Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences will drive the processes, set schedules and identify methods which will help to produce these outcomes within his or her sphere of influence. 

A collaborative style is expected as the Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences serves as a resource for the organization to continually improve the quality and quantity of contributions emanating from the Department. A proven leader, who demonstrates a growth mindset and the ability to model cultural humility, will serve to reinforce our values: integrity, accountability, diversity, excellence, compassion, and respect. Commitment to the highest level of professionalism in all interactions is essential. The Chair is expected to not only recognize, embrace and appreciate the diverse cultures in the state of New Mexico but also to promote a culture of diversity and inclusivity across the department learners and workforce. This emphasis is vital for recruitment and retention of both trainees and faculty. The Chair is also expected to engender a spirit of teamwork and innovation within the Department, to foster discovery and creativity, and promote the missions of the Department, the SOM, and the HSC.

Located in Albuquerque New Mexico, UNM Health System partners not only with the School of Medicine, but is also part of the State’s Flagship institution for higher education.  Exposure to a wide variety of educational opportunities, outdoor activities, and diverse experiences makes Albuquerque a special place to call home.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must hold an MD, MD-PhD, DO, or equivalent degree and be Board Certified in Ophthalmology.  The candidate must have demonstrated expertise appropriate for appointment as an Associate Professor or Professor in the UNM School of Medicine. The candidate must have administrative and leadership experience in an academic institution, be eligible for licensure in New Mexico, and must be eligible to work in the United States.

Desired Qualifications

• Preference will be given to candidates at the Professor level

• Strong record of excellence in leadership, clinical skills, educational innovation, and research support.

• Success in creating and maintaining a positive learning environment
• Demonstrated evidence of financial management, contract negotiation and driving strategic inititatives to successful outcomes
• Strong record of personnel management experience with an emphasis on faculty recruitment, faculty development and mentoring for success
• Experience working with multiple constituencies and a record of advocacy across all department mission areas

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and resident/fellow success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities. 

• Exceptional communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to develop a vision for the future expansion of the clinical enterprise through collaborative relationships with leadership

Nomination Process

To nominate an outstanding candidate, please send the name and contact information of the nominee to:

UNM Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
c/o April Rodriguez
amrodriguez@salud.unm.edu