UNC Vice Chair for Quality, Equity and Community Engagement

The UNC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is excited to announce the creation of the inaugural position of Vice Chair for Quality, Equity and Community Engagement.

Quality improvement and community engagement are critical tools to drive equitable health care and outcomes. The successful candidate will have a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the department’s commitment to provide high-quality, equitable, and safe reproductive health care for the people of North Carolina.

The Vice Chair for Quality, Equity, and Community Engagement will collaborate with departmental and healthcare system leaders, clinicians, and administrators to develop and implement initiatives to enhance quality, equity, and safety internally, while also actively engaging and serving the communities we serve.

Protected time will be commensurate with the role and the balance of FTE will be covered by OB-GYN clinical responsibilities and funded time.

This is an Open Rank position for either fixed term or tenure / tenure-track appointment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership :

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, 3-5-year strategic plan that integrates equity and re-imagines our quality and safety infrastructure to maximize the department’s unique strengths and align seamlessly with our Mission Driven Pillars : Clinical Excellence, Research, and Education Innovation, Community, Culture, and People.
• Work with Division Directors and other department leaders to integrate equity, quality, and safety initiatives into all aspects of departmental operations.
• Collaborate with clinical leadership to guarantee the department’s clinical service adopts and implements best practices for a culture of continuous quality improvement and respectful care, fostering an equitable and inclusive environment.

Quality Improvement :

• Develop and oversee quality improvement programs to enhance clinical processes, patient experience, and reproductive health outcomes.
• Implement evidence-based practices to optimize patient care and safety.
• Monitor and analyze patient safety data, implement corrective actions, and drive a culture of safety. Identify trends, measure performance, and assess the effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives.
• Prepare and present regular reports on quality, equity, and safety metrics to departmental leadership.

Equity and Inclusion :

• Create and sustain an inclusive environment that values and respects diversity in race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, and other defining features.
• Implement and advocate for policies and practices that promote a culture of belonging for all department members and communities served.
• Engage with key stakeholders and community members to identify and address disparities in healthcare delivery based on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, socioeconomic status, rurality, and intersectional identities.

Collaboration, Communication, and Community Engagement :

• Serve as the departmental liaison to the communities we serve, fostering partnerships and ensuring that our programs and services reflect the priorities and meet the needs of diverse populations.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community organizations and stakeholders to enhance the department’s community engagement efforts.
• Communicate effectively regarding quality, equity, and safety initiatives in the Department.

Educational Initiatives :

• Develop and implement educational programs to raise awareness and promote understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and quality areas within the department.
• Provide training and resources to support faculty, staff, and trainees in creating an inclusive and culturally aware healthcare environment.

Collaboration and Representation :

Act as the liaison to the School of Medicine and the Health Care System, advocating for and representing quality and equity and inclusion initiatives at higher organizational levels.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements MD or DO degree with completion of a 4-year ACGME residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Board eligible or Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology is required. Excellent qualifications and letters of recommendation are required.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience in the development and implementation of initiatives designed to enhance department quality, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong understanding of issues related to quality, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and education.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategies to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within an academic setting.
• Experience in quality improvement methodologies .
• Commitment to community engagement and partnership-building, particularly with under-served and marginalized communities.

Interest in developing and implementing community-centered initiatives to address health disparities and promote health equity.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively advocate for equity and inclusion principles.
• Understanding of cultural competence and its application in healthcare delivery.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying informed about emerging trends, best practices, and evidence-based approaches in equity, inclusion, and quality improvement in healthcare.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Special Physical / Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities