Chief Physician Executive

An exceptional Opportunity to Shape the Future of Ophthalmic MedicineWills Eye Hospital seeks an accomplished and visionary physician executive to serve as its next Chief Physician Executive (CPE). This is a distinctive opportunity to provide strategic clinical leadership at one of the nation’s most established institutions dedicated to the preservation and restoration of vision, building on a legacy of excellence while helping define the future of ophthalmic medicine.Founded in 1832, Wills Eye Hospital has a distinguished history of advancing ophthalmic care, educating future generations of physicians and contributing to scientific discovery. Today, the Hospital continues to pursue its mission through exceptional patient care, clinical innovation, medical education, and research. Its longstanding commitment to Skill with Compassion provides a foundation for continued leadership in an evolving healthcare landscape.Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CPE will be a key member of the Hospital’s senior leadership team, serving as a trusted physician leader and strategic partner. The CPE will help translate institutional priorities into clinical strategy, strengthen engagement across the medical staff, and advance a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.This is an opportunity for a physician leader of exceptional credibility and vision to make a lasting impact on a nationally prominent specialty institution and the broader field of ophthalmology.The Leadership Opportunity The Chief Physician Executive will work in close partnership with the CEO, physician leadership and administrative colleagues to advance Wills Eye Hospital’s strategic priorities and sustain its tradition of clinical and academic distinction.Key Responsibilities will include:· Clinical Strategy and Excellence:Advance a comprehensive vision for clinical excellence, quality, patient safety, and outcomes while supporting the continued development of outstanding ophthalmic services.· Physician Leadership and Engagement:Cultivate strong relationships across the medical staff, build alignment around shared institutional priorities, and foster a culture of collegiality, professionalism, and shared accountability.· Strategic Planning and Institutional Growth:Partner with executive leadership to identify opportunities for sustainable growth, strengthen clinical programs, and respond proactively to changes in healthcare delivery and the practice of ophthalmology.· Operational Performance and Stewardship:Collaborate with administrative leadership to improve clinical operations, access, efficiency and resources utilization while maintaining the highest standard of care.· Academic Excellence and Innovation:Support the integration of clinical practice, medical education, and research, advancing opportunities for discovery, innovation, and the development of future ophthalmic leaders.· Quality, Safety, and Patient Experience:Champion evidence-based practice, measurable improvements in clinical performance, and a patient centered approach that reflects the Hospital’s enduring mission.· Organizational Culture and leadership Development:Develop physician leadership capacity, support recruitment and retention of outstanding clinicians, and promote an environment characterized by respect, collaboration, and continuous learning.· External Engagement and Professional Leadership:Represent Wills Eye Hospital as appropriate in professional, academic, and healthcare forums, strengthening relationships and advancing the institution’s reputation and influence.· The Ideal Candidate:The successful candidate will be a distinguished physician leader with the clinical credibility, strategic perspective, and executive capabilities to lead in a complex, highly specialized healthcare environment. The individual will combine a commitment to outstanding patient care with the ability to engage physicians, build consensus, lead organization change, and deliver meaningful results.The Ideal candidate will bring:· A MD or DO degree, board certification in ophthalmology or another relevant specialty, as determined by the hospital.· A record of clinical distinction and progressive leadership responsibility within an academic medical center, specialty hospital, physician organization, or similarly complex healthcare environment.· Demonstrated success in physician engagement, clinical quality improvement, strategic planning, and development of high-performing clinical teams.· Strong business, financial, and operational acumen including the ability to align clinical priorities with institutional resources and long-term sustainability.· Experience working collaboratively with executive leadership, medical staff governance structures, and multidisciplinary terms.· A leadership style characterized by integrity, sound judgment, emotional intelligence, transparency, and the ability to navigate differing perspectives constructively.· A commitment to medical education, scientific advancement, professional development, and the highest standards of ethical and compassionate care.The successful candidate will be a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who can inspire confidence among physicians and colleagues, honor Wills Eye’s distinctive heritage, and help position the institution for its next chapter of achievement.Wills Eye Hospital is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a professional environment that respects the dignity and contributions of all individuals.Interested?Please send letter of interest and CV to:Cynthia C. FaranoChief HR Officer Wills Eye Hospital840 Walnut StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19106Email: cfarano@willseye.org