Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Designated Institutional Official (DIO)

The University of Missouri School of Medicine (MU SOM) and MU Health Care (MUHC)

The University of Missouri School of Medicine (MU SOM) and MU Health Care (MUHC) seek a dynamic and accomplished physician leader to serve as the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Designated Institutional Official (DIO). This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and academic leadership for all residency and fellowship training programs across the School of Medicine and MU Health Care.

Reporting jointly to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs / Dean, School of Medicine, and the Chief Medical Officer for MU Health Care, the Senior Associate Dean/DIO ensures institutional compliance, promotes educational excellence, and advances a supportive learning environment for residents and fellows.

This recruitment comes at a pivotal time of strategic growth and investment across the MU Health enterprise. University of Missouri Health Care, a nearly $2 billion academic health system, serves 25 counties and more than 800,000 residents across mid-Missouri. The system includes seven hospitals and over 80 outpatient clinics, offering advanced services through its Children's Hospital, Level I Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Level IV Epilepsy Center, and Level I STEMI Center and MU Psychiatry Center.

Position Overview
The Senior Associate Dean/DIO is responsible for institutional oversight of Graduate Medical Education (GME) and serves as the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The leader in this role ensures compliance with all ACGME institutional, common, and specialty-specific program requirements and provides guidance and direction to program directors, coordinators, and trainees across all disciplines.

This position will partner closely with the School of Medicine and MU Health Care leadership to:

• Develop and execute a strategic plan for GME that aligns with organizational goals and workforce needs.
• Oversee accreditation, compliance, and continuous quality improvement initiatives for 63 programs containing almost 600 trainees.
• Support program directors, faculty, and residents in fostering professional development and academic rigor.
• Collaborate across departments to expand, enhance, and develop new GME programs.
• Lead workforce planning and institutional readiness initiatives that strengthen the educational continuum from medical student to practicing physician.
• Approximately 60% of this position is devoted to administrative leadership and GME oversight, with the remaining 40% dedicated to clinical practice, teaching, and/or scholarly activity in the candidate's specialty area.

Core Responsibilities of the DIO

• Provide administrative oversight and educational leadership for all GME programs sponsored by MU Health Care and the School of Medicine.
• Ensure institutional compliance with ACGME, University of Missouri Health Care, and School of Medicine policies.
• Oversee the quality and safety of clinical learning environments across all sites.
• Review and co-sign program documentation submitted to the ACGME.
• Serve as Chair of the Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC).
• Guide program directors through accreditation, performance review, and disciplinary processes.
• Present an annual report to executive leadership and partner institutions.
• Utilize data to inform strategic planning and institutional growth.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (MD, DO, or MD/PhD)
• Board Certification in any medical specialty recognized by the ABMS or AOA.
• Must be able to obtain a Missouri medical license

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• At least 10 years of clinical practice
• Demonstrated success as a Program Director, Associate DIO, or DIO in an academic medical center.
• Deep understanding of ACGME accreditation requirements and institutional standards.
• Proven ability to foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence in education and patient care.
• Strategic, data-driven decision-making and comfort challenging the status quo.
• A track record of developing others and planning for succession.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and organizational leadership skills.
• Ability to build partnerships across clinical and academic enterprises.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learner well-being.

Application Materials:

• A letter of interest outlining leadership philosophy, qualifications, and vision for GME.
• A full curriculum vitae (CV)

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Maria Lopez-Mendez, MBA, CPRP

Director of Recruitment

University of Missouri School of Medicine

(573) 884-2572

Maria.Lopez-Mendez@health.missouri.edu

Application Deadline:
We will be accepting applications until February 28, 2026 and the review of applications and nominations will begin immediately.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.