Lead Physician

Lead Physician, Clinical Center of Excellence for Naturopathic Oncology

Mission & Vision: Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty.


As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values.

Job Description/Summary

Sonoran University is seeking a Visionary Clinician-Researcher-Mentor to lead our Clinical Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Naturopathic Oncology . This multi-purpose role is designed for a practitioner who is passionate about delivering state-of-the-art, evidence-informed integrative oncology care, while advancing the field through targeted research and the mentorship of high-achieving students and residents.


The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in launching our new clinical services in 2026-27, launching the CCoE Naturopathic Oncology into a premier hub for naturopathic oncology in North America. You will create and lead a robust clinical program, that showcases yourself and Sonoran University as recognized leaders in Naturopathic Oncology by participating in outcomes research, publication and conference presentations, as well as marketing and other engagement efforts. The Lead Physician will support strategic planning, operational management, and development of the Center's specialized integrative oncology programs. This role drives high-quality patient outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, research, and data-driven performance metrics.


The Lead Physician, CCoE Naturopathic Oncology supports and/or is directly responsible for the following:

Medical Leadership & Professional Practice

• Lead the development of an integrative Naturopathic Oncology Center of Excellence, incorporating complementary and integrative services and programs to optimally support patient needs.
• Champion a culture of exemplary clinical care, patient safety, and compliance with best practices.

• Adhere to clinic policies, procedures and SOPs (standards of practice), as determined by clinic leadership

• Collaborate with clinic and institutional leadership to enhance patient engagement and promote clinical services.

• Coordinate with other naturopathic physicians, oncology physician consultants and other allied health care providers in the provision of clinical services.

• Develop and implement strategies to optimize patient volume and revenue, maximizing the clinical and educational impact of services.

• Participate in all required employee activities.

Clinical Education

• Develop, mentor, and supervise students within the Naturopathic Oncology Honors Track, fostering a culture of academic excellence, professional growth, and inquiry.
• Deliver educational content that aligns with evolving best practices, accreditation standards, and programmatic outcomes.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback and formal evaluations to support student development as future healthcare professionals.

Patient Care

• Serve as a physician leader providing compassionate, evidence-informed, and seamlessly coordinated patient care.
• Act decisively and ethically, demonstrating professionalism in all clinical and academic interactions.
• Uphold and model the highest standards of infection control, safety protocols, and clinical professionalism for staff, faculty, and students.

Brand Advancement & Scholarly Activity

• Lead or contribute to marketing, outreach, and fund development efforts to strengthen Sonoran University's reputation as a leader in Naturopathic Oncology.
• Engage in research and scholarly activity that advances the field and increases institutional visibility at regional and national levels.

WHAT YOU BRING :

1. Lead the development of the CCoE Naturopathic Oncology, ensuring alignment with the University's organizational goals, mission, vision and values.

1. Model high-level understanding of, and adherence to, all Sonoran University and Clinical Care polices and operating procedures, as well as all Arizona and Federal legislative requirements, in the provision of clinical services and mentorship.

1. Facilitate teamwork amongst clinicians, researchers, and administrators to deliver a cohesive, patient-centered care experience.
2. Collaborate with the Marketing team to promote the Center and enhance patient acquisition.
3. Collaborate with the Finance team to develop business cases, manage budgets, and improve the cost-efficiency of the Center.
4. Monitor and evaluate the CCoE's performance against established KPIs, including but not limited to, patient outcomes, complication rates, patient panel growth.
5. Demonstrate strong proficiency in analyzing clinical data to track key metrics and drive improvement opportunities.
6. Support the integration of clinical trials, research protocols, and new technology into daily practice to advance treatment standards.

1. Actively engage in professional growth activities and events to advance naturopathic oncology, by being a lifelong learner, researcher, innovator, and mentor.
2. Possess a willingness to embrace innovative clinical approaches and inclusive excellence practices; foster a sense of belonging by establishing a welcoming environment for all individuals.
3. Lead with empathy and a commitment to building community with those from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrate consistent consideration for diverse perspectives to inform decision-making. Demonstrate the self-awareness to recognize and mitigate unconscious bias.

Experience Required

1. Active Arizona license to practice naturopathic medicine, AZ certificate to dispense, and valid DEA number (if applicable)
2. Active FABNO certification (Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncologists)
3. Active (current) ACLS and BLS certificates
4. MMR, TB, Hepatitis B, and COVID-19 documentation, as per Sonoran University Clinical Care policies.
5. Minimum 10 years of post-graduate healthcare experience required.

1. 5 years of progressive leadership experience in an academic medical center, clinical practice, or comparable healthcare setting.
2. Proven experience launching, leading, or scaling a clinical program or specialty practice.
3. Academic research experience, and/or graduate-level teaching experience.

Working Environment

Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse. Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds. Regular responsibilities require the ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to, resolution of conflicts.


Background/Screening

All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus.


* Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.

About Sonoran University:

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing .

The University's College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

To serve the University's mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several community clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition's Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care at no cost via telehealth.

The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research, a state-of-the-art molecular biology/ phytochemistry laboratory, seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural levels to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.

The University's Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.

Nurture your knowledge, visit sonoran.edu

Benefits:

At Sonoran University, we achieve excellence and shape the future by fostering a workplace where you can thrive and grow!

Our benefits go above and beyond to support your health, happiness, and lifestyle.
Qualifying employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation time, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a discretionary match, and employer-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage.

Every team member benefits from paid sick time, and exclusive perks like free visits on student shifts at our Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, plus discounts at the largest medicinary in the Southwest - with shipping available!

Enjoy a delicious meal at our onsite café or unwind in our outdoor patio or medicinal garden.

Prioritize your wellness with free personalized nutritional care, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and covered parking.

Explore a wealth of knowledge in our library, rock your Sonoran pride on Casual Wednesdays, and be celebrated through our annual Employee Appreciation Day.

Want more? Access exclusive deals on attractions, shows, shopping, and more through Tickets At Work and LifeMart.

With a collaborative work environment and an inspiring culture, Sonoran University is where passion and purpose meet to create a workplace like no other!