Physician Director, Oncology Research for Riverside Medical Group in Newport News, Virginia

Physician Director, Oncology Research

Riverside Medical Group is seeking a Physician Director, Oncology Research for Riverside Medical Group in Newport News, Virginia.

Responsibilities of the Role

• Foster a culture of clinical research across the Newport News oncology practice and all seven hematology/oncology practices.
• Lead the development and expansion of clinical research infrastructure to support strategic research goals.
• Build a robust portfolio of oncology studies, including Riverside-led and collaborative studies with the Riverside and UVA Health Research Collaborative, tailored to regional patient needs and with high accrual potential.
• Collaborate with UVA Health and Riverside leadership to open and promote NCI and industry-sponsored clinical trials locally.
• Mentor practitioners in clinical trial development and encourage physician, APP, pharmacist, and nursing-initiated studies.
• Evaluate and select studies based on feasibility, potential for high accrual, and cost-effectiveness, in coordination with the UVA Health Director of Research.
• Oversee the protocol feasibility review process and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Ensure timely completion of physician training and regulatory documentation, in collaboration with clinical trial staff and heme/onc leadership.
• Safeguard the medical care, rights, and welfare of all clinical trial participants, working closely with the AVP of Oncology and clinical trial teams.
• Ensure data integrity and co-lead sponsor site visits with the PI and research team.
• Develop systems to increase awareness of clinical trials among physicians, clinical teams, and patients, and explore UVA technology for patient-trial matching.

Riverside Research Program Summary

In July 2023, Riverside Health and UVA Health launched a strategic alliance to expand patient access to advanced care for complex conditions, transplants, and cutting-edge clinical trials. This collaboration fosters knowledge sharing, innovation, and growth across both health systems.

By January 2024, the alliance had proposed and endorsed a strategic plan to grow research capabilities. Leadership infrastructure and joint committee development are currently underway. Initial focus areas include oncology, neurosciences, and cardiovascular research at Riverside Health.

Key leadership roles include:

• Director of Research (UVA Health): Responsible for expanding the clinical trials program in the Hampton Roads region.
• Associate Vice President of Research (Riverside Health): Brings extensive experience in healthcare, clinical trials management, cross-functional collaboration, and operational oversight.

The alliance will establish a Joint Clinical Trials Program Steering Committee with representatives from both organizations. All Clinical Trials Office (CTO) functions will be consolidated into a single department, based at Riverside and managed by UVA Health. The goal is to develop a coordinated research program that includes both UVA Health trials and external studies aligned with the needs of Riverside's patient population.

To support this vision, the alliance is seeking a Physician Director for Oncology Research, based at the Hematology/Oncology practice in Newport News. This leader will oversee the development and management of a robust oncology clinical trials program across the Riverside Cancer Care Network, including coordination with other cancer specialties such as radiation oncology.

The successful candidate will:

• Collaborate within the joint Riverside/UVA Health research structure.
• Mentor physicians and guide the clinical trials team.
• Balance clinical care (60% of time) with research leadership (40%).
• Report to the Chief of Oncology at Riverside, with a matrixed relationship to the UVA Health cancer clinical trials lead.

Key Qualifications

• Medical Degree: MD or DO, board-certified in Hematology and Oncology.
• Clinical Experience: 10+ years in oncology practice.
• Research Leadership: 7+ years of experience leading oncology clinical trials in academic or large community-based settings (community-based experience preferred).
• Proven Track Record:
• Successful development and expansion of oncology clinical trial programs.
• Increased physician engagement and trial accruals.
• Cultural transformation to integrate research into clinical care.
• Experience as a Principal Investigator and support of other investigators.
• Participation in NCI National Clinical Trial Network (NCTN); NCORP experience is a plus.
• Strong background in industry-sponsored trials.
• Skills:
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Strong relationship management across departments and institutions.

Riverside Cancer Care Network

Riverside Health operates a comprehensive network of nine cancer care centers across southeastern Virginia, offering integrated services in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. This includes a joint venture Stereotactic Radiosurgery Center in Williamsburg, VA, in affiliation with UVA Health and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.

Our cancer care services are available in:

• Newport News
• Williamsburg
• Gloucester
• Suffolk
• Chesapeake
• Virginia Beach
• Accomack County (Eastern Shore)

The network includes:

• 16 hematologist/oncologists
• 6 radiation oncologists
• 8 fellowship-trained surgical oncologists specializing in:
• Gynecologic oncology
• Head & neck surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Colorectal surgery
• Breast surgery
• General surgical oncology

Most of our oncology specialists are employed through Riverside Medical Group, ensuring coordinated, patient-centered care.

Education & Qualifications

• Medical Degree: MD, DO, or equivalent foreign medical diploma
• Licensure: Eligible for or currently holds a valid Virginia Medical License
• Board Certification: Board Certified or Board Eligible in Hematology and Oncology
• DEA Registration: Possesses or is eligible for a valid DEA license

About the Riverside Foundation

The Riverside Foundation supports excellence in care and service across neurosciences, cancer care, hospice, mental health, and lifelong health. It also provides scholarships, and a help fund for team members.