Medical Director, Hereditary Cancer & High-Risk Program

Medical Director Of The Hereditary Cancer And High-Risk Program

The Medical Director of the Hereditary Cancer and High-Risk Program is a physician leader responsible for the development, oversight, and expansion of a comprehensive program dedicated to identifying and managing individuals at elevated risk for cancer. This role blends clinical expertise, strategic vision, and operational leadership to build a best-in-class program that integrates genetics, prevention, and early detection into routine care.

The Medical Director will lead a multidisciplinary team that includes advanced practice providers (APPs), genetic counselors (GCs), and other specialists, ensuring the delivery of evidence-based, personalized risk assessment and management plans. This individual will serve as the clinical and strategic architect of the program, working across departments to establish referral pathways, standardize care, and expand access to high-risk services.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

The Medical Director will provide direct clinical oversight of the hereditary cancer and high-risk clinic, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals with increased cancer risk due to family history, genetic predisposition, or other risk factors. They will guide the development of individualized screening and risk-reduction strategies, incorporating the latest evidence and national guidelines.

They will supervise and mentor APPs and GCs, fostering a collaborative and high-performing clinical environment. The role includes case review, consultation on complex patients, and establishing standards for care delivery across the program.

Program Development & Strategy

A central responsibility of this role is to build and scale the hereditary cancer program. This includes designing clinical workflows, defining program scope, and identifying opportunities for growth across the health system.

The Medical Director will develop and implement standardized clinical algorithms and care pathways for common hereditary cancer syndromes (e.g., BRCA-related cancers, Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis), ensuring consistency and quality across providers. They will continuously refine these pathways based on emerging evidence and institutional data.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration & Referral Development

The Medical Director will work closely with a broad range of colleagues, including primary care providers, oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, gynecologists, and other specialists, to build strong referral relationships and increase program visibility.

They will serve as a key ambassador for the program, educating providers on appropriate referral criteria, genetic testing indications, and high-risk management strategies. The role requires effective communication and relationship-building skills to integrate the program seamlessly into the broader health system.

Operational Oversight

The Medical Director will oversee day-to-day program operations in partnership with administrative leadership. This includes staffing models, clinic capacity planning, workflow optimization, and performance monitoring.

They will establish key performance indicators (KPIs) such as referral volume, genetic testing uptake, adherence to screening recommendations, and patient outcomes, using these metrics to guide program improvement.

Research, Innovation, and Education

The role includes fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence. The Medical Director will identify opportunities for clinical research, including participation in trials related to early detection, genetic testing, and cancer prevention.

They will also contribute to educational initiatives for providers, trainees, and patients, helping to advance knowledge in hereditary cancer risk assessment and management.

Qualifications

- MD or DO with board certification in oncology, medical genetics, internal medicine, or a related field

- Demonstrated expertise in hereditary cancer syndromes, cancer risk assessment, and preventive oncology

- Experience working with or overseeing multidisciplinary teams, including APPs and genetic counselors

- Proven track record in program development, clinical leadership, or service line growth

- Strong understanding of genetic testing technologies, guidelines (e.g., NCCN), and risk management strategies

- Eligibility for medical licensure in the relevant state

Leadership Competencies

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who can translate vision into execution. They are highly collaborative, able to build trust across disciplines, and effective at influencing change within complex health systems. They bring a balance of clinical rigor and operational pragmatism, with a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

Measures of Success

Success in this role will be reflected in the growth and impact of the program, including increased identification of high-risk patients, expanded access to genetic counseling and testing, and improved adherence to evidence-based screening and prevention strategies. Additional indicators include strong provider engagement, well-established referral networks, high patient satisfaction, and contributions to research and education.