Academic Rheumatology Division Chief

The Department of Internal Medicine at Quillen College of Medicine is seeking an accomplished academic rheumatologist to serve as the Division Chief of Rheumatology . This mid-career leadership opportunity is ideal for a dynamic physician committed to advancing clinical excellence, faculty development, medical education, and growth in division-based research.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Rheumatology Division, including supervision and mentorship of faculty across two clinical sites
• Lead recruitment, retention, and professional development efforts for division faculty
• Collaborate with departmental and college leadership to support divisional growth, while ensuring clinical quality, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Expand the division’s research and scholarly impact by advancing clinical, translational, and collaborative research initiatives, fostering partnerships, promoting publications and presentations, supporting clinical trial participation, and mentoring junior faculty.
• Support medical student and resident education, contribute to rheumatology curriculum development, and foster an academic environment aligned with the mission of the Quillen College of Medicine.

This is a 100% outpatient leadership role in which the Division Chief will oversee clinical and operational needs of faculty across two outpatient facilities in Kingsport and Johnson City, while maintaining an active clinical practice split between both locations. Dedicated administrative time will be incorporated into the Chief’s schedule to support leadership, academic, and divisional responsibilities.

If you are a dedicated Rheumatologist who wants to make a meaningful impact in a supportive, mission-driven academic environment, we encourage you to apply and become a valued member of the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of clinical rheumatology practice standards, healthcare regulations, and quality improvement principles within an academic medical center.
• Knowledge of academic medicine, faculty development, and medical education, including undergraduate and graduate medical training.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills with the ability to guide divisional growth and operational effectiveness.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with faculty, trainees, institutional leadership, and external partners.
• Ability to advance research and scholarly activity, including clinical trials, publications, presentations, and collaborative initiatives.
• Ability to mentor and develop faculty, support recruitment and retention, and foster an environment that promotes academic and professional growth.

Required Qualifications

• Board-certified in Rheumatology
• Minimum of 10 years of clinical experience
• Minimum of 5 years of academic experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience and record of scholarly engagement

About the Quillen College of Medicine:

East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine is nationally recognized for its commitment to primary care education and service to rural and underserved populations. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Quillen College of Medicine was named a Tier 1 medical school for Primary Care and ranked #2 in the nation for Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas . These distinctions reflect our enduring mission to prepare compassionate physicians dedicated to improving health outcomes across diverse communities.

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution’s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For , recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer Statement:

The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.