Chief Medical Officer (CMO) - Optum SC

As a member of the Optum Care Delivery team, you'll be an integral part of Optum's vision to make healthcare better for everyone.

At Optum, you'll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. We believe you deserve an exceptional career, and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Position Highlights

• The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) serves as the senior clinical leader for Optum South Carolina, and is responsible for representing the organization externally, stabilizing provider culture, advancing clinical quality initiatives, and aligning clinical strategy with business direction.
• The CMO provides leadership for all physicians and advanced practice clinicians, with an emphasis on clinical credibility, market presence, provider alignment, and strategic growth.
• The CMO oversees clinical governance, promotes organizational discipline, stewards clinical excellence while harmonizing standards, data, and value‑based care performance with enterprise strategies, ensures high‑quality patient care, and maintains Optum South Carolina standing as a well‑respected clinical network across South Carolina.
• The CMO is an actively practicing physician who also dedicates administrative leadership time to shaping Optum South Carolina's strategy, reputation, culture, and provider performance. This role partners closely with the executive leadership team to advance growth, affordability, health equity, and overall patient experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Optum South Carolina clinical strategy and represent the organization with employers, health systems, community partners, and regional stakeholders.
• Strengthen Optum South Carolina market presence through relationship‑building, physician networking, and strategic outreach initiatives.
• Serve as Optum South Carolina senior clinical ambassador, enhancing recruitment credibility and promoting Optum's reputation across South Carolina.
• Guide long‑term clinical priorities, growth initiatives, referral development, and market strategy in partnership with organizational leadership.
• Work closely with the COO and operational leadership to foster a strong partnership that ensures seamless operations, aligned execution, and sustained performance across clinics.
• Maintain visible leadership amongst providers to reinforce culture, trust, and clinical alignment during organizational transition.
• Set goals to reduce costs related to facilities, low‑value care, specialty referrals, and other measures; engage providers in action planning to meet targets.
• Address patient care issues identified by clinical teams and offer strategic input on specialty and primary care adequacy.
• Act as a clinical liaison with the Marketing team.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable clinical, operational, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mentor high‑potential lead physicians.
• Lead, actively participate in and attend meetings as well as committee participation.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities, as directed.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive team‑focused company culture.
• Accountable for population health outcomes, including quality scores, risk adjustment performance, utilization management, and total cost of care.
• Lead provider engagement strategies that improve physician satisfaction, retention, and organizational trust.
• Utilize clinical analytics and performance dashboards to drive evidence‑based decision making.
• Lead initiatives addressing health disparities and social determinants of health across South Carolina communities.
• Develop physician leadership pipelines and succession planning strategies.

What makes an Optum organization different?

• Be part of a best‑in‑class employee experience that enables you to practice at the top of your license.
• We believe that better care for clinicians equates to better care for patients.
• We are influencing change collectively on a national scale while still maintaining the culture and community of our local care organizations.
• Practice medicine autonomously in an ambulatory setting partnering with primary care, with a sustainable and thriving national health care organization.

Required Qualifications

• A valid, unrestricted medical license in the state in which they practice and within the specialty of practice (or ability to obtain prior to start).
• Medical Doctor (MD or DO).
• Board Certification.
• Must be in good standing and remain in good standing with credentialing requirements.
• Must maintain any required clinical privileges at the hospitals used to treat patients.
• Demonstrated success in value‑based care (quality, risk adjustment/coding accuracy, utilization management, and patient experience).
• 5+ years of recent experience in clinical practice.
• Preferred, 5+ years of experience in a leadership role in a medical facility or related environment.
• Experience in both managed care (value‑based care) and fee‑for‑service based models.
• Proficient computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, email systems, and web‑based programs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of health care professionals and staff, both in and outside of the local care delivery organization.
• Ability to travel to all clinics throughout the state of South Carolina.

Compensation for this specialty generally ranges from $279,500 - $440,500. Total cash compensation includes base pay and bonus and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401(k) contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far‑reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

OptumCare is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.