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# Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Health System – Nashville, TN



Role Overview for Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Health System – Nashville, TN
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, is proud to announce an exceptional opportunity for a transformative and experienced physician leader to serve as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for a distinguished and growing health system in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. This is a career-defining role for a strategic leader passionate about shaping the future of healthcare delivery, driving clinical excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
The Chief Medical Officer will serve as a key member of the senior executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This individual will be the principal physician leader responsible for the overall clinical vision, quality of care, patient safety, and medical staff leadership across the entire health system. The CMO will champion a patient-centered approach, ensuring that the highest standards of medical care are consistently delivered and that the system is positioned as a leader in clinical innovation and outcomes.
In this capacity, the CMO will collaborate with administrative and clinical leaders to develop and implement strategies that advance the system’s mission and goals. This includes overseeing all aspects of clinical performance, from quality and safety initiatives to utilization management and physician engagement. The successful candidate will be a visible, accessible, and respected leader who can build strong, collaborative relationships with the medical staff, nursing leadership, and the broader healthcare community. This role requires a unique blend of clinical credibility, business acumen, and inspirational leadership to navigate the complexities of a modern health system and drive meaningful change in one of the nation’s most dynamic healthcare markets.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Health System – Nashville, TN
The CMO will have a broad and impactful portfolio of responsibilities, focusing on strategic leadership and operational excellence across all clinical domains. Key responsibilities include:
Clinical Quality and Patient Safety Leadership
Spearhead the development, implementation, and continuous evaluation of system-wide quality improvement and patient safety programs. Champion evidence-based medicine and best practices to reduce clinical variation and improve patient outcomes. Ensure rigorous adherence to standards set by regulatory and accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Medical Staff Governance and Engagement
Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing culture among the medical staff. Oversee medical staff affairs, including credentialing, privileging, peer review, and professional development. Serve as a mentor and advocate for physicians, addressing their concerns and promoting their well-being and engagement.
Strategic Planning and Clinical Program Development
Partner with the CEO and other senior leaders to formulate and execute the health system’s strategic clinical vision. Identify opportunities for service line growth, clinical integration, and the adoption of innovative medical technologies and care delivery models.
Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation
Ensure the health system maintains full compliance with all federal, state, and local healthcare regulations. Lead preparation for and successful completion of all accreditation surveys and regulatory inspections.
Physician Leadership and Development
Recruit, develop, and retain top-tier physician leaders and medical staff. Implement effective physician performance management systems and provide mentorship to department chairs and medical directors.
Utilization and Case Management Oversight
Direct the system’s utilization review and case management functions to ensure the appropriate and efficient use of clinical resources while maintaining the highest quality of care.
Medical Education and Research
Support and advance the health system’s commitment to graduate medical education (GME) and continuing medical education (CME). Foster an environment that encourages clinical research, academic inquiry, and innovation.
Population Health and Community Engagement
Lead the development and implementation of population health strategies aimed at improving the health and wellness of the communities served. Represent the health system in public forums and build strong relationships with community partners and public health organizations.
Financial and Operational Acumen
Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on budget development, resource allocation, and financial performance related to clinical services. Drive initiatives that enhance operational efficiency without compromising clinical quality.
Requirements for the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with a Health System – Nashville, TN
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned physician executive with a proven track record of leadership in a complex healthcare environment. Specific qualifications and attributes include:
Education
A Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited medical school is required.
Advanced Degree
A Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Medical Management (MMM), or a related field is strongly preferred.
Licensure and Certification
Must be board-certified in a recognized medical specialty. Must hold or be eligible to obtain an unrestricted medical license in the State of Tennessee.
Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of post-residency clinical practice experience. At least seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive and impactful physician leadership experience within a multi-hospital system, academic medical center, or large, complex hospital. Experience as a Chief Medical Officer, Vice President of Medical Affairs, or a similar senior physician executive role is essential.
Proven Leadership Skills
Demonstrated success in leading large-scale clinical quality and patient safety initiatives with measurable improvements in outcomes. Extensive experience in medical staff development, peer review, credentialing, and physician relations.
Strategic and Business Acumen
Strong understanding of healthcare finance, value-based care models, managed care, and clinical integration. Ability to think strategically and translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to inspire trust, build consensus, and effectively collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including physicians, nurses, administrators, and board members.
Personal Attributes
A visionary and servant leader with high emotional intelligence, integrity, and a deep commitment to patient care. Resilient, adaptable, and capable of leading through change and ambiguity.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. The package includes:

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Significant annual performance-based incentive bonus potential.
Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for the executive and their family.
Generous paid time off (PTO) policy and paid holidays.
Executive retirement savings plans, including a 401(k) with a strong employer match and potential for deferred compensation plans.
A comprehensive relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
Substantial allowance for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and professional society memberships.
Executive life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
An opportunity to lead in a collaborative, mission-driven culture and make a lasting impact on the health of the Nashville community.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to lead the exclusive search for this pivotal Chief Medical Officer role. We are seeking a transformative healthcare leader ready to make a significant impact in a dynamic and respected organization. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
If you possess the requisite experience and leadership qualities, we encourage you to apply. For more information about our expertise in this specialized field, please visit our healthcare executive search practice page. To submit your confidential curriculum vitae and a letter of interest for consideration, please use the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page.