Physician - Chief Quality Officer

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Chief Quality Officer (CQO) is a visionary leader responsible for advancing the organization's mission to achieve excellence in clinical quality outcomes, patient safety, and value-based care. The CQO drives strategic alignment, fosters a culture of high reliability and Just Culture, and embeds safe, reliable processes throughout healthcare delivery.

• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Duties to include but not limited to: Strategic Leadership Sets the Vision: Aligns quality objectives with the organization's mission and strategic goals, establishing measurable targets and communicating a long-term quality strategy that drives continuous improvement Promotes Value-Based Care: Ensures quality initiatives support value-based care, optimizing outcomes, cost efficiency, and patient satisfaction Champions Innovation: Leads the adoption of evidence-based practices and quality management systems (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, ISO 9001) to foster innovation and operational excellence Collaboration & Integration Catalyzes Cross-Functional Engagement: Leads multidisciplinary teams-including Quality Data SAIL, Infection Control, Surgical Quality, Informatics, and Executive Leadership-to drive system-wide quality and safety initiatives Partners Across the Enterprise: Collaborates with the Chief of Staff, Medical Director, Quality Management, physicians, hospital leadership, and external stakeholders to integrate quality programs throughout the healthcare system Engages External Stakeholders: Builds relationships with regulatory bodies, community partners, and academic affiliates to benchmark and advance quality standards Continuous Improvement & Innovation Fosters a Culture of Learning: Champions continuous improvement, encourages reporting of errors and near-misses, and leads system-level improvements Leverages Data Analytics: Uses performance metrics, analytics, and regular audits to inform strategic decisions and monitor progress Implements Quality Management Systems: Oversees the selection, integration, and evaluation of quality management systems, ensuring compliance and effectiveness Accountability & Transparency Ensures Regulatory Compliance: Maintains compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations, proactively managing risk and maintaining transparent reporting to senior leadership, boards, and external agencies Promotes Just Culture: Fosters psychological safety, encourages open communication, and leads improvements focused on system reliability rather than individual blame Operationalizes Accountability: Oversees departmental staff activities, ensuring quality, productivity, and operational excellence Operational Excellence Oversees Quality Assurance & Risk Management: Directs quality assurance, risk management, patient safety, and performance improvement programs, including compliance, audits, and corrective actions Manages Resources: Responsible for employee engagement, staffing levels, budget compliance, hiring, termination, coaching, and policy development Establishes Priorities & Standards: Sets functional standards to deliver superior service and achieve high patient satisfaction Workforce Development Develops Staff Competencies: Leads educational initiatives, promotes engagement, and sustains a high-performing, quality-focused workforce Mentors & Advises: Functions as an advisor, administrator, educator, consultant, and mentor, possessing a wide range of experience and leadership ability Participates in Committees: Actively participates in committees, educates medical staff, and serves as a liaison to maintain a competent and engaged workforce Impact & Influence Influences Organizational Mission: Executes leadership characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility for population groups or integrated programs that cross services and discipline lines, influencing the organizational healthcare mission Establishes Standards & Policies: Contributes ideas and recommendations for the establishment of standards of care, policies, and objectives for the enhancement of quality management organization-wide Promotes Equity & Inclusion: Advocates for equitable care and addresses disparities in quality and safety outcomes. Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday

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