Description

Medical Director for Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)

Opening in Seattle, Washington

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) is fulfilling our vision of transforming healthcare by expanding our Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) team in Seattle, Washington at our Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC) hospital location. 

We are seeking a dynamic, highly skilled and visionary Director to lead and develop this new cardiovascular critical care service line. The ideal candidate will be BC in either cardiac anesthesiology, cardiovascular disease, cardiothoracic surgery, or critical care with advanced cardiovascular care expertise. The director will closely collaborate with Advanced Heart Failure, Structural Heart, Electrophysiology, Vascular Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery teams. The leadership position will be a combination of administrative duties and clinical care. 

The Director will oversee clinical operations, program development and quality initiatives. You will join talented colleagues in a culture that values clinical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement; partnering with Cardiac Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), along with Heart Failure cardiologists, physician leadership, and multidisciplinary clinical teams in a collaborative care model. This leadership position offers dedicated administrative time and opportunities to shape and grow a high-impact program that will serve as a regional and national model for excellence in cardiovascular intensive care.

Key Responsibilities:

•        Lead the successful launch and growth of the new CVICU at VMMC.
•        Manage and care for approximately 90 annual cardiogenic shock cases.
•        Provide expertise in mechanical circulatory support including IABP,  Impella CP, RP Flex, Impella 5.5 (approximately 70-80 cases annually).
•        Lead support efforts for a robust VA/VV ECMO program with about 40-50 cases annually.
•        Participate in the Mechanical Cardiac Support program expansion, including ECMO and build up Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) programs.
•        Assist with intensive care management for approximately 400 open heart surgeries annually, including complex cases such as aortic arch surgery, valve replacements, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, and septal myectomy.
•        When needed, assist with over 450 structural heart procedures annually (most recent volumes), including MitraClip, Tricuspid clip, TAVR, transcatheter valve replacements, Watchman device placement, and high-risk PCI with Impella/ECMO support
•        Collaborate on advanced electrophysiology procedures such as convergent ablations with experienced procedural teams. 
•        Engage in educational activities with internal medicine, anesthesiology, and surgery residents and cardiology fellows.
•        Participate in leadership opportunities, committees, and clinical trials within the critical care and structural heart programs.
•        Work with the CVICU multidisciplinary team including APPs, physicians, and support staff.
•        Drive quality improvement, operational efficiency, and clinical research initiatives.
•        Participate in education and mentorship of Medicine, Surgery and Anesthesiology residents and Cardiology fellows.
•        Represent CVICU in organizational leadership and strategic committees.

Job Requirements

•        Board Certified/Board Eligible in one of the following
  o   Cardiac Anesthesiology
  o   Cardiovascular Disease
  o   Cardiothoracic Surgery
  o   Critical Care Medicine 
•        Demonstrated leadership experience and program development expertise
•        Critical care certification preferred, but not required
•        Advanced complex cardiovascular care experience
•        Ability to obtain medical licensure in Washington State
•        DEA license with full prescriptive authority.
•        An ideal candidate would have strong skills in transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography
•        Cardiac Anesthesiologist, Cardiologist, or Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Living and Working in the Northwest

•        Living in the Puget Sound region, you’ll enjoy one of the most vibrant areas in the U.S. The area offers a hub for culture, technology and innovation, set against a backdrop of unparalleled natural beauty.
•        Outdoor access: Hiking, skiing, boating, and year-round outdoor activities with easy access to both mountains and water.
•        Lifestyle options: From downtown neighborhoods, to quieter suburbs and island communities, the Puget Sound offers diverse living environments to suit every preference.
•        Academic and cultural richness: A thriving arts scene, respected universities, research institutions and a strong spirit of innovation.
•        Work-life balance: The ability to pursue a rewarding medical career in a nationally recognized center, while enjoying the quality of life that comes with the Pacific Northwest.

If you’re interested in helping us to launch a new Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) dedicated to meeting the needs of a rapidly growing population of patients with complex cardiovascular disease, please apply at:  provider.commonspirit.careers.

For additional information you may email: michele.chacon@commonspirit.org.