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Job description
Duke University School of Medicine - System Medical Director, Spine Services
Duke Health seeks an accomplished academic spine surgeon to serve as Chief of the Spine Division, an integrated program bringing together Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery to create a national model for comprehensive spine care. Reporting jointly to the Chairs of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, the Chief will lead the clinical, academic, research, and operational missions of the Division while serving as the System Medical Director for Spine in the new Neuroscience & Spine Service Line.
This is a rare opportunity to build and lead one of the nation’s most distinctive academic spine enterprises. The Chief will develop and implement a strategic vision for the Division, unify faculty across departments, strengthen patient access and quality, align clinical and financial performance, and expand Duke’s national leadership in spine research and innovation. The Division includes approximately 34 physicians, including 15 surgeons and 11 advanced practice providers, and supports more than 46,000 annual patient visits and 4,000 surgical procedures. The Division is also home to several NIH-funded researchers whose work focuses on advancing the understanding and treatment of spinal conditions.
Key responsibilities include leading divisional strategy and operations; overseeing clinical growth, quality, and financial performance; advancing research and academic programs; mentoring faculty; supporting residency and fellowship education; and fostering a collaborative culture across surgical and non‑operative spine disciplines, including PM&R, pain management, rehabilitation, and related specialties. The Chief will play a central role in creating an integrated “one‑stop” spine program that delivers exceptional patient-centered care while advancing innovation and discovery.
Candidates must be board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery or Neurosurgery, eligible for North Carolina licensure, and qualified for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level. The successful candidate will possess a distinguished record of academic achievement, demonstrated success as a physician leader, strong business and operational acumen, and the ability to build consensus and lead effectively within a complex matrixed academic health system.
The Spine Division at Duke Health is a recognized leader in delivering comprehensive, personalized care for patients with spinal conditions. Our team combines unmatched experience with cutting‑edge therapies and surgical expertise to help patients live healthier, pain‑free lives. Learn more about the Duke Spine Division.
Duke Health offers a robust compensation plan that rewards clinical productivity. Faculty members enjoy Duke benefits including generous retirement contributions, health insurance, CME, relocation, and college tuition assistance for dependent children.
The Triangle area of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill is a growing region where two million residents experience diverse opportunities to grow their careers and enjoy life. From urban to suburban and rural family settings, the Triangle area has options for every lifestyle. Learn more about the Triangle.
Opportunity Highlights Newly created joint Spine Division integrating Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, supported by the health system.
Physician leader for the spine component of the broader Neuroscience & Spine service line.
Dual reporting to department chairs with matrixed reporting across health system leadership.
Up to 30% administrative/protected time to lead strategy, operations, and culture.
Clinical focus is flexible across spine subspecialties; emphasis is on leadership, integration, and outcomes.
Lead a multidisciplinary “one‑stop” model spanning surgical and non‑operative care, including physiatry, pain management, rehabilitation, and additional specialty support.
Scope includes approximately 34 physicians, including 15 surgeons and 11 advanced practice providers, plus several NIH‑funded researchers and a broad care team.
High‑volume platform with an estimated 46,000 billed visits and 4,000 surgical cases annually.
First 12–18 months priorities include building trust, aligning compensation models, strengthening quality metrics, and standardizing patient access across departments.
Research is a core pillar: expand programs in outcomes, safety, and clinical innovation through mentorship and strategic investment. Doctor of medicine (or equivalent), board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery or Neurosurgery, and eligible for North Carolina licensure.
Eligible for Associate or Full Professor appointment; strong academic track record and national reputation preferred.
Demonstrated success leading in complex, matrixed environments, with business, operational, and culture‑building capability.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
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Worksite address
durham, NC, 27703, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.