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Overview:

Sentara Health is seeking an innovative and academically accomplished System Medical Director to lead and expand its nationally recognized Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant (AHFT) Program. This high-impact leadership position offers the opportunity to shape the future of heart failure care across a 12-hospital integrated system, headquartered at Sentara Heart Hospital on the campus of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

About the Program:

Established in 1989, our renowned Heart Transplant Program is rooted in a legacy of excellence in nationally recognized cardiac surgery and renal transplant medicine. We deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care across the entire continuum—from advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock management to mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and heart transplantation.

Since the launch of our program, we’ve performed 580 life-changing cardiac transplants—each one a reflection of our team’s expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Our 1-year survival rates consistently surpass national benchmarks and currently lead the state of Virginia—a powerful testament to the skill, innovation, and dedication that define our care.

Built on a strong foundation, powered by cutting-edge technology, and driven by a collaborative culture, our program continues to set the standard for heart transplant care—across the region and beyond.

Our program includes:

• Over 12,000 patient visits annually

• 7 transplant cardiologists and 6 VAD/transplant surgeons

• Dedicated cardiogenic shock team and robust durable LVAD program

• A state-of-the-art Hybrid Cardiac Operating Suite, the first of its kind in the region

• Five cardiac Cath labs, five cardiac ORs, a hybrid OR, and four EP labs

• Cardiology fellowship program beginning July 2026

• A Cardiac Advanced Imaging Center offering Cardiac CT and MRI, PET/CT

• Strong clinical trial infrastructure and growing national research presence

A System Built for Innovation:

Sentara Health is a top-tier integrated health system serving over 1 million covered lives across Virginia and northeastern North Carolina through its own health plan. Our comprehensive 12-hospital network allows for harmonized care delivery and expansion of academic and clinical services across the region.

Sentara’s competitive edge lies in:

• Limited competition in the Coastal Virginia market for comprehensive advanced cardiac services

• A fully integrated EPIC EHR across the enterprise

• The Sentara Research Institute, enabling cutting-edge data-driven research with rich analytics capabilities

• A collaborative academic ecosystem, strengthened by the recent merger of Sentara Health, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), and Old Dominion University (ODU) — bringing opportunity for academic growth, program development, and clinical innovation

With the recent recruitment of Dr. Raymond L. Benza—The Linda H. and George M. Kaufman Academic Chair of Cardiology at the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Program, and an internationally renowned leader in heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, Sentara is actively expanding its academic footprint.

We are actively expanding and formalizing our fellowship programs, strengthening academic infrastructure, and deepening research collaborations with EVMS and ODU.

To support this next phase of strategic growth, we are seeking an innovative, high energy and academically accomplished candidate at the mid-associate to early professor level to lead and markedly expand both academic and clinical metrics of this program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and grow a comprehensive, system-wide AHFT program

• Centralize and harmonize heart failure care within 12 hospitals and satellite networks

• Mentor junior faculty and support fellowship education

• Drive clinical trial performance and academic output

• Collaborate with transplant, cardiothoracic surgery, and MCS teams to enhance outcomes

• Advance Sentara’s national reputation in heart failure, transplantation, cardiogenic shock, and temporary and durable mechanical circulatory support

Qualifications:

• Active, current practice in all aspects of Advanced Heart Failure, Transplant Cardiology and Durable Mechanical Support for at least 5 years, including training

• M.D. or D.O. board certified in Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology

• Licensed to practice in Virginia

• Qualify for designation by UNOS as Primary Physician

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience, strong clinical, technical and research skills (clinical trial), and a collaborative approach to patient care

Position Highlights:

• Named Top 50 Heart Hospital by U.S. News & World Report

• Professorship and leadership titles available based on experience

• Dedicated administrative and research time

• Research startup packages through EVMS/ODU for funded investigators

• Comprehensive support staff and ancillary services

• Expansion of system-wide clinical trial operations

Benefits:

• Flexible RVU structure to ensure adequate administrative and research time

• Highly competitive salary

• Academic appointments through EVMS and ODU

• Research packages through EVMS and ODU possible for candidates with extramural funding

• Sign-on and commencement bonuses

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, disability and more

• Exceptional retirement plan with matching contribution

• Generous PTO and CME allowance

• Full coverage for malpractice and tail

• Fully integrated EHR (EPIC)

Living in Coastal Virginia:

Located in the heart of Coastal Virginia, the Norfolk area offers an exceptional lifestyle for physicians and their families. Enjoy waterfront living, a vibrant downtown, and access to top-rated public and private schools. The region is known for its cultural richness, family-friendly communities, and endless outdoor recreation—from boating and beaches to hiking and biking trails. With proximity to Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks, and Washington, D.C., you’ll have quick access to both weekend escapes and metropolitan amenities. Add in a low cost of living, mild climate, and high quality of life, and it's easy to see why Coastal Virginia is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S.

Interested Candidates:

Please submit your CV or direct inquiries to:

Sierra Rees
Senior Physician Recruiter Specialist
Sentara Health
Email: [email protected]  

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Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.

In support of our mission “to improve health every day,” this is a tobacco-free environment.

For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs providers in the following states:

North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.