Chair of Family Medicine and Community Health

The University of Minnesota (UMN), the public land-grant research university of the State of Minnesota, seeks a strategic and collaborative academic physician-scholar executive to serve as Professor and Chair, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health (DFMCH) of the University of Minnesota Medical School Medical School (Medical School) with the upcoming retirement of the current Head, James Pacala, MD, MS who has led the department since December 2017. The Medical School is a highly prestigious, widely respected, and academically productive center for the education and training of physicians, the development of investigative scientists and researchers, graduate and undergraduate medical education programs, basic and translational research initiatives, and overall clinical excellence.

The University of Minnesota Medical School is one of the largest and most comprehensive medical schools in the country, with campuses in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and St. Cloud. The Department of Family Medicine & Community Health benefits from its location at the University of Minnesota, the only institution in the country that houses schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, public health, and veterinary medicine on a single campus. The medical school is ranked 25th in NIH funding by Blue Ridge Research Rankings and is a worldwide leader in regenerative medicine, transplantation, global medicine, novel device-based therapeutics, including in the nervous system, and basic science research. The research serves as an economic engine that drives Minnesota's health industry. The Medical School closely collaborates with Minnesota's biomedical companies to bring technologies to clinics and hospitals worldwide.

The Department of Family Medicine & Community Health was established over 50 years ago and is one of the original 16 family medicine departments in the United States. The department strives to fulfill the Medical School's tripartite mission: excellence in teaching, research, and clinical service. DFMCH is the third-largest department in the Medical School, spanning both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses. It is the academic sponsor of 10 family medicine residencies across Minnesota and four accredited fellowships. It has a record of research aimed at improving care for citizens of Minnesota and beyond. It has been ranked the number one NIH-funded family medicine department in the country for the last three years, with several faculty members ranked among the top 20 family medicine principal investigators.

The Department is also playing a central role in one of the Medical School's most significant strategic priorities: advancing healthy aging. Building upon its longstanding national leadership in geriatrics, family medicine, and hospice and palliative medicine, the Medical School is establishing a new interdisciplinary Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care shared between the Departments of Family Medicine & Community Health and Medicine. This new division will integrate clinical care, education, research, and community engagement to better meet the needs of Minnesota's and the nation's rapidly growing older adult population and create new opportunities for interdisciplinary innovation.

The Medical School is seeking a transformational, innovative, strategic, visible, and collaborative academic physician-scholar executive to serve as the new Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Medicine & Community Health. The DFMCH has a long tradition of academic and clinical excellence, with 99 faculty members based at the University of Minnesota, 260 adjunct faculty appointments, and 50 affiliate faculty appointments. The family medicine training programs have trained 2,540 residents and fellows since the first class graduated in 1971. Currently, there are 167 residents and fellows in training. The DFMCH has clinical net revenue of $20.5 million. In the last five years the department has averaged $16.9 million in sponsored funding and 54 awards, 90% of which is federal funding. The department currently has 70 active grants, of which 40 are federal. In fiscal year 2026, the department's grant revenues were $15.5 million including $14.7 million (95%) through federal grants.

Reporting to the Dean of the Medical School and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs the Chair of Family Medicine and Community Health will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the department's clinical, educational, and research missions. The Chair also serves as the Clinical Service Unit (CSU) Leader for Family Medicine within University of Minnesota Physicians (UMP), providing strategic oversight of the department's faculty practice while working closely with UMP executive leadership. Faculty physicians hold dual appointments with the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Physicians, requiring the Chair to effectively lead across both organizations.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative, visionary leader with experience guiding complex academic and clinical enterprises, fostering multidisciplinary partnerships, advancing research and clinical innovation, and mentoring faculty and trainees. They will demonstrate the ability to build high-performing teams, support cross-departmental initiatives, and lead effectively in a dynamic, evolving healthcare and academic environment. Candidates must hold an MD or DO degree, be board-certified in Family Medicine, and be eligible for licensure in Minnesota.

Required Qualifications

• MD, DO, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree.
• Board certification in Family Medicine and licensure or eligibility for licensure in the state of Minnesota.
• Achievement in clinical, educational, and/or research pursuits warranting an academic appointment at the rank of Professor.

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Position Type: Faculty

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.