Chief Medical Officer, Detention Operations

This executive physician leadership role provides enterprise-wide clinical oversight for healthcare programs supporting federal detention facilities.
You will serve as the senior medical authority responsible for clinical governance, patient safety, quality, compliance, and medical program performance.
The role combines strategic leadership with operational engagement across geographically dispersed healthcare programs.
You will work closely with government stakeholders, facility leaders, physicians, multidisciplinary teams, and accreditation organizations.
You will help establish clinical standards, strengthen healthcare quality, manage medical risks, and promote evidence-based, patient-centered care.
The position also provides an opportunity to influence workforce readiness, healthcare performance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement at scale.
With travel of up to 50%, this role is designed for an experienced physician executive comfortable leading complex healthcare operations in highly regulated environments.

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited medical school in the United States or its territories, or an equivalent foreign medical education recognized under applicable U.S. requirements.

• Graduates of foreign medical schools must maintain permanent certification through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

• Current board certification in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine/Preventive Health, Emergency Medicine, or another relevant clinical specialty; certification in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Preventive Medicine is preferred.

• At least 10 years of post-residency clinical practice experience, including a minimum of 6 years providing direct patient care as a physician.

• At least 7 years of progressive physician leadership experience overseeing healthcare operations, medical staff, clinical programs, quality management, or multi-site healthcare delivery systems, including at least 3 years providing clinical supervision and leadership to physicians and other clinical professionals.

• Current, full, and unrestricted medical licensure in at least one U.S. state or territory, with the ability to obtain and maintain additional licenses where required for assigned clinical responsibilities.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association, or the ability to obtain it before beginning clinical duties.

• Current DEA registration or the ability to obtain and maintain the registrations required for assigned responsibilities and practice locations.

• Demonstrated experience in detention healthcare, correctional healthcare, federal healthcare programs, public health systems, or another comparable complex healthcare environment.

• Extensive knowledge of detention and correctional healthcare operations, federal healthcare programs, NDS, PBNDS, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Strong understanding of healthcare quality assurance, performance improvement, peer review, infection prevention, patient safety, and risk management.

• Proven executive leadership and physician management capabilities, with experience evaluating clinical performance, staffing effectiveness, compliance, and healthcare operations across multiple locations.

• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate healthcare data into strategic recommendations.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, interpersonal, and stakeholder communication skills.

• Ability to engage effectively with executive leaders, government officials, physicians, healthcare professionals, accreditation organizations, and operational teams.

• Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills with the ability to manage complex priorities across geographically dispersed programs.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.

• Ability to obtain and maintain required government clearances, facility credentials, and contractual qualifications.

• Ability to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States and consent to fingerprinting, background investigations, and required suitability or security screenings.

• Preferred qualifications include previous experience as a Chief Medical Officer, Corporate Medical Director, National Medical Director, Regional Medical Director, or equivalent physician executive.

• An MPH, MHA, MBA, or related advanced degree is preferred.

• Experience with ACA, NCCHC, Joint Commission, or other healthcare accreditation standards is preferred.

• Experience managing healthcare services across multiple detention facilities, federal healthcare contracts, or complex government programs is highly relevant.

• Experience supporting healthcare mobilizations, contract transitions, and business growth initiatives is advantageous.