How to Become a Chief Medical Officer

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Chief Medical Officer

What does a Chief Medical Officer do?

A Chief Medical Officer directs the staff and develops policies for the organization's clinical programs. Works closely with hospital staff, department directors, and physicians to ensure that the highest standards of quality and service are maintained. Being a Chief Medical Officer oversees the implementation of quality improvement efforts designed to improve clinical performance and maintain compliance with HIPAA and other regulations and standards. Evaluates developments and innovations in medical care and makes recommendations for new practices and procedures. Additionally, Chief Medical Officer advises CEO and medical teams on matters impacting patient care. Requires a MD. Requires State License to Practice Medicine. Typically reports to top management. The Chief Medical Officer manages a business unit, division, or corporate function with major organizational impact. Establishes overall direction and strategic initiatives for the given major function or line of business. Has acquired the business acumen and leadership experience to become a top function or division head.

People's Opinions on Chief Medical Officer responsibilities

The person in this position must have a medical degree and be able to practice in the medical field, but should also have experience managing others.

10/27/2019: Yakima, WA

This means that this person typically trains new doctors on hospital policies, evaluates the level of care given by medical professionals, and chooses medical directors.

12/28/2019: Bakersfield, CA

Typically, the goal of going to such meetings should be to promote education, improvement of the medical facility's performance, and attention to quality assurance in every department.

10/26/2019: Bangor, ME

Additionally, the chief medical officer usually meets with medical directors frequently to make sure that all procedures are being followed within each department.

11/21/2019: Fairbanks, AK

It seems like kind of a waste to go to medical school and then not actually treat patients.

11/29/2019: High Point, NC
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Chief Medical Officer

Best tips for those who want to become a Chief Medical Officer

Here are some tips to become a Chief Medical Officer.

People's Opinions on best tips

Don't smoke and don't breathe others' tobacco smoke.

11/24/2019: New Suffolk, NY

Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg each day and cut down on fat, salt and added sugar.

10/25/2019: Denver, CO

Be physically active for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week.

12/04/2019: Johnstown, PA

If you drink alcohol, have no more than 2-3 units a day (women) or 3-4 units a day (men).

11/23/2019: Milwaukee, WI

Clinical Service Line Development.

11/29/2019: New Orleans, LA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Chief Medical Officer

Best colleges and universities for Chief Medical Officer

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Chief Medical Officer

Is being a Chief Medical Officer Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Nearly 70% of us have two or more habits or medical risk factors that are linked with life-limiting disease.

12/18/2019: Binghamton, NY

Schaefer received his education at Harvard College, Dartmouth Medical School, and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine (MD).

10/15/2019: Jamestown, NY

James Healthcare, an affiliate of Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health, and vice president of Quality and chief medical officer for Peace Health Northwest Network.

12/18/2019: Alexandria, LA

From healthy foods to better lifestyle choices to scheduling and paying for medical appointments, women often take the lead in their family’s health care.

10/12/2019: Monterey, CA

Westman has a deep level of experience in medicine with a specialization in lifestyle-related conditions and illnesses, such as obesity and diabetes, as well as other medical issues, treatments, and research.

12/24/2019: Waco, TX
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Chief Medical Officer

What skills do you need to be a Chief Medical Officer?

Due to the management level associted with this job, many skills are required to being successful and ensuring the success of your team.  It is necessary to be able to excel with: HIPPA Compliance, Strategy Development, Strategy Management, Clinical Operations, Quality Standard Development, JCAHO Standards Compliance, Patient Experience, Operational Policy Development.  For management positions, some skills may come as a no brainer, for this role those would be: Electronic health records (EHR) Software, E-Prescribing Software, Medical Practice Management Software.  As you can tell, it is no easy feat to be a manager, and the skills required reflect that.

People's Opinions on Chief Medical Officer skills

Communication skills – chief medical officers use verbal communication skills to host meetings and present new strategies to medical staff.

10/03/2019: Houston, TX

Leadership skills – chief medical officers lead and supervise medical staff, so employers look to fill this role with professionals who have strong leadership skills.

10/10/2019: Tuscaloosa, AL

Physician experience – chief medical officers are licensed physicians with a strong understanding of medical procedures, equipment, and terminology.

11/27/2019: Minneapolis, MN

Financial management – chief medical officers manage budgets, which requires skill with math and finance.

12/14/2019: Melbourne, FL

Chief medical officers must be graduates of an approved medical school in order to qualify for this job.

11/26/2019: Chattanooga, TN
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Step 6: View average salary for Chief Medical Officer

How much does a Chief Medical Officer make?

The average salary range for a Chief Medical Officer is from $413,988 to $550,041. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Chief Medical Officer
$413,988 to $550,041

Step 7: Find relevant Chief Medical Officer jobs, and apply.

Looking for Chief Medical Officer jobs?

Here are some Chief Medical Officer jobs in the United States.

Search Chief Medical Officer Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Chief Medical Officer