Pediatric Emergency Medicine Division Chief
University of South Alabama (USA Health)
Mobile, AL – America’s Coastal City
USA Health — the region’s only academic health system — is home to the region’s only healthcare facility dedicated to caring for sick and injured children 24 hours a day, every day. The Pediatric Emergency Center at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital is expanding its Pediatric Emergency Medicine services along the vibrant Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community.
The Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama seeks an experienced academician and collaborative leader to serve as Chief of the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine. The Chief leads the faculty of the Pediatric Emergency Center at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the only dedicated pediatric emergency department serving a diverse region of more than one million people along the central Gulf Coast.
Opened in 2024, the nearly 19,000-square-foot center has more than 30 treatment areas, including 25 private rooms, a sensory room and behavioral health rooms. Division physicians provide emergency care in this new 26-bed, state-of-the-art ED; as the sole pediatric acute care facility in the region, it serves a diverse population of over one million people. USA Health is the primary educational site for the Whiddon College of Medicine and one of only two academic health systems in the state, with robust graduate education programs including Pediatric and Emergency Medicine Residencies. A PEM fellowship is being developed.
The Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine is recognized for excellence in clinical care and education to improve outcomes of children in the region. This is a builder’s role. The Chief will set an innovative course for the long-term growth and fiscal vitality of the division by:
- Growing and enhancing clinical care capabilities
- Maintaining and expanding high-quality educational programs
- Increasing scholarship and clinical research programs
- Recruiting and retaining excellent and diverse faculty
- Identifying emerging and new areas of emphasis and promise
- Mentoring and developing the academic skills of existing faculty, new faculty and APP staff
- Promoting a culture of collaboration and patient-centered care in the institution
Why USA Health – Highlighting Recent Milestones:
A Year of Exceptional Growth, Innovation, and Impact
- Forbes named USA Health one of Alabama’s Best Employers – and the top employer in Mobile.
- The Fanny Meisler Trauma Center at University Hospital was verified as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons, one of only two ACS-verified trauma centers in Alabama.
- Exciting fundraising results as our comprehensive campaign, Where Bold Begins, continues to generate enthusiasm among donors as we focus on exceeding our goal of $400 million, thanks to the hard work of the team in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
- Launching of the region’s only ECMO program at Providence Hospital bringing advanced heart and lung support closer to home – already treating four times the expected number of patients in its first year.
- USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital expanded women’s services, becoming the destination for labor and delivery care across USA Health with specialized maternal, neonatal and pediatric care.
- Under the leadership of new director Brian Persing, M.D., the Mitchell Cancer Institute continued to advance innovative cancer research and treatment, bringing new discoveries and therapies to patients across the region.
- The University of South Alabama again being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Global Universities in its 2026-2027 rankings.
Together, these accomplishments reflect USA Health’s commitment as the region’s only academic health system to advancing medicine, expanding access and bringing a higher level of care to the communities we serve.
A Coastal Destination: Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, America’s Coastal City, pairs a rich cultural history with easy access to Gulf Coast beaches. Home to America’s original Mardi Gras, Mobile offers a thriving arts and culture scene, a celebrated culinary scene, a temperate climate and a low cost of living.
- Educational Environment – Quality school systems for families.
- Community Safety – Low crime rates and a vibrant downtown.
- Outdoor Living – White-sand beaches, rivers, nature trails and family-friendly activities.
- The Eastern Shore – Nearby Fairhope and Daphne offer charming downtowns and waterfront sunsets.
Compensation & Benefits
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Competitive compensation benchmarked to the 50th–75th percentile of AAMC and MGMA academic data for pediatric emergency medicine; $3,000 annual CME allowance plus additional leadership CME support considered case by case; comprehensive benefits including paid time off and medical, dental and vision coverage.
Key Responsibilities and Milestone Accomplishments
- Develop and implement an inspiring long-term vision for the division and the Pediatric ED.
- Lead innovation in clinical care and ensure the fiscal vitality of the Pediatric ED.
- Implement a functional quality structure for clinical operations.
- Maintain and expand educational programs, and submit a Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellowship application.
- Build a quality clinical research program and increase scholarship.
- Recruit, retain and develop excellent, diverse faculty and APPs; advocate for their professional growth.
- Support synergistic collaborations that improve patient outcomes and a culture of patient-centered care.
Professional Qualifications
- MD or DO with board certification in Pediatric Emergency Medicine, or clearly equivalent training and experience; primary board in pediatrics or emergency medicine.
- Qualifies for appointment as Associate Professor or Professor at the University of South Alabama.
- Ability to obtain an Alabama medical license.
- Experience in a complex, integrated academic medical setting, with a record of academic leadership and management, including budgeting, resource management, planning and clinical operations.
- A strong record as an educator, with ongoing scholarship and mentorship of trainees and junior faculty.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and team-building skills, and an excellent professional reputation.
- Pediatric POCUS or toxicology expertise; an MPH or other research degree, or extensive research experience preferred.
- Experience with a PEM fellowship program and in clinical operations leadership preferred.
Application Instructions
For immediate and confidential consideration, submit an updated CV and a letter of interest to USA Health’s executive search partner, Eric Dickerson: ericd@kbic.com and/or academicmedicine@kbic.com or call directly (972) 265-5245.
Application Link: https://www.kbic.com/job/chief-pediatric-emergency-medicine-mobile-al-10205
EEO/AA Employers.
