Cardiology Physician Scientist | Open Rank, Department of Internal Medicine | F73420 (SOM)

Mission or Goal of Unit: At VCU Health Pauley Heart Center, our world-class team takes your heart health personally. Building on our history of innovation in patient care, scientific discovery, diversity, and collaboration we improve cardiovascular care for all, while continuously training the next generation of providers.

Chief Purpose of this position: The VCU Health Pauley Heart Center seeks a Cardiovascular Physician-Scientist, open rank, with a promising research program to join its Cardiology Division and the Pauley Heart Center. This exciting position includes a generous startup package and space for the qualified candidate.

Although the concept of ‘cardio-immunology’ is not new, clinical programs exist only at a few academic centers, with much renewed interest and efforts in the last decade that focus on the impact of inflammation on the cardiovascular system. Other terms such as “cardio-rheumatology” or “cardio-inflammation” could similarly be used, but the core features are the same. The candidate’s research background should be strong in cardiac inflammatory diseases, such as the cardiovascular impact of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, myo/pericarditis and early atherosclerosis observed in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis as well as inflammatory conditions typically managed by cardiology, including idiopathic recurrent pericarditis. While cardio-immunology is better defined in certain cardiac diseases such as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, its involvement is less appreciated in many other forms of cardiac diseases, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction or immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis. Such unmet clinical needs underscore the importance of understanding the effect of immune perturbations on the heart. From a clinical standpoint, the candidate is expected to be familiar with anti-inflammatory strategies encompassing both the treatment and potential complications of targeting autoimmune and systemic inflammatory conditions and cardiomyopathies with or without apparent immunological trigger.

Position Responsibilities:

Research: To establish, in partnership with existing research in related areas (cardio-oncology, cardiac sarcoidosis, adverse cardiac remodeling post-myocardial infarction) an internationally recognized cardio-immunology program that spans the spectrum from basic/translational science to clinical research in this area of research.

Teaching: To support teaching directly via interactions with Fellows, Housestaff and non-physician professionals. Periodically will be expected to present appropriate reviews in patient management discussions at Cardiology and Department of Internal Medicine conferences. In addition, will be expected to participate in University Continuing Medical Education programs for practicing physicians which is important to enhancing patient referrals.

Service: Will be expected to participate in quality, safety, and efficiency initiatives.

Clinical: The candidate will be responsible for providing general, non-invasive, cardiovascular services, with an emphasis on inpatient and outpatient cardio-immunology and cardiovascular inflammatory diseases.

Other: Submit clinical billing and document as required by the organization. Abide by all medical staff requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be board-certified in cardiovascular medicine
• Possess an NIH (or equivalent)-funded research program in the area of cardiac inflammation and immunology
• Experience managing patients with inflammatory diseases involving the cardiovascular system
• Must be clinically oriented and possess sufficient research and teaching experience to be eligible for an academic appointment
• Must be able to communicate effectively and work with a large multi-disciplinary program
• Ability to participate in teaching and fellowship programs
• Eligible for medical licensure in the state of Virginia
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as faculty member of VCU