Podiatrist - Deputy Chief of Staff for Health Care and Business Operations

The Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS), Health Care Business Operations (HCBO) is the senior clinical executive responsible to the Chief of Staff for the leadership, direction, integration, and performance of the business-operations programs assigned to HCBO across the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS). Major duties: Major Duties may include: Executive & Operational Leadership Provides overall leadership for HCBO and is accountable for oversight of all HCBO programming, including setting goals, priorities, policies, procedures, clinical programs, and resource allocations.

Collaborates with the Chief of Staff and other members of the Executive Leadership Team to achieve seamless coordination and implementation of HCBO programs across all VAMHCS sites. Coordinates, motivates, and guides implementation of directives; serves as a catalyst for change within HCBO and works with HCBO staff to implement, guide, develop, and improve patient care programs, performance-improvement initiatives, and related processes.

Chairs specific committees and task forces, providing leadership and innovative input to planning, development, research, education, problem solving, and marketing efforts, with results carrying broad, long-term, and short-term effects on HCBO and VAMHCS. Supports VAMHCS's teaching and academic missions through collaboration with affiliates and education offices, as applicable to HCBO programs. Executive Communication, Governance & Compliance Communicates regularly with the Chief of Staff regarding performance risks, staffing concerns, resource needs, and issues requiring executive attention.

Ensures timely completion of executive correspondence, action items, reports, and issue briefs. Builds positive relationships with Veterans, employees, union partners, clinical and administrative leaders, and academic and VISN/HSA/VHA partners. Ensures compliance with laws, regulations, VA policies, information security, privacy, and records-management requirements. Direct Clinical Care (approximately 10%): Maintains an active clinical practice within the scope of podiatric medicine and surgery, consistent with licensure, credentials, privileges, and VAMHCS needs.

Provides evidence-based, Veteran-centered care including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg; routine and surgical podiatric care; wound assessment and management; durable medical equipment and orthotic recommendations; consultation; and coordination of care. Documents care accurately and timely in the electronic health record. Quality, Performance & Regulatory Readiness Provides leadership in establishing minimum standards and benchmarks for clinical practice, performance-measure goal achievement, problem solving, utilization review, risk management, and productivity across the professional groups represented within HCBO programs.

Identifies opportunities for improvement; implements nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines; ensures development and implementation of effective, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of performance measures and clinical reminder performance. Resource Stewardship & Strategic Planning Collaborates with the HCBO Business Manager, Section Chiefs, and HCBO Program Managers in developing fiscal priorities and budget allocations for HCBO; directs strategic planning for VAMHCS HCBO and determines priorities and resource allocations.

Participates with HCBO leadership in developing marketing strategies for HCBO programs, responding to requests for proposals, and exploring new program opportunities consistent with VAMHCS, VISN/HSA, and VHA goals. Workforce Leadership & Professional Practice Oversight Has first-line authority over the HCBO Leadership Team; supervises and mentors clinical and administrative leaders; supports succession planning and professional development.

Ensures compliance with credentialing, privileging, scope-of-practice, competency, and coverage processes across H