DHR Health seeks a visionary, collaborative leader to serve as its next Chief Academic Officer (CAO). At a pivotal point in the organization's academic evolution, the CAO will build upon a strong foundation of clinical excellence and guide the continued growth of an academic enterprise focused on education, research, innovation, and workforce development. As DHR Health expands its role as a premier teaching and learning environment in South Texas, this leader will help shape a culture of academic distinction that supports learners, faculty, physicians, and the communities they serve.
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Edinburg, Texas, DHR Health has grown into the region’s leading physician-owned healthcare system. With more than 500 beds, over 70 medical and surgical specialties, and an extensive outpatient network, DHR Health delivers comprehensive, high-quality care to a diverse and rapidly growing population. The health system is recognized for its commitment to innovation and clinical excellence, including advanced imaging, robotic-assisted surgery, and a dedicated Women’s Hospital with a Level III-C NICU.
A cornerstone of DHR Health’s mission is its growing academic enterprise. The organization sponsors 15 ACGME-accredited residency and fellowship programs and has developed a strong graduate medical education platform supported by robust clinical volume, dedicated faculty, and a diverse patient population. Continued investments in faculty development, scholarly activity, simulation-based education, quality improvement, and clinical research underscore this commitment. Strategic partnerships, including its affiliation with the University of Houston Fertitta Family College of Medicine, further strengthen DHR Health’s educational mission.
As DHR Health continues its transformation into a fully integrated academic health center, the next CAO will play a key role in shaping and advancing its academic vision. This leader will oversee undergraduate and graduate medical education, expand allied health and interprofessional training programs, strengthen research initiatives, and deepen academic affiliations. The CAO will have the opportunity to elevate DHR Health’s national reputation as a leading non-university-affiliated academic health system known for excellence in education, innovation, and workforce development.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CAO will serve as the health system’s senior academic leader, providing strategic oversight of all educational programs. Working closely with executive leadership, program directors, faculty, and external partners, the CAO will assess academic infrastructure, program performance, and financial sustainability while developing a comprehensive strategy for future growth. Priorities will include expanding graduate medical education, enhancing faculty and program director development, fostering interdisciplinary education and research, and ensuring continued success of the academic mission.
The successful candidate will be an M.D., D.O., or M.D./Ph.D. with significant leadership experience in academic medicine and a distinguished record in medical education. The ideal leader will bring demonstrated success in academic administration, scholarship, strategic planning, and relationship-building across complex organizations. Strong business acumen, financial stewardship, and exceptional communication skills will be essential.
Most importantly, DHR Health seeks an inspiring, visible, and highly collaborative leader who can unite faculty, learners, clinicians, and partners around a shared vision for academic excellence. The next CAO will build upon an already strong foundation and help shape the future of healthcare education, research, and workforce development across South Texas.
Please direct all applications, nominations, and inquires to Aaron Mitra, Kyle Wiederhold, and Megan Welch, using the link below or via email to [email protected].