Chair of Emergency Medicine

Kern Medical, located in California’s Central Valley, is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader for the position of Chair of Emergency Medicine. This opening follows the planned retirement of Dr. Rick McPheeters, who has led the department with distinction for the past eight years. His departure marks a significant transition and creates an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative, strategic, and results-oriented physician to shape the future of Emergency Medicine at a respected academic medical center.

The Chair will provide overall strategic and operational leadership for the Department of Emergency Medicine, with responsibility for clinical services, faculty oversight, graduate medical education, quality and safety, and academic advancement. This is a hands‑on leadership role for a physician who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is passionate about delivering high‑quality, patient‑centered emergency care.

The Chair will work closely with faculty, residents, nursing, and hospital leadership to enhance clinical operations, grow the residency program, and expand academic and research initiatives. The Chair will also play a key role in maintaining the Department’s strong relationship with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Located in Bakersfield, Kern Medical is a full‑service, 222‑bed acute care teaching hospital owned and operated by the Kern County Hospital Authority. As one of California’s designated public safety net hospitals, Kern Medical serves the region’s most vulnerable populations and provides services not widely available locally, including a Level II Trauma Center, inpatient behavioral health, and a robust academic training environment.

The institution includes 12 outpatient clinics and a medical group of 120 employed providers.

The Chair will oversee all aspects of the Department’s clinical and academic missions, including faculty recruitment and development, performance improvement, and alignment with institutional goals. They will ensure the continued excellence of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program, support the development of the Simulation Laboratory, and foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and innovation. The Chair will also maintain a clinical presence, modeling exemplary care and leadership.

Reporting directly to the Chief Medical Officer, the ideal candidate will be a contemporary emergency medicine leader with demonstrated administrative experience, a commitment to education, and a track record of clinical excellence. Candidates must hold an M.D. or D.O., be Board‑certified in Emergency Medicine, and qualify for academic appointment s is a unique opportunity to lead a mission‑driven department at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.

The salary for this position will be in the $475,000–$500,000 range along with a competitive benefits package.

Please direct all nominations and applications to Dan Dimenstein, Holly Nandan, or Stacy Lind via email to