Medical Director - Advanced Heart Failure & Transplantation Cardiologist - Sentara Norfolk Gene

Overview

Sentara Health is seeking an innovative, academically accomplished System Medical Director to lead and expand its nationally recognized Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant (AHFT) Program.

Position is located in Norfolk, VA and is part of a 12‑hospital integrated system headquartered at Sentara Heart Hospital on the campus of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Established in 1989, the program performs approximately 580 life‑changing cardiac transplants, consistently exceeding national benchmarks. It offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care from advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock management to mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and heart transplantation.

• Over 12,000 patient visits annually
• 7 transplant cardiologists and 6 VAD/transplant surgeons
• Dedicated cardiogenic shock team and robust durable LVAD program
• A state‑of‑the‑art Hybrid Cardiac Operating Suite, the first of its kind in the region
• Five cardiac Cath labs, five cardiac ORs, a hybrid OR, and four EP labs
• Cardiology fellowship program beginning July 2026
• A Cardiac Advanced Imaging Center offering Cardiac CT, MRI, and PET/CT
• Strong clinical trial infrastructure and growing national research presence

With recent collaboration with EvMS and ODU, the program is expanding its academic footprint and strengthening research collaborations.

• Lead and grow a comprehensive system‑wide AHFT program.
• Centralize and harmonize heart failure care within 12 hospitals and satellite networks.
• Mentor junior faculty and support fellowship education.
• Drive clinical trial performance and academic output.
• Collaborate with transplant, cardiothoracic surgery, and MCS teams to enhance outcomes.
• Advance Sentara’s national reputation in heart failure, transplantation, cardiogenic shock, and mechanical circulatory support.

• Active, current practice in all aspects of Advanced Heart Failure, Transplant Cardiology, and Durable Mechanical Support for at least 5 years.
• M.D. or D.O. board certified in Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology.
• Licensed to practice in Virginia.
• Qualify for designation by UNOS as Primary Physician.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience, strong clinical, technical, and research skills, and a collaborative approach to patient care.

• Named Top 50 Heart Hospital by U.S. News & World Report.
• Professorship and leadership titles available based on experience.
• Dedicated administrative and research time.
• Research startup packages through EVMS/ODU for funded investigators.
• Comprehensive support staff and ancillary services.
• Expansion of system‑wide clinical trial operations.

• Flexible RVU structure to ensure adequate administrative and research time.
• Highly competitive salary.
• Academic appointments through EVMS and ODU.
• Research packages through EVMS and ODU possible for candidates with extramural funding.
• Sign‑on and commencement bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, disability and more.
• Exceptional retirement plan with matching contribution.
• Generous PTO and CME allowance.
• Full coverage for malpractice and tail.
• Fully integrated EHR (EPIC).
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans.
• Adoption, Fertility, and Surrogacy reimbursement up to $10,000.
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave.
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave.
• Emergency Backup Care.
• Long‑Term, Short‑Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans.
• Life Insurance.
• 401(k)/403(b) with employer match.
• Tuition assistance – $5,250 per year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education.
• Student Debt Pay Down – $10,000.
• Annual CME allowance.
• Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development.
• Pet Insurance.
• Legal resources plan.

Located in the heart of Coastal Virginia, the Norfolk area offers waterfront living, a vibrant downtown, and access to top‑rated public and private schools. The region is known for its cultural richness, family‑friendly communities, and outdoor recreation—from boating and beaches to hiking and biking trails. With proximity to Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks, and Washington, D.C., residents enjoy quick access to both weekend escapes and metropolitan amenities.

Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its workforce.

This is a tobacco‑free environment.

For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs providers in:
North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.