Chief of Bassett Cancer Institute

Bassett Healthcare Network (Bassett ), a leading integrated academic health system in rural upstate New York, is seeking an experienced and visionary physician leader to serve as Chief of the Bassett Cancer Institute. This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction, drive clinical excellence, and promote the continued growth of oncology services across the network. Based in Cooperstown, Bassett serves a rural eight‑county region covering 5,600 square miles in upstate New York and is a major teaching affiliate of Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and surgeons.

Bassett Healthcare Network has identified cancer care as a key pillar of the system’s three‑year strategic plan to expand access to high‑quality clinical treatments and research, and address outcome disparities in rural communities. In collaboration with system leadership, the new Chief will play a key role in the development of programs, research and partnerships to advance these goals.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Chief Clinical & Academic Officer of Bassett Healthcare Network, the new Chief will provide strategic and clinical leadership for Hematology, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology services. In close collaboration with surgical oncology, the Chief will promote integrated cancer care across the system. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to patient‑centered care, operational innovation, and collaborative team leadership aligned with Bassett’s mission to improve the health of rural communities through compassionate, high‑quality care.

The Bassett Cancer Institute’s Regional Cancer Program has been continuously accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center since 1947. The accreditation maintains Bassett’s position as one of the longest‑standing Commission on Cancer accredited programs in the country. The program is also a member of the ECOG‑ACRIN with close to 30 years of participation in NCI and sponsored clinical trials.

The Chief provides strategic and operational leadership for the Bassett Cancer Institute, cultivating a culture of excellence in clinical care, education, and research while shaping a departmental structure that meets the needs of each location across the system. This includes ensuring integrated, patient‑centered care through close collaboration with Surgical Oncology and other specialties, standardizing quality and safety practices across all sites, and overseeing staffing, workflows, and clinical operations to support timely and appropriate cancer‑centered care through close collaboration with Surgical Oncology and other specialties, standardizing quality and safety practices across all sites, and overseeing staffing, workflows, and clinical operations to support timely and appropriate care.

The position also leads interdisciplinary support teams and directs recruitment and retention efforts for oncology services systemwide. Additional responsibilities include effective management of departmental financial resources and, as an active member of the medical staff, provides outpatient clinical care.

• MD/DO or equivalent with current Board certification in hematology and medical oncology with a strong clinical focus.
• Eligibility for New York State medical license.

MD/DO or equivalent with current Board certification in hematology and medical oncology with a strong clinical focus.

• A minimum of seven years of postgraduate clinical experience in an academic or community‑based cancer program.
• Proven experience in leading a clinical program, quality initiatives, graduate medical education or research.
• Effective and strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead and create a culture of engagement and teamwork.
• Experience in recruiting, developing, and mentoring physician talent.

Bassett Healthcare Network is anchored by Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, a nationally recognized tertiary care hospital that combines traditional…