Medical Director - Dementia Program

Lower Cape Fear Lifecare
Wilmington, NC, United States

$225,000 - $295,000

Medical Director – Dementia & Cognitive Care Program

Schedule:

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with occasional after‑hours events

Location:

Wilmington, NC

You’ll lead the clinical vision for an expanding comprehensive dementia and cognitive care program balancing hands‑on patient care with program strategy, innovation, and team mentorship. Your time will be split between direct clinical care, program leadership, and collaboration with a skilled multidisciplinary team.

This position shapes how our region supports individuals living with cognitive disorders. The Medical Director has a direct hand in improving patient outcomes, supporting caregivers, growing clinical talent, and building a cutting‑edge model of dementia care.

You’ll help define what excellent dementia care looks like in practice: compassionate, evidence‑based, and centered on the dignity and experience of every patient and family.

• Provide direct medical care including comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia related illness.
• Conduct initial evaluations and follow‑up visits, addressing medical, behavioral, and psychosocial needs.
• Lead medication management, symptom control, behavioral health coordination, and palliative interventions focused on patient comfort and function.
• Partner with advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, and therapists to build individualized care plans that include non‑pharmacologic approaches.
• Participate in on‑call coverage as needed.

• Design and implement clinical protocols based on emerging research and best practices.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives that improve outcomes, caregiver support, and care coordination.
• Guide program expansion, including integration with hospice services and community partnerships.
• Support data tracking for outcomes, experience, and quality measures—and use those insights to improve the program.
• Ensure regulatory compliance (CMS, Joint Commission, state guidelines).

• Mentor and support APPs, physicians, and care team members through education, case consultation, and clinical guidance.
• Strengthen relationships with referring physicians, hospitals, health systems, and community agencies.
• Develop and deliver educational sessions on early detection, behavioral management, advanced care planning, and end‑of‑life care.
• Participate in caregiver support initiatives, including workshops and support groups.
• Stay current with emerging science; incorporate new approaches, treatments, and technologies.
• Contribute to research projects or collaborate with academic and national partners such as the Alzheimer’s Association.
• Advocate for the program through presentations, publications, and community outreach.

• MD or DO from an accredited institution, with an active North Carolina medical license (or eligibility).
• Board Certification in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Neurology.
• Sub‑specialty training in Geriatrics or Hospice & Palliative Medicine preferred.

• 5–7 years of clinical experience in neurology, geriatrics, or dementia care.
• At least two years of leadership experience.
• Experience in program development, quality improvement, or dementia‑related research preferred.

• Deep clinical expertise in dementia diagnosis and management, including cognitive assessments and pharmacologic strategies.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary models, including hospice and palliative care.
• Proficiency with EHR systems and data‑driven care models.
• Compassionate communicator who can navigate emotionally complex situations with patients and families.
• Inclusive leadership style that builds trust, supports staff growth, and strengthens team performance.
• Ability to engage individuals and families across diverse communities, including underserved and rural populations.

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