Indianapolis, IN

On behalf of the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) and Riley Children’s Health (RCH) – two of the country’s foremost leaders in child health research, education and clinical care - CareerPhysician, the national leader in academic child health executive search and leadership development, is pleased to announce the inception of the national search for an accomplished physician-scientist and inspirational leader to serve as the next Chair of the Department of Pediatrics for IUSM and Physician-in-Chief for RCH. We invite applications and nominations for what many believe to be the preeminent leadership opportunity in academic pediatrics today.

This is a rare opportunity with unparalleled resources to lead a Department of Pediatrics renowned for its top-tier NIH funding, world-class faculty, and commitment to clinical, research, and educational excellence. Additionally, as Physician-in-Chief for RCH, this individual will partner with executive leadership to drive an ambitious strategy and bold vision for the future of pediatric care throughout Indiana and beyond. Through its synergistic partnership with Riley Children’s Health - Indiana’s only comprehensive academic children’s hospital - the department provides an unparalleled platform for transformative care, scientific discovery, and the training of future leaders in pediatric medicine.

Opportunity Highlights:

Strategy and Scope

Lead in establishing the vision and strategy that facilitates the continued investment in faculty, research, and wellness initiatives necessary to sustain IUSM Pediatrics as a top NIH funded pediatric research program and facilitates Riley Children’s Health’s commitment to being recognized as a U.S. News Honor Roll member of distinction.

Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM)

  • Largest medical school in the U.S. by enrollment, spanning nine campuses across Indiana and training more than 1,400 medical students and 1,400 residents and fellows.
  • Indiana’s largest health system, with 16 hospitals, 2,684 beds, 38,000+ employees, and 113,000+ annual admissions.
  • $550 million in annual research funding, ranking 13th among public universities, with leading programs in neuroscience, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, transplantation, and pediatrics.
  • Major capital investments include a $230 million Education and Research Building (opening 2025) and a $4.3 billion IU Health flagship hospital (opening 2027) that will transform clinical care and academic collaboration.

Riley Children’s Health (RCH)

  • Indiana’s only nationally ranked children’s hospital and 3rd in the Midwest, named a Top 25 Children’s Hospital (2025) by U.S. News & World Report and ranked in all 11 pediatric specialties, with Pulmonary, Nephrology, and Urology in the Top 10.
  • Provides comprehensive pediatric care across 19 communities with statewide outreach in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, and Southwest Indiana.


Department of Pediatrics

Clinical and Organizational Strengths

  • Large, thriving Department of Pediatrics with approximately 470 faculty across 18 clinical divisions and 4 research centers, serving as a leading referral hub for complex pediatric care in the region.
  • $340 million annual departmental budget, reflecting sustained 7.5% growth over five years and a positive operating margin.
  • Strong clinical impact, with over 83,000 unique patients annually and trusted partnerships with community pediatricians statewide.

Research and Academic Excellence

  • $112 million in annual extramural research funding (2024), including over $44 million from the NIH, supported by 33 endowed chairs and $70 million in departmental reserves.
  • With approximately 150,000 square feet of assigned wet lab, clinical and dry lab research space—utilized at a rate exceeding institutional goals ($155/sq. ft. vs. $140 target)—the department’s research is anchored by the Riley Children’s Health Research Institute (CHRI). The CHRI encompasses three major research centers, each led by a Vice Chair: The Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research (Basic Science), The Children’s Clinical Research Center (CCRC) (Translational and Clinical Trials), Children’s Health Services Research (CHSR) (Population and Implementation Science).
  • Riley Children’s Foundation contributes approximately $20 million annually in research support and is completing a $300 million campaign to accelerate scientific and clinical innovation.
  • Established statewide and international infrastructure through the NIH-funded Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) and IU Global Health Center’s AMPATH Consortium (Moi University, Kenya).

Education and Training

  • Outstanding education and training programs with 235 trainees, 6 categorical pediatric and combined pediatric residencies, 21 ACGME accredited fellowships, and a nationally recognized Med-Peds program.
  • Strong opportunities for physician-scientist development and global health engagement.


Qualifications:

  • Doctorate or Terminal degree is required.
  • Credentials meriting appointment as Professor with tenure.
  • State licensure sentence
  • Distinguished record of extramurally funded research and leadership within a major academic department or division.
  • Proven expertise in faculty development, strategic planning, and fostering inclusive excellence.


About the Department of Pediatrics

The Department of Pediatrics is a national powerhouse, consistently ranking in the top tier for NIH funding. The department's faculty are the clinical leaders at Riley Children’s Health, Indiana's only comprehensive children's hospital and a U.S. News & World Report top-ranked hospital in all 11 pediatric specialties. This synergistic partnership provides an unparalleled platform for world-class clinical care, research, and education. The Department’s research enterprise is supported by state-of-the-art laboratories housed in a dedicated pediatric research building, a comprehensive clinical research center, and an advanced biobank infrastructure.

About Riley Children’s Health

For more than 100 years, Riley Hospital for Children has been one of the nation's leading children's hospitals. Each year, Riley Hospital provides compassionate care, support, and comfort to more than 300,000 inpatient and outpatient visits from across Indiana, the nation, and the world. Physicians at Riley Hospital provide comprehensive care, from the routine to the most complex, in every field of pediatric medicine and surgery. Riley Children's Health Annual Report 2025

About IUSM

The IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the U.S. and is ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, leading medical research supported by over $550M in external funding, and a wide range of clinical training on its nine campuses across the state. According to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, the IU School of Medicine ranks No. 13 in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding among all public medical schools in the country.

Application Process:
Application review begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations and applications, including a current CV and cover letter, may be submitted to Wesley Millican, MBA, CEO and Physician Talent Officer, CareerPhysician, c/o Jennifer Weimer at Jennifer@careerphysician.com or click on Learn More below. All inquiries and applications will remain confidential.

IUSM is deeply committed to supporting the seamless transition of the new Chair and their family, offering dedicated dual career services to assist with professional and personal relocation needs.

IUSM is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.