Medical Director, ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders

We're with you for life's journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn't just something we believe in-it's something we live every day, for life's journey.

Our Values

Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency

Department

Job Summary

Denver Health Medical Center has an opportunity for a Medical Director to lead our ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders. The Medical Director of ACUTE is a vital physician leader at Denver Health, who is responsible for the ongoing coordination and oversight of the medical services provided to hospitalized eating disorders patients at Denver Health's ACUTE Eating Disorder Center, an internationally recognized destination for patients with complex eating disorders. ACUTE's medical director provides effective leadership and oversight of ACUTE's innovative care model, culture of excellence, clinical services, quality and safety program, multidisciplinary staffing, clinician professional development, and coordination and communication between Denver Health and other community and national organizations serving patients with complex eating disorders.

The position is supported with 60% administrative protected time and effort for leadership and management activities, with the remainder of the Medical Director's time dedicated to either direct clinical care or other funded work (e.g., via grant-funded research or other external funding). The role reports directly to Denver Health's Chief Medical Officer and includes a title of Associate Chair, with a secondary reporting relationship to the Department Chair of Behavioral Health at Denver Health given the unique relationship between ACUTE and Colorado's Behavioral Health Administration. Based on clinical specialty, the Medical Director will have a concordant academic appointment within the relevant University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) department exclusively for academic responsibilities and academic promotion within CUSOM, if desired.

Interested applicants should apply online and may submit CV/Cover Letter to:

Braden Huntley, Sr. Talent Acquisition Partner

Braden.huntley@dhha.org

Essential Functions:

• Serve as both a respected clinician in the care of patients with eating disorders, and as a strong, people-focused and mission-focused leader to ensure all patients being treated at ACUTE receive appropriate, high-quality medical care.
  
  * Through oversight of and collaboration with the lead hospitalist and other clinical team leaders, including psychiatry, psychology, physical and occupational therapy, nutrition, and social work, ensure outstanding care for all eating disorders patients through the creation, implementation, and regular improvement of evidence-based clinical care guidelines and policies that support high-quality, person-centered care of patients with eating disorders.
  
  * Through multi-disciplinary collaboration with ACUTE staff and clinicians, ensure that all patients undergoing treatment meet clinical, regulatory, and insurance prerequisites and requirements according to existing clinical care standards, guidelines, and regulations.
  
  * Support primary clinicians and clinical team leaders in their ownership of all clinical decisions related to patient care. Collaborate with, offer guidance to, and - when needed - support primary clinicians and team leaders by serving as final decision-maker related to highly complex and/or challenging patient care situations.
  
• Drive operational success of ACUTE, including adequate unit volumes and referrals, exceptional care for patients, strategic growth, necessary internal and external partnerships, and national/international reputation for leadership, research, and innovation in care for patients with complex eating disorders who need inpatient care.
  
• Be an accessible, present leader who blends strong listening and communication skills with effectiveness resolving conflict, building consensus, and facilitating change necessary to achieve ACUTE's clinical, operational, and financial goals while creating a culture characterized by strong engagement and trust.
  
• Serve as an effective leader within ACUTE's triad leadership model, working closely with the nurse manager and the executive director assigned to the Center to advance ACUTE's vision and mission. With the other triad leaders, play a central role in recruiting, retaining, and supporting career growth for an outstanding multi-disciplinary staff.
  
• Facilitate regular, collaborative communication and problem-solving between Denver Health and community and national organizations serving patients with complex eating disorders.
  
• Work closely with Denver Health's Chair of Behavioral Health and leadership team to ensure continuous compliance with requirements and regulations under Colorado's Behavioral Health Administration. Ensure adherence and compliance with applicable guidelines, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.
  
• In partnership with other clinical and administrative leaders and staff at ACUTE, oversee quality improvement and assurance, patient safety, and patient experience initiatives for the center.
  
• In partnership with Denver Health departments and leaders, ensure ACUTE has necessary support for clinical care via electronic health record/IT tools; integration with Denver Health operations, capital, and facilities improvement efforts; legal guidance; HR processes; Medical Staff Office collaboration; and finance systems.
  
• Support ongoing clinical research and undertake efforts to advance the science of care for patients with eating disorders as well as the reputation of ACUTE for national/international excellence in the field.

Education:

• Doctorate Degree MD or DO from an accredited Medical School and completion of an accredited residency program(s) and fellowship(s) for specialist in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Psychiatry (or equivalent if not a US medical graduate). Required

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive leadership overseeing complex clinical operations and/or quality improvement programs, including demonstrated ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams caring for complex patients. Required and
• Experience in the clinical care of patients with eating disorders in the inpatient or outpatient setting. Required
• Inpatient experience. Preferred
• Familiarity/comfort with research methods and/or collaborations. Preferred

Licenses:

• MD-Physician - State Medical Board Required and
• BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association or American Red Cross Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and ability to apply professional medical principles, procedures and techniques.
• Ability to effectively lead clinical operational functions while providing quality medical care.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communications and express or exchange ideas by verbal communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communications, listening, and social skills.
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Your Mission Our Commitment:

At Denver Health, you are seen, supported, and valued-not just for the physician you are, but for the healer, leader, and advocate you choose to be every single day.

We know that medicine is more than diagnoses and treatment plans-it's human connection, trust, and compassion. And the clinicians who give that care deserve a workplace that cares just as deeply for them. That's why Denver Health is committed to creating a place where you can practice medicine with purpose, bring your full self to the work, and feel truly connected to the diverse community you serve.

Every physician at Denver Health contributes to something greater than a clinical encounter. Whether you're rounding on the wards, leading in the OR, caring for families in clinic, or supporting patients in moments of crisis, your expertise shapes lives-and your own life is enriched in the process. Here, you're not just delivering care; you're advancing health equity and strengthening the fabric of our city.

Our physician community supports one another in ways that go beyond professional courtesy. We collaborate across specialties, share knowledge freely, celebrate clinical wins, and step up without hesitation when challenges arise. You'll work alongside colleagues who respect your judgment, understand the demands of the profession, and genuinely check in on your well-being. You belong to a team that has your back.

Your career is a journey, and we're committed to walking it with you. Denver Health offers meaningful mentorship, opportunities to teach and train future clinicians, support for innovation, and pathways to leadership. Whether you're refining your clinical expertise, pursuing research, shaping policy, or expanding into a new specialty area, you'll find people and programs that help you grow.

Exceptional patient care starts with caring for our physicians. We invest in your well-being with comprehensive benefits, mental health resources, flexible scheduling options where possible, and an environment that recognizes the realities of practicing medicine today. We honor that you are more than your pager or EMR inbox-you are a whole person, with a life and loved ones outside the hospital.

Most of all, being a physician at Denver Health means using your training to make a visible, meaningful difference. You're caring for patients who depend on you, improving outcomes for underserved populations, and helping create a healthier Denver for all. It's the kind of purpose that grounds you-and inspires you-every single day.

Denver Health is more than a medical center-it's a place where physicians are valued, trusted, and empowered to practice with heart. Here, your work matters. Here, you make an impact. And here, you are home.

Shift

Work Type

Salary

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future - with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development - while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you're joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

Here is a small list of our benefit programs:

• Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays

• 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks

• Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%

• Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.

• Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center

• Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)

• Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more

• Tuition reimbursement & assistance

• Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways

• Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program

• National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver's 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado's primary, and essential, safety-net health care system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.