Medical Director - Public Health (Tiered Sign-On Bonus up to $5,000)

What You'll Be Doing

As the Medical Director for Wake County Public Health, you will be a key leader shaping the health and well‑being of our community. In this role, you guide the clinical vision of the department and ensure our services align with the goals of Wake County, the Health Director, the Board of Commissioners, and state and federal mandates.

You will set the standard for medical excellence across Public Health, developing, implementing, and evaluating medical policies and clinical practice guidelines that strengthen care delivery. You’ll serve as the primary physician for public health clinical services, providing medical orders, consultation, and direction to multidisciplinary teams. As a trusted partner to the broader medical community, you will build collaborative relationships that support population health goals and expand access to high‑quality care throughout Wake County.

You will also play a critical leadership role during urgent and emergent public health events, from communicable disease outbreaks to disaster response, helping guide clinical strategy and coordination during times when the community needs it most.

As a member of the Public Health Leadership Team, you will represent the department publicly through media interviews, community presentations, and participation on committees and workgroups, helping communicate important public health issues, priorities, and initiatives.

Essential Functions of the Medical Director include: 

Administration & Leadership

• Serves as senior medical administrator supporting Public Health Director in advancing mission, culture, and strategic priorities.
• Oversees all medical services across Public Health, ensuring integration and alignment across clinics, disciplines, and operational units.
• Develops and enforces clinical policies, procedures, standing orders, and provider performance standards.
• Provides oversight for physician/APRN recruitment, credentialing, supervision, and quality of clinical practice.
• Supervises Provider Supervisors and provides medical oversight to clinical, laboratory, and pharmacy staff.
• Conducts leadership rounding to assess team needs, support staff well-being, and improve workflows and patient experience.
• Performs limited direct patient care as mutually agreed upon with department leadership.

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensures clinical operations consistently meet regulatory, legal, and ethical standards.
• Leads evaluation of public health programs, quality assurance, utilization review, and cost‑effective service delivery.
• Chairs the Human Subjects Review Panel, ensuring ethical research practices.
• Collaborates with Occupational Health/ Infection Control Nurse to advise on compliance and safety matters.

Occupational Health, Safety & Infection Control

• Provides oversight and guidance for employee health surveillance and occupational health program development.
• Supports creation, implementation, and review of occupational health policies and infection control procedures.
• Advises Health Director on emerging occupational health needs and compliance issues.

About Our Team

At the heart of the Wake County Public Health department is a dedicated team of professionals committed to protecting and improving the health of our community. We bring together expertise in communicable disease control, environmental health, health education, school health, clinical services, and population health to deliver responsive and equitable services. With a shared mission of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to essential services, we work collaboratively with partners and residents to build a healthier, more resilient community for all of Wake County.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Doctorate in Medicine (MD or DO) from an accredited college or university
• Residency in Preventative Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, or Internal Medicine
• Five years of post-residency experience, and at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Medical licensures/certification in specialist field
• North Carolina Medical Board licensure
• DEA registration
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Public Health experience
• At least 3 years of exper