Chair, Department of Ophthalmology

The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) are pleased to announce a national search for the Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology. This full-time, non-tenure track faculty position provides a remarkable opportunity to lead an exceptional academic and clinical department known nationally for providing outstanding patient care, fostering the medical and biomedical education of the next generation, and pursuing innovative clinical and translational research. The School and MFA seek candidates with proven leadership and management skills, an outstanding academic background, and strong clinical credentials. This position begins as early as Fall 2025.

Founded in 1824, the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) is the 11th oldest medical school in the country and the first in the nation’s capital. Since its establishment, the school has been at the forefront of medical education and has grown to include highly ranked programs in multiple healthcare professions and biomedical sciences in addition to the flagship MD program. With dozens of top-tier residency programs, SMHS is a highly competitive and esteemed destination for medical school graduates across the country. Outside of the classroom, students and trainees enjoy unmatched opportunities to engage with nearby government, non-governmental, and non-profit organizations, many of which are enabled by the school’s prime location in the nation’s capital.

The Chair will serve in the leadership group of the faculty practice organization, the GW Medical Faculty Associates (MFA), to ensure the delivery of high-quality clinical care, achievement of program objectives, and departmental and faculty engagement to support efficiency and financial goals. The Chair, through their leadership position within GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, is responsible for faculty development and mentoring toward academic advancement through impactful research and scholarship. Additionally, the Chair will actively foster a robust culture that supports learning for physicians, advanced practitioners, students, residents, and fellows and stimulates team performance and innovation while ensuring ongoing attention to quality and accreditation standards.

The Chair will lead a unified academic clinical department fostering excellence in clinical care, undergraduate and graduate medical education, and research priorities in the various sections and disciplines in the department, as well as engaging with programs associated with relevant graduate education in the biosciences and engineering.

Applicants must be nationally recognized physicians with an outstanding record of accomplishments in leadership, clinical care, education, and scholarship. An MD or equivalent degree, board certification in Ophthalmology or comparable credentials, and possession of, or eligibility for, a medical license in the District of Columbia are required. Applicants possessing the appropriate qualifications and experience to be appointed at the academic rank of associate professor or higher are invited to apply.

Responsibilities include:

· Leading clinical activities that provide comprehensive, patient-centered care in ophthalmology

· Overseeing a robust program of continuous quality improvement

· Fostering research excellence within the department and through external collaborations

· Ensuring the delivery of high-quality, learner-focused undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs

· Promoting the professional development of the faculty and residents

· Supporting diversity and inclusion among the department’s staff, faculty, and trainees

· Ensuring compliance with all clinical, research, and educational accreditation and regulatory requirements

· Working with the SMHS Office of Development and Alumni Relations for philanthropic activities

· Managing the financial performance of the department

The School of Medicine & Health Sciences has a strong commitment to recruiting faculty of the highest caliber who have thrived in different environments and would enrich the university with different experiences and perspectives. The MFA provides generous health and other benefits, details of which can be found at With an interim chair currently in place, the position will be filled as soon as the successful candidate is identified and can join the organization.

To apply, complete an online application and upload a detailed curriculum vitae and letter of interest highlighting the applicant’s vision and relevant leadership experience. The search committee’s review of applications will begin on May 7, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered. Employment offers are contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a standard background screening.

Candidates are requested to address their letter of interest to the Search Chair:

Craig E. Geist, MD, MS, FACS
Interim Chair
Department of Ophthalmology
GW Medical Faculty Associates
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
George Washington University

Confidential inquiries and nominations are invited and should be submitted to:

Ms. Nadia Cureton
Director, Faculty Administration
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences