Chief Medical Officer
Listed compensation
$345k-$385k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Gardner Health Services is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and mission-driven physician leader to serve as our next Chief Medical Officer (CMO). This is an exceptional opportunity to join the executive leadership team of a well-established, community-based healthcare organization dedicated to improving access to high-quality, comprehensive healthcare for underserved and diverse populations throughout Santa Clara County and the Bay Area.
This full-time executive position is based at the Gardner Health Services Corporate Office, located at 160 E. Virginia Street, San Jose, CA 95112, and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
As a key member of Gardner's executive leadership team, the Chief Medical Officer will play an integral role in shaping the organization's clinical vision, advancing quality and patient safety initiatives, supporting the professional development of medical providers, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient-centered care. The selected individual will work collaboratively with executive leadership, clinical teams, and community partners to strengthen healthcare delivery, promote operational excellence, and advance Gardner's mission.
The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated physician leadership experience, sound clinical judgment, a collaborative management approach, and a strong understanding of community-based healthcare. Equally important is a genuine commitment to serving diverse and underserved populations and fostering a culture of accountability, compassion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Position Summary
Under direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is responsible for the development and implementation of strategic, operational, and clinical direction for the medical services provided at Gardner Health Services.
As a member of the executive management team, the CMO has responsibility for the strategic oversight and management of the clinical practices of all physicians and licensed providers practicing in the diverse and functional areas of Gardner Health Services.
The CMO drives targeted results in the areas of patient quality of care, patient safety, care experience, workforce care and development, financial stewardship, and growth.
The CMO upholds Gardner’s vision of providing comprehensive healthcare that is affordable, respectful, culturally linguistically, and age appropriate. The position exercises direct and indirect supervision over assigned managerial, clinical, professional, technical, and administrative staff.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduate from an accredited medical school and licensed to practice medicine in California; Medical Doctor (MD), or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO).
- Master’s degree in health care management is preferred.
- Minimum seven ten (7) years’ experience as a licensed physician in a community clinic setting.
- Minimum five (5) years in a leadership/management role. Experience in a not-for-profit or community health center, preferred.
- Five (5) years of formal training in Healthcare Administration and/or medical care management preferred.
- Evidence of proficiency in primary clinical care.
- Demonstrated a multi-disciplinary concept of health care delivery and a collaborative management team approach that involves clinical and non-clinical health managers.
- Strong advocacy commitment to patients and providers.
- Experience with Value Based service models is preferred.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish, highly preferred.
If selected, additional documentation, licenses, and certifications may be required as part of the hiring process.
Compensation
Gardner Health Services offers a competitive executive compensation package commensurate with the responsibilities of this position. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant qualifications, professional experience, and demonstrated leadership expertise.
Chief Medical Officer: $345,000 – $385,000 annually
In addition to the annual base salary, the Chief Medical Officer may be eligible for an annual performance-based bonus, subject to established performance criteria and organizational approval.
Please See Attached for the Full Job Description.
Working at Gardner Health Services
At Gardner Health Services, our employees are the foundation of our mission and the driving force behind the care we provide to our communities. Our team is made up of dedicated healthcare professionals who share a passion for service, a commitment to excellence, and a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Working at Gardner means being part of an organization where compassion, collaboration, cultural understanding, and community engagement are central to everything we do. Our employees take pride in serving the communities in which they live and work, building lasting relationships with patients, colleagues, and community partners.
We recognize that the success of our organization depends on the success and well-being of our employees. Gardner strives to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace where individuals are valued, professional growth is encouraged, and employees have opportunities to develop their skills and advance their careers.
Our commitment to teamwork, employee development, and a healthy work-life balance has contributed to a strong organizational culture and long-standing employee retention.
For executive leaders, Gardner offers the opportunity to make a lasting organizational and community impact while working alongside a dedicated leadership team committed to advancing accessible, equitable, and high-quality healthcare.
Gardner Health Services offers market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package for eligible employees, including:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with minimal out-of-pocket expenses for employees and eligible family members.
401(k) retirement plan with employer profit-sharing contributions.
Employer-provided life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Annual education reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
A collaborative, mission-driven work environment that values diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being.
Who We Are
Gardner Health Services is a respected, community-based, nonprofit healthcare organization with a long-standing commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families throughout Santa Clara County and the surrounding Bay Area.
Our mission is to provide high quality, comprehensive medical and mental healthcare, including prevention and education, early intervention, treatment and advocacy services which are affordable, respectful, culturally, linguistically and age appropriate.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Gardner Health Services plays an essential role in expanding access to healthcare for underserved and vulnerable populations. With a network of clinics and service locations extending from Gilroy to Atherton, and a strong presence throughout San Jose, Gardner is strategically positioned to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the communities we serve.
Our comprehensive services include primary medical care, pediatrics, dental and optometry services, pharmacy, and a broad range of specialty mental and behavioral health programs. Through integrated care, community partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Gardner works to address barriers to healthcare and promote better health outcomes for patients and families.
What distinguishes Gardner Health Services is our deep connection to the communities we serve. Our employees and leadership understand that quality healthcare extends beyond the examination room. It requires trust, cultural understanding, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to treating every individual with dignity and respect.
As we continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our communities, Gardner remains focused on strengthening our services, investing in our workforce, and building a sustainable future for community healthcare.
We invite you to become part of an organization where your leadership, experience, and commitment to service can make a meaningful and lasting difference.
Gardner Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Key Responsibilities
The Chief Medical Officer is responsible for the strategic, operational, and clinical direction of medical services across the organization. They lead clinical teams to ensure high-quality, patient-centered care while driving initiatives in patient safety, workforce development, and financial stewardship.
Requirements
Candidates must be a licensed MD or DO with at least seven years of experience in a community clinic setting and five years in a leadership role. A Master's degree in healthcare management is preferred, along with a strong commitment to serving diverse and underserved populations.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 10+ years of experience
Key Skills
Healthcare Professional Career Context
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$365k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $330k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
healthcare pay on WeekdayDoc is down 17.2% vs. the prior quarter (through Oct 2026).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$330k in purchasing power | California index 110.7 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| healthcare listings in California | 149 active | 2,062 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| healthcare pay trend | −17.2% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
