Medical Director, Palliative Care Program
Listed compensation
$265k-$350k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Job Requirements
Company Description
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health is geared to professionals who are serious about learning and progressing in an encouraging setting where teamwork is a way of life.
Our employees take great pride in the culture they’ve helped to create, which exemplifies our core values built on trust, safety and respect. Our people know that great care and a positive attitude mean healthy patients and a happy work environment. Enjoy a healthy work-life balance in the welcoming community of UMUCH.
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland. As one of the largest private employers in the state, University of Maryland Medical System’s 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 13 hospitals.
Named one of “Best Places to Live in Maryland”, the Bel Air community boasts a diverse population, excellent schools, low crime rate, great neighborhoods, recreational options, shopping and dining.
Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to numerous cultural and professional sporting offerings in major metro areas (Philadelphia, Baltimore, and D.C.).
With close proximity to the ocean to the east, and the mountains to the west, Harford County offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, golfing, sailing, fishing, water activities, camping, and more!
Be part of a rich tradition of Medicine while shaping the future of care delivery.
UMMS hospitals and health care facilities are equal opportunity employers and proud of an environment of diversity.
Medical Director, Palliative Care
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health – Harford County, Maryland
Lead with purpose. Transform care. Build the future of palliative medicine.
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health is seeking an experienced and compassionate Medical Director of Palliative Care to lead and expand our well-established, highly respected palliative care program serving Harford County and surrounding communities.
About the Opportunity
- This is a unique opportunity to step into a mature, interdisciplinary palliative care program that is:
- Well-supported and highly utilized across both acute care and outpatient settings
- Staffed by a collaborative interdisciplinary team including advanced practice providers, nursing, social work, and pain and palliative pharmacist.
- Actively integrated into care pathways for patients with serious and life-limiting illness
- As Medical Director, you will play a key leadership role in:
- Growing and shaping our outpatient palliative care services
- Enhancing access and continuity for patients across care settings
- Strengthening program quality, visibility, and impact
- Supporting team development and clinical excellence
Collaborative Network
- You will be part of the University of Maryland Palliative Care Network, a dynamic and supportive system-wide community dedicated to:
- Clinical collaboration and best practice sharing
- Professional development and mentorship
- Program innovation and growth across the continuum of care
- What You’ll Bring
- Board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine
- Clinical expertise in managing complex, serious illness
- A passion for interdisciplinary care and patient-centered outcomes
- Leadership experience or interest in program development and expansion
Why Join Us?
- Established program with strong institutional support
- Opportunity to build and expand outpatient services to better serve the community
- Collaborative, mission-driven culture
- Meaningful impact on patients and families navigating serious illness
Compensation & Benefits
- We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plan with employer match
- Generous paid time off
- CME support and professional development resources
- Live Where You Work – Harford County, MD
- Harford County offers an exceptional quality of life with:
- Safe, family-friendly communities
- Top-rated schools and outdoor recreation
Easy Access to Major Metro Areas
- Baltimore (30 minutes)
- Philadelphia (1 hour)
- Washington, DC (1.5 hours)
Enjoy the balance of a close-knit community with proximity to world-class cultural, dining, and professional opportunities.
Make a Difference
Join us in advancing compassionate, high-quality care for patients and families facing serious illness. Help shape the future of palliative care in a growing, community-focused health system.
Work Experience
Qualifications
Education & Training
Active privileges on the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health medical staff. Board-certification in Internal Medicine or in one of its sub-specialties. Eligible and/or certified by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine is preferred; a willingness to obtain certification within three years is required.
Work Orientation & Experience: 2 years in Palliative or Hospice Care preferred
Skills & Abilities: Directly responsible and accountable to the Senior Vice President/Chief Clinical Officer to assure quality care, efficient resource management, appropriate activities and policies related to the success of the Palliative Care Program. Requires a close work relationship with the chairpersons of the clinical departments.
Benefits
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Compensation
- $265,000- $350,000
- Please review 2026-2027 UMMS Benefits Guide. pdf
Key Responsibilities
The Medical Director will lead and expand the palliative care program across acute and outpatient settings while fostering an interdisciplinary team. They are responsible for driving clinical excellence, program growth, and ensuring high-quality care delivery for patients with serious illnesses.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Medical Director, Palliative Care Program at University of Maryland Medical System a 6.6 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% in Palliative Care — ranked against 95 active Palliative Care listings on WeekdayDoc.
Palliative Care — Physician Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Maryland is 105.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$308k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $293k in an average-cost state. 62.9% of Maryland clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
