Neonatologist/NICU Medical Director - Busy Level II NICU, Vanderbilt-Affiliated

Vanderbilt Health, in partnership with Maury Regional Medical Center, located just 40 miles south of Nashville, is seeking a Neonatologist to join its growing neonatal team. This role supports a busy Level II NICU staffed 24 hours a day by experienced neonatal nurse practitioners, with remote oversight and collaboration from Vanderbilt neonatologists.

The ideal candidate is a clinically focused neonatologist committed to high-quality newborn care, excellent communication, and collaborative practice. Leadership experience is welcomed for those interested in the NICU Medical Director role, though not a requirement

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical coverage for a Level II NICU with an average census of ~5 infants.
• Supervise and collaborate with 24/7 in-house NNP team.
• Take 24-hour home call during service rotation.
• Participate in newborn resuscitation, stabilization, and transfer in collaboration with VUMC’s Level IV NICU and transport team.
• Engage in quality improvement, patient safety, and multidisciplinary initiatives.
• (Optional) Provide medical directorship with leadership in operations, quality, and clinical practice standardization.

Schedule & Workload

• Annual clinical hours: 1,944 hours
• Call: Home call only; 24-hour shifts while on service
• Weekend/Holiday rotation: Variable shared model
• Average patient load: Approximately 5 NICU infants per day

Qualifications

• MD or DO degree with Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine training and board certification/eligibility
• Tennessee medical licensure (or eligibility)
• Minimum of 5 years NICU experience preferred for candidates seeking the medical director role.
• Strong commitment to clinical excellence, teamwork, and family-centered care

About Vanderbilt University Medical Center & the Mildred Stahlman Division of Neonatology

As one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers, Vanderbilt University Medical Center is home to:

• Over 50 neonatology faculty members committed to clinical care, education, and scholarship
• A nationally recognized Level IV NICU at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital
• Neonatal services ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report
• A renowned neonatal-perinatal fellowship program training the next generation of specialists
• Active participation in the Tennessee Initiative for Quality Perinatal Care, emphasizing evidence-based statewide neonatal improvement
• A pediatrics department that consistently ranks in the top 10 nationwide for NIH research funding, supporting robust academic opportunities

This collaboration ensures Maury Regional physicians enjoy immediate access to world-class neonatal expertise and resources while practicing in a community hospital setting.

About Columbia, Tennessee

Columbia blends historic charm with rapid growth, offering a uniquely appealing lifestyle:

• A vibrant downtown district filled with boutiques, cafés, music venues, and historic architecture
• The lively Columbia Arts District, home to artist studios, galleries, bakeries, breweries, and locally owned eateries
• Easy access to outdoor recreation along the Duck River, one of North America’s most biodiverse waterways
• The FirstBank Amphitheater in nearby Franklin, drawing major touring performers annually
• Weekly farmers markets, local wineries, community festivals, and a growing artisan scene
• A warm, family-friendly community with excellent schools and a cost of living significantly lower than Nashville
• Quick access to “Music City” for world-class entertainment, sports, and dining—without the congestion

Columbia is ideal for those wanting a small-city lifestyle with big-city access.

Interested and qualified physicians, please apply directly or send an updated CV and cover letter to Physician Recruiter, Sarah Casen.

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.