Psych Medical Director (Empath Program) in Lexington, KY

Updated 12/12/25
Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Physician
Psychiatric-Mental Health
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Job at a glance

Degree Required MD/DO
Position Type Full-Time
Work Environment Hospital
Visa Sponsorship No

Job description

Job description

Position Title
Psychiatry Medical Director (Empath Program)

About the Role
University of Kentucky Health Care is seeking a board-certified/board-eligible Psychiatrist to join the program as a Medical Director. EmPATH Psychiatric Unit | UK Healthcare
Lead as the Medical Director for both Eastern State Hospital and the EmPATH unit, providing high-quality psychiatric care to adult patients. The EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) unit is a crisis intervention center that offers a therapeutic alternative to emergency departments for behavioral health crises.

Eastern State Hospital: A 239-bed facility with a mission of recovery-focused care, delivering inpatient mental health services across 50 counties.
EmPATH Unit: A specialized, 24/7 crisis intervention unit with a welcoming environment for behavioral health, providing rapid assessment and stabilization within a dedicated space

As part of our faculty, you will engage in a robust mix of clinical care, teaching, and research within UKHC’s state-of-the-art facilities. You will mentor medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals, contributing to the continued growth of our respected psychiatric program.

Qualifications
Education: M.D./D.O. degree or equivalent
Experience: Completion of residency in Psychiatry; strong clinical background and demonstrated teaching abilities
Certifications: Board eligible/board certified in Adult Psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association) with current or eligible licensure to practice in Kentucky
Skills: Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to connect with internal and external stakeholders

Work Hours, Call Schedule & Other Info.

Work Location:

Empath Unit located at Eastern State Hospital

Call Schedule:

Yes, rotation

Patient Volume IP/OP:

12 patients at a time (rotation)

# of Exam Rooms:

12 Chairs

# of Advanced Practice Providers:

7 (4 Day Shift, 3 Night Shift)

# of Nurses:

6 RNs, 1 Nurse Manager

# of Support Staff:

10 Mental Health Associates, 2 Peer Support Specialists, 2 Social Worker Seniors (MSW), 4 Patient Access/Registration Staff

Compensation, Bonus, CME, & PTO
Compensation will be discussed with complete transparency during the phone screen
1,970 wRVUs annual target
$5000 CME
Loan forgiveness bonus available
Annual vacation time is 22 days per year (on a prorated basis)

Malpractice
Yes, included with tail. We have our own with UK HealthCare. 1M to 3M coverage.

Benefits
Our physicians enjoy a competitive salary and bonus structure based on the AAMC Physician benchmarks. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, a 200% match retirement plan, and professional development opportunities.

UK HealthCare Highlights & Impacts

  • Ranked #1 hospital in Kentucky by U.S. News for 8 consecutive years.
  • Level I Trauma Center
  • Strong in cancer, ENT, OB-GYN, GI, cardiology, pediatric specialties, and high-volume complex procedures
  • 34K cases July 2024-April 2025
  • 1.2 million ambulatory volumes
  • 110K ER Visits / 39K discharges
  • New Cancer & Neuro Center opening 2027
  • Kloiber Foundation Teen Lounge

UK HealthCare Locations

  • Albert B. Chandler Hospital
  • Kentucky Children’s Hospital
  • Eastern State Hospital
  • UK Good Samaritan Hospital
  • King’s Daughters Medical Center (Ashland)
  • St. Claire Regional Medical Center (Morehead)

About Lexington, KY

  • Horse Capital of the World
  • Vibrant Arts, Culture, Music & Dining Scene
  • Strong Healthcare & Education Institutions
  • Affordable Cost of Living
  • Outdoor Recreation & Natural Beauty
  • Strong Healthcare & Education Institutions

Links
About UK HealthCare | UK Healthcare
In Kloiber Foundation Teen Lounge, teens can be themselves | UKNow
Psychiatry | UK Healthcare



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