Rheumatology - Physician - Academics - Program Director

Company: M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: January 18, 2026

Job Description:

The University of Minnesota Medical School offers an exceptional opportunity to be part of a leading academic medical institution dedicated to innovation, patient-centered care, and groundbreaking research. As one of the top hospitals in the region, it combines cutting-edge clinical care with the resources of a major research university, creating an environment where you can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact. You will collaborate with leading experts in medicine, contribute to the advancement of healthcare, and play a pivotal role in training the next generation of medical professionals. Our institution fosters a culture grounded in teamwork, diversity, and lifelong learning, supported by competitive benefits and a strong commitment to work-life balance. Located in the dynamic Twin Cities metro area, this position offers not just a career opportunity, but a meaningful platform to help shape the future of academic medicine. Position Summary: The University of Minnesota Department of Medicine is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Division Director of the Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases. The ideal candidate will have a distinguished record of clinical excellence, research productivity, educational engagement and administrative leadership. The division is seeking a leader who can foster new collaborations, expand its research enterprise, and reimagine academic programs and clinical care delivery. The successful candidate will have demonstrated academic leadership across clinical care, education, and research missions, along with experience in faculty development, mentoring, sustaining independent research funding, and maintaining a productive scholarly portfolio marked by peer-reviewed publications. Unique Opportunities: Collaborate with world-class researchers in the University of Minnesota’s Center for Immunology, an interdisciplinary research program devoted to advancing the field of immunology. Accelerate the pace of human-oriented autoimmune diseases research through the Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CADRe). Provide leadership for new and innovative clinical and academic programs. Utilize endowment funds from the John F Finn Arthritis Foundation Land Grant and Susan Barry Meckstroth Endowment for Lupus Research to support academic development within the division Key Responsibilities: Leadership and Administration: Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Rheumatology Division, aligning with the overall mission and goals of the Department of Medicine and the Institution Oversee the clinical, research, and educational activities of the Division Develop and enact a plan for divisional expansion and program growth Manage the Division's budget, resources, and personnel Recruit, mentor, and retain faculty and staff Foster a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes excellence and innovation Represent the Division within the Department of Medicine, the Institution, and the broader medical community Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations Clinical Care: Maintain a clinical practice in rheumatology, providing expert consultation and care to patients Work with the Service Line on clinical operations; ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care within the Division Promote the development and implementation of best practices in rheumatology care Research: Promote and support research activities within the Division, including basic, translational, and clinical research Maintain an active research program and provide support for faculty research and scholarly activities tailored to individual interests Foster collaboration with other departments and institutions to advance rheumatology research Education: Provide support and assistance to the Rheumatology Fellowship Program in developing and implementing innovative educational programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of trainees Promote faculty development in teaching and mentorship Quality Improvement: Promote a culture of continuous improvement, patient safety, and innovation. Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Location: Discover the vibrant heart of the Midwest by making Minneapolis–St. Paul your new home. The Twin Cities offer a rare blend of urban energy and natural beauty, with thriving arts and music scenes, award-winning restaurants, and over 10,000 lakes just a short drive away. Whether you’re biking along the Mississippi River, exploring world-class museums, or enjoying year-round festivals, there’s always something happening here. Known for being exceptionally family-friendly, the area boasts top-rated public and private schools, expansive parks, and a wealth of year-round outdoor activities. It’s easy to see why so many people are proud to call the Twin Cities home. Required Qualifications: Medical Degree (e.g., MD, DO) Board certification in Rheumatology Eligibility for medical licensure in Minnesota Meets The University of Minnesota Medical School criteria for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor of Medicine Demonstrated leadership and administrative experience. A strong record of clinical excellence and international reputation for outstanding scholarly activity Proven ability to secure extramural funding for research Excellent communication and interpersonal skills A commitment to inclusive excellence Preferred Qualifications: Advanced Degree (PhD, MPH) Human immunology and autoimmune diseases research expertise International recognition in the field of Rheumatic and Autoimmune diseases. Experience in developing strategy in clinical service line development History of successful mentorship of junior faculty with varied career goals Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases: The Division currently consists of eleven faculty (three at the rank of Professor, three Associate Professors and five Assistant Professors). The Division is dedicated to discovering novel therapeutic and management approaches to improve the lives of people with autoimmune diseases. The Division boasts subspecialty clinic faculty leadership and clinical trials expertise in connective tissue diseases including SLE, vasculitis, Sjogren’s disease, inflammatory myopathy and systemic sclerosis. The division currently holds four active NIH grants totaling over $5 million, including a T35 Training Grant, and activity in human and translational clinical research in the areas of human autoreactive B Cell antigen receptor diversity and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T and N cell research programs, aimed at assessing CAR-T and NT cell efficacy in severe autoimmune diseases. The Division has a robust clinical practice in various M Health clinics that focus on complex autoimmune diseases, as well as a 24/7 consultation service for the Fairview-UMMC hospitals on the East and West bank of the University of Minnesota campus. Dr. Erik Peterson is the Rheumatology Service Line Director for M Health and oversees the clinical practice for our academic faculty as well as Fairview-employed rheumatologists. The Rheumatology Fellowship Program has had long-standing success since 2008 with 4.0 FTE training at four sites in the Twin Cities, led by our Program Director, Dr. Parastoo Fazeli. The Division also has a current Physician-Scientist Training Program (PSTP) fellow. Pay and Benefits This role is dually employed by University of Minnesota Physicians and the University of Minnesota. Total salary is market competitive and based on AAMC salary benchmarks. Clinical salary, aligned with clinical effort, is provided through M Physicians. Total annual compensation ranges from $234,000 to $270,000, inclusive of base pay plus expected incentive pay commensurate with experience and qualifications. The salary from the University is dependent upon the academic effort of the person hired. M Physicians provides the following benefits: Substantial 401K employer contribution. Well-being program including an annual spending allotment, peer coaching, counseling, and concierge services. Allowance for CME, license, board certification, and DEA fees. Malpractice insurance coverage. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we are a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. In addition, the University provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes low-cost medical, dental, pharmacy plans, and much more. University of Minnesota Physicians (M Physicians), a non-profit organization headquartered in Minneapolis, seeks motivated individuals for both clinical and non-clinical roles to drive innovation in health and medicine. Our inclusive culture offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and the opportunity for career development in the exciting field of health care to over 1,200 physicians, 300 advanced practice providers, and 2,200 health professionals and staff across Minnesota and beyond. Join us on a mission to advance medicine. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Keywords: M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical , Minneapolis , Rheumatology - Physician - Academics - Program Director, Healthcare , Minneapolis, Minnesota