Vice President of Infection Prevention and Control

Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, NH

The Vice President of Infection Prevention and Control leads the D-HH system in developing and implementing the highest standards of infection control, eliminating hospital-acquired infections, anticipating and leading efforts to prepare and respond to emerging infections/pandemics, and the development of an integrated, system-wide department.  The VP is responsible for leadership of all D-HH infection prevention and control initiatives including conceptualization, planning, implementation, and development of D-H’s infection control and prevention programs.     The VP will work in a highly collaborative fashion with hospital CEOs, CMOs and CNOs; Geisel department chairs; and the D-HH executive team. The VP will represent D-HH with the New Hampshire and Vermont departments of health in all matters pertaining to infection prevention and control.

Key responsibilities include:

• Determines evidence-based protocols and standards for Dartmouth Health
• Assumes overall administrative responsibility for professional activities of Infection Prevention
• Provides guidance for antibiotic stewardship
• Supervises facility-based epidemiologists, Infection Prevention leads, and Infection Preventionists
• Leads Dartmouth Health system-wide infection-prevention teams (e.g., Hand washing, Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections, Urinary Catheter-Associated Infections, etc.).
• Supervises the collection of surveillance data, and analyzes and implements infection prevention and control strategies.
• Works with senior leadership, medical staff, ICPs, and patient caregivers at meeting the Dartmouth Health goals in regard to all hospital-acquired infections.
• Works with Information Technology and Clinical Systems in developing monitoring tools and triggering systems to be used in the electronic health record and various health information systems.
• Identifies staff outreach opportunities for education, including staff newsletters, e-learning modules, and in-services.
• Investigates outbreaks within Dartmouth Health.
• Evaluates and assists the implementation of Infection Control Policies and Procedures and participates in the review of existing policies.
• Provides regulatory interpretation to Dartmouth Health in regard to regulatory standards related to infection control.
• Works closely with Department of Occupational Health at monitoring the Dartmouth Health policies and procedures for employee exposure to infectious organisms.
• Works closely with the Microbiology Department in regard to testing, susceptibility reports, and the critical analysis of new rapid tests for microorganisms.
• Serves as a resource to the Risk Management, Quality, and Performance Improvement departments in regard to potential claims and patient care concerns.
• Consults with architects, engineers and contractors in regard to infection control risks associated with various projects, as needed.
• Serves as a liaison between Dartmouth Health and the Medical/Dental staff in infection control improvement initiatives
• Participates in quality assurance and performance improvement activities on a current and retrospective basis and assists in epidemiologically based outcomes management initiatives
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications include:

• D. degree from an accredited Medical School
• Medical License or eligibility in the state of New Hampshire
• Board-certified/eligible in Internal Medicine
• Certified in the subspecialty of Infectious Diseases
• 5-10 years of previous experience in hospital infection control and epidemiology
• Demonstrated leadership and national reputation in the field of hospital infection control and epidemiology

The Dartmouth Health system stretches over New Hampshire and Vermont and offers the quintessential New England experience. This beautiful area combines history, industry, and business and has been ranked consistently as one of the best places in the US to live and work. Anchored by the academic Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, the system includes the NCI- designated Dartmouth Cancer Center, the Dartmouth Health Children's hospital; 5 member hospitals, 30 ambulatory clinics across the region, and a VNA and Hospice. With destinations like Boston, New York, Montreal, the seacoast, and ski country within driving distance, the opportunities – both career and personal – truly make New Hampshire the ideal place to work and play.

Candidates are requested to apply directly to this link:

https://hitchcock.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2200017Y

Questions may be directed to:

Mark L. Semiao, MBA
Executive Recruiter, Talent Acquisition
Dartmouth Health

Mark.L.Semiao@hitchcock.org

Dartmouth Health is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.