The Associate Dean of Clinical Education and Residency Director reports to the Dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine and supports Sonoran University’s Strategic Plan and Academic Affairs’ department goals of:

• Academic Excellence
• Continuous Improvement
• Mission-Focused Growth and Sustainability

The Associate Dean and Residency Director provides leadership to ensure that all clinical supervisors in Sonoran University’s teaching clinics are effective educators and practice evidence based naturopathic medicine that results in positive patient outcomes.  This position is responsible for designing and implementing the curriculum of the courses and activities relating to clinical education, including the residency programs.

The Associate Dean and Residency Director collaborates both intra- and inter-departmentally and supports the efforts of the Academic Affairs department to improve educational outcomes, foster student success, and expand educational offerings.  The Associate Dean also works in the capacity of Residency Director, overseeing the program and supporting residents as they complete their respective programs.  As an academic administrator, the Associate Dean will work closely with the clinical leadership team to create an efficient and professional clinic environment and student education experience.  This position oversees the clinical curriculum both on- and off-site, improving clinical educational effectiveness, and administering the clinical education and residency program budget.  Duties of this position include planning, developing, and implementing on-site and off-site clerkship curricula, demonstrating educational effectiveness of clinical programs beginning in the first year, implementing educational policies, and assisting in continuous improvement of clerkships, training sites, clinical education courses, and residency experiences.  In support of these duties, the Associate Dean will support clinical faculty in the education of students and residents, and work closely with faculty and campus administration. With faculty, s/he will collect, analyze, and synthesize data to form cohesive clinical educational experiences. This individual will provide leadership in graduate medical education, mentor residents, ensure compliance with accreditation standards, and contribute to the training of naturopathic medical students.

The Associate Dean and Residency Director is an active member of the Sonoran University community promoting its mission, vision, and core values by actively participating in scholarly work and providing service to the University, community, and the profession. 

Primary Associate Dean responsibilities:

1.    Enhancing the culture of continuous improvement to support student and graduate success in patient care, clinical practice, and on the NPLEX licensing exams; 
   2.    Administratively supporting faculty within the Division of Naturopathic Clinical Education, including facilitating faculty development, faculty recruitment, and training;
   3.    Creating and effectively managing the division budget;
   4.    In conjunction with division faculty and the dean, reviewing, developing, and implementing improvement plans for: 
   a.    Classroom / clinic instruction (via direct observation) 
   b.    NPLEX scores after each offering
   c.    Clinical milestone performance
   d.    Faculty performance evaluations
   5.    Working collaboratively with Department Chair(s) within the division to review scope and sequencing of courses and curricular revisions;
   6.    Ensuring all student clinical offerings and residency programs meet accreditation and regulation requirements, including record keeping (e.g. CNME, CPNME, HLC, DHS, fire code, etc.) 
   7.    Working with the Director of Clinical Business Development, Chief Medical Officer, and Clinical Manager to ensure patient care and student educational needs are met at the Sonoran University Medical Center, Neil Riordan Center, and Community Clinics, including break week rotations.
   8.    Managing Sonoran University Naturopathic Residency Program.
   9.    Recruiting, interviewing, and selecting residents in collaboration with faculty and administration.
   10.    Developing and implementing the residency curriculum, clinical rotations, and evaluation tools.
   11.    Supervising and mentoring residents, providing regular feedback and performance assessments.
   12.    Coordinating with faculty and clinical supervisors to integrate residents into patient care and teaching.
   13.    Residency Director provides oversight for courses and/or clerkships at Sonoran University, including Clinic Immersion courses and Clinical Clerkships.
   14.    Residency Director serves as a role model for residents and students by demonstrating excellence in naturopathic care.

Other responsibilities:

1.    Working collaboratively as part of the academic team and Sonoran University community; 
   2.    Actively engaging in department, division, and campus meetings, as well as other service opportunities;
   3.    Actively participating in and promoting scholarly endeavors;
   4.    Promoting Sonoran University’s vision, mission, and core values internally and to external constituencies;
   5.    Other duties as assigned.

Experience Expectations:

• A minimum of three years of teaching, service and scholarship at a post-baccalaureate college or university, which may include experience as an adjunct faculty member, warranting appointment at Assistant Professor or above.  Blended and online instruction experience preferred;
• Management experience at the Department Chair level or above, including personnel, budget, and KPIs, with documented successful outcomes
• Commitment to evidence-informed, patient-centered care and naturopathic principles.
• Ability to inspire, a positive attitude, confidence, commitment, effective oral and written communication, sense of humor, creativity, intuition, honesty, and ability to delegate.
• Prior experience in residency education or program administration strongly preferred
• Preferred experience with CNME residency standards and accreditation processes
• Preferred ability to mentor and inspire early-career clinicians
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong sense of urgency and problem solving skills
• Ability to juggle multiple projects with superb accuracy
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding faculty, staff, and student issues
• Exceptional customer service with internal departments
• Ability to embody Sonoran University’s core values.

Education Requirements:

   Minimum Education:    ND or other clinical degree (e.g. MD, DC, DO) from a regionally accredited institution;
   Preferred Education:    Advanced degree in Medical education, Leadership, or closely related field.

Working Environment
Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse. Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds.  Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Communicate to perform essential functions.

Background/Screening
All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus. 

• Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.

About Sonoran University:
Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing.
The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
To serve the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.
The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.
The University’s Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.

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