Founding Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director
ACEP Now, Destin, FL, United States
HCA Florida Fort Walton–Destin Hospital | Fort Walton Beach, FL
In partnership with University of Central Florida College of Medicine (UCF COM)
HCA Florida Fort Walton–Destin Hospital, in academic partnership with the University of Central Florida College of Medicine , is seeking a Founding Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director to establish and lead its new ACGME‑accredited Emergency Medicine Residency Program .
This is a unique leadership opportunity for an experienced academic emergency physician who is passionate about education, program development, and shaping the future of Emergency Medicine.
The Program Director will provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for the Emergency Medicine residency program. This role offers both meaningful authority and institutional support , including a dedicated Program Director stipend, protected administrative time, and direct input into faculty recruitment and program build‑out .
Schedule:
- 50% clinical / 50% GME focus
- Some night and weekend clinical coverage required
Program Director Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, accreditation, and ongoing administration of a new ACGME‑accredited EM residency program
- Establish program culture, curriculum, evaluation systems, and scholarly expectations
- Recruit, develop, and mentor faculty and residents
- Ensure compliance with ACGME requirements and best practices in graduate medical education
- Integrate the residency program with hospital clinical services and physician practices to enhance quality and value
- Collaborate with hospital leadership, UCF COM, and GME stakeholders
- Participate in and support ongoing scholarly activity
Candidate Qualifications
- Board Certified in Emergency Medicine
- Minimum of three (3) years of recent experience as Core Faculty, Associate Program Director, Site Director, or comparable academic leadership role in an ACGME‑accredited EM residency
- Demonstrated educational, administrative, and leadership abilities
- Active involvement in scholarly activity, including peer‑reviewed publications
- Strong interest in building a high‑quality, resident‑centered training program
Clinical Environment
- 309‑bed Level II Trauma Center
- 44‑bed Emergency Department with fast track
- Approximately 55,000 annual ED visits
- Pediatric Emergency Department coverage 8 hours per day
- Robust critical care support, including:
- 33‑bed Medical ICU
- 8‑bed CVICU
- Certified Primary Stroke Center and accredited Chest Pain Center
- Affiliated freestanding emergency departments in Destin and Navarre
- Internal Medicine Residency Program launched in 2024
- Transitional Year Residency Program starting in 2026
- Recognized nationally for patient safety, infection prevention, and cardiac care outcomes
Compensation & Benefits
- W‑2 hospital‑employed leadership role
- Dedicated Program Director stipend
- Protected administrative time
- Comprehensive benefits package through HCA Healthcare
- Malpractice coverage provided
- Long‑term stability and GME support within one of the nation’s leading healthcare systems
About the Community
The Fort Walton Beach–Destin area is located along Florida’s Emerald Coast , known for its sugar‑white sand beaches, emerald waters, and family‑friendly lifestyle. The region offers:
- Top‑ranked public schools
- Excellent outdoor recreation including boating, fishing, and watersports
- Proximity to Pensacola and Panama City
- A strong local arts and cultural scene