Ortho Chief

Arkansas Children’s, in partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), is seeking a dynamic and visionary pediatric orthopedic surgery chief. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and grow its expanding division in creating lasting impact through program building, training future pediatric orthopedic surgeons, expanding access and providing US News & World Report nationally ranked and recognized care to patients statewide and regionally.

Program & Position Highlights: 

Join a dynamic team at Arkansas Children’s of 15 physicians, two non-operative sports physicians and three advanced practice practitioners, in providing care for the state’s only pediatric health system. Other highlights and responsibilities include: 

• Development and implementation of a vision for a comprehensive program while shaping the future of education, research and clinical excellence in a nationally recognized children’s health system.
• Appointment at the Associate or Professor level, commensurate with experience, and will play a central role in program development, faculty recruitment and fellowship creation.
• Strategic leadership across two campuses for the Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Division at Arkansas Children’s
• Leadership of the planning and launch of a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery fellowship program
• Recruit, mentor and develop faculty, advanced practice providers and trainees
• Build and strengthen relationships with referring providers and community partner
• Maintain active clinical practice with the support of a high-performing multidisciplinary team
• Participate in teaching, research, and academic pursuits through UAMS
• Orthopedic clinic visits have increased annually, reflecting the continued growth of the hospital, its teams, and its reputation. In 2024, ACNW delivered care in over 11,350 visits, and ACH delivered care in more than 24,750 visits
• New outpatient surgery facility with a focus on outpatient surgeries and procedures, including orthopedics and sports medicine, opening in 2026
• Competitive salary and benefits available
  
  

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will bring a strong clinical reputation, collaborative leadership style and a passion for advancing pediatric musculoskeletal care across the region.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in an academic or large clinical setting
• Strong interest in education, research and program development
• Commitment to clinical excellence, collaboration and innovation
• MD or DO with completion of an ACGME-accredited Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery fellowship
• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Orthopedic Surgery
• Eligible for Arkansas medical licensure
  
  

ABOUT ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S 

Arkansas Children's is the only health care system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas' 850,000 children. The private, non-profit organization includes two pediatric hospitals with 361 licensed beds, a pediatric research institute and USDA nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and many education and outreach programs — all focused on fulfilling a promise to define and deliver unprecedented child health.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) is a Magnet-recognized facility in Little Rock operating the state’s only Level I pediatric trauma center; the state's only burn center; the state's only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit; the state's only pediatric intensive care unit; the state’s only pediatric surgery program with Level 1 verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS); and the state's only nationally recognized pediatric transport program. Arkansas Children’s is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in seven pediatric subspecialties (2025-2026): Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and Urology. 

Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW), the first and only pediatric hospital in the northwest Arkansas region, is a Level IV pediatric trauma center. ACNW operates an inpatient unit that will expand in 2026; a surgical unit with five operating rooms; outpatient clinics offering over 20 subspecialties; diagnostic services; imaging capabilities; occupational therapy services; and northwest Arkansas' only pediatric emergency department. Generous philanthropic and volunteer engagement has sustained Arkansas Children's since it began as an orphanage in 1912, and today ensures the system can deliver on its promise of unprecedented child health.

To learn more, visit archildrens.org.  

Arkansas is a great place to live, raise a family and pursue an exciting career.  Known as the Natural State, Arkansas hosts an
abundance of scenic vistas from lakes and rivers, to the breathtaking Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas is home to endless outdoor adventures. Our temperate climate allows you to enjoy all four seasons in the great Arkansas outdoors. There is more to discover than just natural wonders around the state. Each region has its own unique attractions that draw increasing crowds from across the nation. 

Pinnacle Mountain State Park is minutes west of town, and the mountain’s summit provides hikers with a birds-eye view of the city. The hike to the top includes several overlooks, some offering views of the water portion of the Trail of Tears route. The park consists of various nature trails around the base, exceptional mountain bike trails for every level of rider and several canoe and kayak areas.

Heading east towards Tennessee is the Arkansas Delta. This region of the state boasts some of the region’s best artists, BBQ, and Blues. You can visit sites dedicated to Johnny Cash and Ernest Hemingway. Each artist had a lasting connection to the region.

The northwest corner of Arkansas is home to truly worldclass mountain biking, hiking and backpacking. Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art showcasing worldclass art collections, beautiful Eureka Springs with its gorgeous historical buildings and wonderful shopping, and
the state’s wine-making region through the Ozark Wine Trail.

It is a testament to the state’s love of outdoor recreation, conservation, wellness and the diverse geographies of Central Arkansas, connecting 38 parks, six museums and 5,000+ acres of federal, state and local parkland.