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UVA Health has announced the launch of a national search for the inaugural Executive Chair of the Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI), a newly formed, integrated clinical institute dedicated to advancing cardiovascular care across Virginia.

The search comes on the heels of UVA Health's recent announcement establishing the Heart and Vascular Institute — a model that unifies cardiology, adult cardiac surgery, and vascular surgery under a single clinical structure and leadership framework. The Institute brings together close to 150 providers delivering care across inpatient, ambulatory, and procedural settings throughout the Commonwealth.

The Heart and Vascular Institute represents an evolution from UVA Health's former Heart and Vascular Service Line, designed to enable deeper clinical integration, stronger accountability for quality and outcomes, and the ability to scale innovative programs more quickly and consistently.

The Executive Chair will serve as the physician leader of the Institute, working in a dyad partnership with Laura Thielemann, MPA, Associate Chief, Heart and Vascular Institute. Together, they will develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan to define the Institute's long-term vision, drive clinical program growth, and expand regional services and partnerships.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary physician leader with outstanding credentials in cardiology, cardiac surgery, or vascular surgery, and a track record of program development, physician recruitment, and leadership in an academic or integrated health system setting. A commitment to clinical service will ensure the Executive Chair remains grounded in patient care.

"The Heart and Vascular Institute positions UVA Health to deliver world-class cardiovascular care to patients across Virginia," said John Bennett, MPA, Chief Service Line and Ambulatory Officer. "The Executive Chair will be a transformational leader who can bring together our faculty, advance our clinical programs, and build the partnerships needed to fulfill the Institute's full potential."

The search is expected to conclude with a selection in fall 2026. Nominations and inquiries can be submitted to Katy Saladin of Spencer Stuart at ksaladin@spencerstuart.com. For full consideration, prospective candidates are encouraged to contact her by July 1, 2026.