Medical Director - Dementia Program
Where
Lower Cape Fear Lifecare
Wilmington, NC, United States
Salary Range (Annual Salary)
$225,000 - $295,000
Description
Medical Director – Dementia & Cognitive Care Program
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with occasional after-hours events
Location: Wilmington, NC
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll lead the clinical vision for an expanding comprehensive dementia and cognitive care program balancing hands-on patient care with program strategy, innovation, and team mentorship. Your time will be split between direct clinical care, program leadership, and collaboration with a skilled multidisciplinary team.
This position shapes how our region supports individuals living with cognitive disorders. The Medical Director has a direct hand in improving patient outcomes, supporting caregivers, growing clinical talent, and building a cutting-edge model of dementia care.
You’ll help define what excellent dementia care looks like in practice: compassionate, evidence-based, and centered on the dignity and experience of every patient and family.
Clinical Care
• Provide direct medical care including comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia related illness.
• Conduct initial evaluations and follow-up visits, addressing medical, behavioral, and psychosocial needs.
• Lead medication management, symptom control, behavioral health coordination, and palliative interventions focused on patient comfort and function.
• Partner with advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, and therapists to build individualized care plans that include non-pharmacologic approaches.
• Participate in on-call coverage as needed.
Leadership & Program Development
• Design and implement clinical protocols based on emerging research and best practices.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives that improve outcomes, caregiver support, and care coordination.
• Guide program expansion, including integration with hospice services and community partnerships.
• Support data tracking for outcomes, experience, and quality measures—and use those insights to improve the program.
• Ensure regulatory compliance (CMS, Joint Commission, state guidelines).
Collaboration & Education
• Mentor and support APPs, physicians, and care team members through education, case consultation, and clinical guidance.
• Strengthen relationships with referring physicians, hospitals, health systems, and community agencies.
• Develop and deliver educational sessions on early detection, behavioral management, advanced care planning, and end-of-life care.
• Participate in caregiver support initiatives, including workshops and support groups.
• Stay current with emerging science; incorporate new approaches, treatments, and technologies.
• Contribute to research projects or collaborate with academic and national partners such as the Alzheimer’s Association.
• Advocate for the program through presentations, publications, and community outreach.
What We’re Looking For:
Education & Licensure
• MD or DO from an accredited institution, with an active North Carolina medical license ( or eligibility).
• Board Certification in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Neurology.
• Sub-specialty training in Geriatrics or Hospice & Palliative Medicine preferred.
Experience
• 5–7 years of clinical experience in neurology, geriatrics, or dementia care.
• At least two years of leadership experience.
• Experience in program development, quality improvement, or dementia-related research preferred.
Skills & Approach
• Deep clinical expertise in dementia diagnosis and management, including cognitive assessments and pharmacologic strategies.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary models, including hospice and palliative care.
• Proficiency with EHR systems and data-driven care models.
• Compassionate communicator who can navigate emotionally complex situations with patients and families.
• Inclusive leadership style that builds trust, supports staff growth, and strengthens team performance.
• Ability to engage individuals and families across diverse communities, including underserved and rural populations.
Is the compensation influenced or limited by the grant and what happens if the grant expires
• No, the Medical Director role will be supported beyond the New Hanover Community Endowment grant’s initial funding support. LifeCare Memory Partners will likely pursue additional funding support from The Endowment beyond the initial tranche, but the parent organization, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, also has committed to supporting this role and organization through other funding mechanisms.
What is the split between clinical and administrative
• 80% clinical, 20% administrative- more administrative as the program is in development initially
What is the caseload per clinic session
• We expect the Medical Director will likely see approximately 15 patients per week, due to the extended length of many of these appointments. The Medical Director will be the primary provider within LifeCare Memory Partners, supporting all patients within the census to varying degrees, with the understanding that there is a highly skilled clinical team comprised of registered nurses and nurse practitioner(s) also supporting the case load for regular touch points and follow ups.
Estimated on-call requirement / after hour engagements
• There will not be an on-call requirement as the rest of the care team is handling on call responsibilities. There may be occasional after-hours engagements to support the program for things like community education, galas, donor events, etc.
How large is the team the director will oversee / support staff
• The Medical Director would be responsible overseeing one LPN primarily. There is a Program Director who manages the day-to-day program operations and the rest of the care team and support staff. The Medical Director would be responsible for building out their practice and so they will have some indirect responsibility for resources like the Patient Scheduler and Billing support staff.
What program development responsibilities fall on the candidate
• Primarily around schedule design, diagnostic pathways, clinical protocol development, utilizing evidence-based tools, and other practice development work. They will be responsible for building relationships with other local providers as well and presenting to groups about the program as appropriate.
Apply
Attn: Deric Weiss MD
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (910) 796-7900