The United States is currently facing a critical shortage of specialists capable of managing the complex intersection of neurology, psychology, and pediatrics. For families navigating the early signs of autism or the challenges of cerebral palsy, the gap between a primary care referral and a specialist appointment can often span months or even years. This proves against this backdrop that Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is expanding its capacity to serve the Piedmont Triad region.
The Wake Forest School of Medicine is currently seeking a physician to fill a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician faculty position, a role designed to blend high-level clinical care with academic leadership. This expansion comes at a pivotal time for the region, as the demand for neuro-developmental expertise grows alongside a sophisticated infrastructure of early intervention and therapeutic support.
Located in northwest North Carolina, this position is situated within a system that integrates the academic rigor of a medical school with the clinical reach of a massive health network. The incoming physician will join a multidisciplinary team dedicated to the evaluation and management of children with intellectual disabilities, genetic syndromes, complex ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders.
An Integrated Approach to Pediatric Neuro-Development
Effective developmental care rarely happens in a vacuum. At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, the clinical model is built on a foundation of interdisciplinary collaboration. The Section on Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics operates not as a standalone clinic, but as the hub of a wider support ecosystem.
The current team comprises three developmental-behavioral pediatricians, four pediatric nurse practitioners, and a psychiatric physician assistant. This medical core is bolstered by a robust psychological support system, including three pediatric psychologists, one clinical psychologist, and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), all coordinated by a dedicated nurse navigator.
Two primary onsite programs distinguish this practice from standard outpatient clinics:
- The Therapeutic Day Program (TDP): A mental health partial day program that provides specialized services for the most behaviorally challenged patients. Its offerings include music, recreational, and educational therapies, with an embedded psychologist to ensure continuity of care.
- The Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA): Focusing on the “Birth to Three” population, the CDSA provides essential early intervention services. The agency employs a full suite of specialists, including audiologists, speech therapists, and occupational and physical therapists.
Academic Growth and Institutional Influence
For a physician pursuing a faculty track, the appeal of this role extends beyond the exam room. The position offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of the specialty within the Wake Forest School of Medicine. The institution is not merely looking for a clinician, but a builder.
The incoming faculty member will have the potential to develop a Developmental & Behavioral fellowship from the ground up, creating a pipeline for the next generation of specialists. There is a strategic vision to establish an Autism Center of Excellence, providing a platform for the new hire to lead regional initiatives in autism care.
Research is another cornerstone of the role. Through the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), physicians have access to the resources necessary to move laboratory discoveries into clinical practice. What we have is complemented by strong community partnerships aimed at reducing healthcare disparities for underserved children and their families in North Carolina.
Institutional Scale and Reach
The scale of the parent organization provides a level of stability and resource access rarely found in smaller academic centers. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a $5.7 billion health system and serves as the academic core of Advocate Health, which stands as the third largest nonprofit health system in the United States.
The clinical environment is anchored by the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, an 885-bed tertiary care facility. For pediatric specialists, the primary site of impact is the 160-bed Brenner Children’s Hospital, a facility that has earned national recognition in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for its specialized pediatric care.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| System Valuation | $5.7 Billion |
| Primary Hospital Capacity | 885 Beds |
| Pediatric Specialization | Brenner Children’s Hospital (160 Beds) |
| Network Reach | 300+ Primary and Specialty Care Locations |
| Physician Network | 2,700+ Physicians |
Living in the Piedmont Triad
Beyond the clinical requirements, the location offers a quality of life that is increasingly attractive to medical professionals. Winston-Salem, a city of approximately 230,000 people, balances a “small town experience” with the amenities of a growing metro area. The region is noted for a cost of living that is roughly 31% below the national average, allowing for a standard of living that is often unattainable in larger coastal medical hubs.
The city is a recognized cultural center, having established the first Arts Council in the United States. This legacy continues today through a dense concentration of galleries, theaters, and performing arts collectives. For those who prefer the outdoors, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Parkway are within a two-hour drive, although the Atlantic coast remains accessible for weekend excursions.
The local culinary and social scene reflects an international influence, ranging from traditional North Carolina barbecue to diverse global cuisines, supported by a thriving community of microbreweries and 42 regional wineries.
Candidate Requirements and Application
The search is open to candidates of all academic ranks. To be considered for this faculty position, applicants must hold an MD or DO degree and be board-certified or board-eligible in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics or Neuro-Developmental Disabilities. Candidates must likewise hold, or be eligible for, North Carolina medical licensure.
Interested physicians are invited to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three professional references to Christine Erdie-Lalena, MD ([email protected]) or Hannah Payne ([email protected]).
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a formal employment contract or medical advice.
As the health system continues its integration under the Advocate Health umbrella, the next phase of growth will likely focus on the formalization of the proposed Autism Center of Excellence and the expansion of the fellowship program. These milestones will mark the transition of the section from a growing clinical unit to a national leader in neuro-developmental education.
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