What important questions should one ask before accepting the role? A prospective medical director should have good understanding of the program itself, program leadership and reporting structure, job expectations and responsibilities, time commitment, and, of course, compensation (amount and model [hourly, stipend, CME allotment]). Establishing a new program or expanding a current program may have more of a time commitment, especially early in the process, than taking over an established program. Another consideration is any specific training or course work you may need to better prepare to take over the role. Although not typical, a medical director may be asked to participate in staff hiring and recruitment, as well as fiscal management of the program. There may also be external meeting requirements such as participation in the region’s Sexual Assault Response Team or multidisciplinary team meetings.

Conclusion

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You take a few days to research the role and formulate your questions. You meet with the SANE program manager to understand their expectations of your role and relationship. You then meet again with the CNO and CMO who answer all your questions and inform you that there is additional compensation for the role. You accept the position.

Dr. Rozzi is an emergency physician, medical director of the Forensic Examiner Team at WellSpan York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, and secretary of ACEP’s Forensic Section.

Dr. Riviello is chair of emergency medicine at Crozer-Keystone Health System and medical director of the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center.

References

1. International Association of Forensic Nurses. SANE Program Listing. Accessed January 5, 2025.