2024 Call for Applications

Join the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Medical Director Institute

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is accepting applications for its Medical Director Institute (MDI) through Aug. 1, 2024. Information on the MDI, its members and the application process can be found in the following. Please contact MDI@TheNationalCouncil.org with any questions.

About the MDI

The MDI is a group of physicians dedicated to advancing clinical and operational behavioral health practices within health care treatment organizations so that all individuals have access to effective and clinically competent mental health and substance use care across the lifespan. The MDI accomplishes this by bridging the gap between providers, payers, industry leaders and federal agencies to develop expert resources and initiatives that promote clinical and policy innovation. MDI activities are responsive to National Council community behavioral health member organization needs.

MDI members represent:

• Providers, payers and industry partners who maintain National Council membership through their employer.
• Industry partners who represent businesses in the mental health and substance use field.
• Federal partners.
• Early career fellows.
• Psychiatry and primary care physicians who provide direct patient care.
• Diversity in race, ethnicity, country of origin, geographical location, medical education/training, gender identity and sexual orientation.
• A range of organization types and sizes (community mental health centers, addiction treatment centers, academic centers and large multi-hospital systems).
• Expertise in a comprehensive range of specialty areas.

Member Role

The MDI is responsible for delivering a steady stream of specific work products and members’ roles require:

• A commitment to a three-year term, with the option to extend.
• Attending monthly MDI virtual meetings.
• Attending an annual in-person meeting (when travel is permitted).
• Contributing to MDI work product development, including technical reports, national webinars and clinical practice and policy guidance.
• A willingness to serve as a subject matter expert to National Council staff and organizational projects on an ad hoc basis.

Member Qualifications

To be eligible for MDI membership, applicants must:

• Be a board-certified doctor of medicine, or equivalent (DO, MBBS)
• Provide direct patient care.
• Demonstrate substantial responsibilities in administrative, leadership and management duties.
• Have a National Council membership*.
  *If you are not currently a member, do not be discouraged from applying. If the National Council determines you are a good fit for the MDI, we will discuss membership options.
• Have strong communication skills.

The following are preferred qualifications:

• Certifications in management or advanced degrees
• Fellowship training

Application Process and Timeline

The MDI application process includes completing a brief form and submitting a CV and biographical sketch that outlines education and employment background, areas of specialty expertise and professional development goals for future work through the National Council’s online platform. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 1, 2024. The MDI’s Recruitment Committee will carefully review all applications. Those selected for an interview will be contacted in early Fall 2024 to schedule a virtual meeting with the committee. Final MDI appointments will be made on or around Nov. 1, 2024.

National Council for Mental Wellbeing

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of more than 3,400 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure equitable access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, we have trained more than 3 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.