Medical Review Officer (MRO)
Abbott
Summary
The MRO, a licensed physician, supports the Medical Director in overseeing Toxicology - Workplace Services. This role is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, providing clinical leadership, and contributing to the strategic direction of occupational medicine and drug testing programs. The position directly supports management of the MRO-A team, nursing staff, and support personnel, and plays a key role in budget oversight, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement (including regulatory agencies, internal leadership, and external partners). This role reports to the Medical Director and operates within a highly collaborative environment.
Job description
What You'll Work On
- Leads and supports the management of physicians and cross-functional support staff within Medical Affairs, delivering occupational medicine and drug testing services.
- Reviews and interprets drug test results, including determining legitimate medical explanations in accordance with federal regulations.
- Ensures compliance with specimen collection procedures, chain-of-custody requirements, and recordkeeping standards.
- Supports and, as appropriate, conducts fitness-for-duty evaluations, including DOT FMCSA-certified driver medical exams.
- Provides insights into industry trends and evolving regulatory requirements, aligning program strategy with organizational objectives.
- Develops, implements, and continuously improves policies and procedures to ensure high-quality, evidence-based, and compliant occupational health services.
- Supports oversight of quality assurance programs, including adverse event reporting and safety monitoring activities.
- Maintains expert knowledge of applicable federal regulations and occupational medicine guidelines.
- Contributes to budget planning, resource allocation, and operational efficiency initiatives.
- Coordinates regulatory reporting and ensures the timely and accurate submission of required documentation.
- Maintains all required licensure, certifications, and continuing education to support role responsibilities.
Onboarding & Training
The selected candidate will be expected to complete an on-site onboarding and training period in Kansas City during the first 90 days to ensure successful integration with the team and business. Following the onboarding period, the candidate will be expected to travel to Kansas City on a regular, as-needed basis to support business priorities, key initiatives, and leadership engagement.
Qualifications
- MD or DO with an active, unrestricted medical license; ability and willingness to obtain additional state licenses as required.
- Board-certified or board-eligible; Occupational and Environmental Medicine certification preferred.
- Current Medical Review Officer (MRO) certification (AAMRO or MROCC).
- Current DOT FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner (CDME) certification, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
- Minimum of 10 years of clinical experience, including occupational medicine and knowledge of substance use disorders.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience serving as a certified MRO, with demonstrated knowledge of applicable regulations.
- Strong knowledge of federal regulations and occupational health guidance.
- Demonstrated leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant clinical/operational systems.
- Experience providing testimony, depositions, or serving as an expert witness preferred.
- Active participation in the ODAPC listserv required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior leadership or people management experience in healthcare, corporate health, or regulatory environment.
- Experience partnering with HR, Legal, or Compliance functions.
- Strong data analysis and reporting experience to support quality and operational decision-making.
- Experience in business operations, including budgeting and program management.
Requirements
- MD or DO with an active, unrestricted medical license
- Ability and willingness to obtain additional state licenses as required
- Board-certified or board-eligible
- Current Medical Review Officer (MRO) certification (AAMRO or MROCC)
- Current DOT FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner (CDME) certification, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire
- Minimum of 10 years of clinical experience, including occupational medicine and knowledge of substance use disorders
- Minimum of 5 years of experience serving as a certified MRO, with demonstrated knowledge of applicable regulations
- Strong knowledge of federal regulations and occupational health guidance
- Demonstrated leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving capabilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant clinical/operational systems
- Active participation in the ODAPC listserv required
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine certification preferred
- Experience providing testimony, depositions, or serving as an expert witness preferred
- Prior leadership or people management experience in healthcare, corporate health, or regulatory environment
- Experience partnering with HR, Legal, or Compliance functions
- Strong data analysis and reporting experience to support quality and operational decision-making
- Experience in business operations, including budgeting and program management
Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Retirement savings plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Student debt program
- Education benefit
Company overview
Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare leader with a 135-year legacy of innovation, dedicated to helping people live healthier, fuller lives through life-changing technologies and products. Headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, the company operates in more than 160 countries with a workforce of approximately 114,000 professionals. Abbott's diversified portfolio spans four core business segments: medical devices, diagnostics, nutrition products, and branded generic pharmaceuticals. The company is particularly renowned for its groundbreaking medical devices including cardiovascular technologies, diabetes management systems like the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor, neuromodulation devices for chronic pain, and the AVEIR DR dual chamber leadless pacemaker system. In diagnostics, Abbott has been instrumental in developing critical tests, including the first licensed HIV test in 1985 that helped secure blood supply safety. The company's nutrition division produces leading infant formulas like Similac, while its pharmaceutical business provides quality branded generic medicines. Abbott consistently ranks among Fortune's Most Admired Companies and maintains a strong commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility, making it a trusted partner in advancing global healthcare.