Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician

Ascension; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plan (403(b))

PTO & holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ascension St. Vincent Heart Failure Program in Indianapolis is seeking an experienced Surgical Director of VAD & Transplant to lead and grow our advanced heart failure surgical services. The quaternary center is home to a six-surgeon team, with a busy program performing multiple transplants and VAD implants annually.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, research involvement, and collaboration with cardiology, ICU, and regional referral networks to advance outcomes and access to care.

Qualifications

• Board-certified cardio-thoracic surgeon with leadership experience.
• Expertise in VAD implantation and heart transplantation.
• Experience in program development or medical directorship is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and operational oversight for VAD & Transplant services.
• Lead growth in mechanical circulatory support and transplant volumes.
• Maintain superior clinical outcomes and regulatory excellence.
• Collaborate across Heart Failure cardiology, intensivists, and the Heart Center.

Skills

VAD implantation

Heart transplantation

Leadership

Program development

Telemedicine

Education

MD/DO

Thoracic Surgery Fellowship

Tools

TransMedics System

Job description

Your future role at a glance

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Facility Name: Ascension St. Vincent

Schedule: Full-Time

Productivity incentives: RVU / Quality

CME allowance + 5 dedicated CME days

Malpractice coverage with tail

This job location is not currently located in a Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and/or Medically Underserved Areas/Populations (MUA/P) Shortage Designation Type.

How you’ll make an impact in this role

The Ascension St. Vincent Heart Failure Program, the largest Transplant & VAD program in the state is seeking an experienced Surgical Director of VAD & Transplant to lead and grow our advanced heart failure surgical services.

Our program is a recognized Center of Excellence and is certified by The Joint Commission. As a quaternary medical center, Ascension Indianapolis Hospital is a destination cardiac program with a focused commitment to advanced heart failure therapies and regional referral excellence.

• Largest Transplant & VAD program in Indiana
• Accredited Center of Excellence
• Joint Commission certified
• 30+ cardiac transplants annually
• 60+ short- and long-term mechanical circulatory assist devices implanted annually
• Active cardiac surgery research program, including DCD donor trials utilizing the TransMedics Organ Care SystemJoin a team of 6 cardiac surgeons, including 2 transplant surgeons
• Evenly distributed call schedule: 1:3 transplant call/1:7 primary surgical call
• Perform and oversee: Durable and temporary VAD implantation, Heart transplantation (including protocols), Advanced mechanical circulatory support, Complex cardiac surgical procedures
• Leadership & Strategy: Provide strategic vision and operational oversight for VAD & Transplant services, Advance growth in mechanical circulatory support and transplant volumes, Maintain superior clinical outcomes and regulatory excellence, Strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration with Heart Failure cardiology, intensivists, and the Heart Center, Expand regional referral relationships across St. Vincent's hospitals
• Research & Innovation: Lead and participate in transplant and MCS clinical trials, Expand DCD donor utilization, Drive innovation in advanced heart failure therapies
• Our Vision: As a Quaternary Medical Center, Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital is committed to building a true destination cardiac program centered on advanced heart failure excellence. Through close collaboration across cardiac sub-specialties and the Heart Center, we deliver exceptional outcomes across the full cardiovascular spectrum. By leveraging our strengths in mechanical circulatory support, complex surgical interventions, and transplant readiness, we provide a seamless continuum of care serving as the regional referral hub for patients with advanced cardiac disease while driving growth of the overall cardiovascular service line.
• Qualifications: Board-certified CardioThoracic Surgeon, Demonstrated expertise in: Ventricular Assist Device implantation and management, Heart transplantation, Advanced mechanical circulatory support systems, Leadership experience in program development or medical directorship preferred, Commitment to quality, research, and team-based care
• Employed position within a nonprofit health system
• Fellowship training Thoracic Surgery
• Eligible for Indiana state medical licensure and DEA registration

About The Facility

• 840 bed hospital
• Level one trauma center
• Serving a population of approximately one million
• Integrated referral network
• Part of Ascension, a national nonprofit Catholic health system

Why Physicians Choose Ascension

• Physician-led, collaborative culture
• Long-term practice stability
• National network with local autonomy
• Mission-centered care rooted in service

What Minimum Requirements You’ll Need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

• Physician MD/DO credentialed from the Indiana Medical Licensing Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date required.
• Advanced Life Support preferred. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.

Education

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) required.

Benefits that help you thrive

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

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