Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician - First Assist

Tenet Healthcare; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CME allowance

Paid time off and holidays

Health, dental, and life insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Tenet Healthcare is seeking a Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assist to join the cardiothoracic surgery team at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, California. This full-time role involves supporting both open and minimally invasive cases in a collaborative, resource-rich environment.

With compensation ranging from $600,000–$850,000 annually, the position offers a blend of advanced technology, experienced staff, and a vibrant community in the Central Valley. Ideal candidates will have surgical experience and a passion for delivering exceptional care.

Qualifications

• Completed surgical training with experience functioning as a first assist.
• California licensed or eligible to obtain licensure in California.
• Prior cardiothoracic surgery experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support open and minimally invasive surgical cases.
• Participate in call rotation with the surgical team.
• Work in a state-of-the-art surgical environment.

Skills

Cardiothoracic surgery experience

First assist training

Collaboration skills

Communication skills

Education

MD or DO degree

Board eligible or board certified

Tools

Da Vinci robotic system

ECMO abilities

Job description

Job Summary

Central Valley Doctors Health System Physician Group invites you to join an established and growing cardiothoracic surgery team at Doctors Medical Center – a 465‑bed, Joint Commission–accredited regional referral center in the heart of California’s Central Valley. You will work alongside experienced cardiothoracic surgeons in a high‑acuity program equipped with cutting‑edge technology, including an active TAVR program, ECMO capabilities, and a hybrid OR. This is a collaborative, team‑based environment where advanced resources and dedicated support staff allow you to focus on delivering exceptional surgical care.

Position Highlights

• Full‑time, employed position with Central Valley Doctors Health System Physician Group
• Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assist role supporting open and minimally invasive cases
• Primarily inpatient‑focused with some outpatient follow‑up
• Monday–Friday OR schedule, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM
• Call participation aligned with the cardiothoracic surgery team
• Work within a state‑of‑the‑art surgical environment featuring:
• Hybrid OR and Xi Da Vinci robotic system (3 units on site)
• Active TAVR program and ECMO capabilities
• Dedicated cardiothoracic nursing teams, CV PAs, and RNFAs
• Collaborative team includes cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiology, perfusion, nursing, and ICU teams
• Facility is a certified STEMI Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center with 4 ICUs and 44 critical‑care beds

What We Offer

• Compensation ranging from $600,000–$850,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• CME allowance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Malpractice insurance provided
• Health, dental, and life insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Deferred compensation program
• Relocation assistance

Candidate Requirements

• MD or DO degree required
• Completed surgical training with experience functioning as a first assist
• Prior cardiothoracic surgery experience strongly preferred
• Board eligible or board certified (or equivalent surgical board eligibility)
• California licensed or eligible to obtain licensure in California

Why Modesto

Modesto sits at the heart of California’s Central Valley, offering a lower cost of living than coastal metros without sacrificing access to world‑class destinations such as Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and San Francisco – all within a two‑hour drive. The city boasts a warm, family‑friendly community with well‑regarded schools, a growing arts and dining scene, and a strong agricultural heritage that feeds some of the best farm‑to‑table cuisine in the state. Affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a tight‑knit professional community make Modesto an increasingly attractive choice for physicians seeking balance between career and lifestyle.

Organization Description

Doctors Medical Center (DMC), part of the Central Valley Doctors Health System, is the largest full‑care hospital between Stockton and Fresno, and from the Sierras to the San Francisco Bay Area. With 394 general acute‑care beds and 67 inpatient psychiatric capacity, DMC offers a wide range of services including cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, emergency and trauma services, minimally‑invasive and robotic surgery, women and children’s services, medical/surgical, behavioral health, oncology, and critical/intensive care.

EEO Statement

Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Tenet will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.
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