Department Chair - Surgery

CommonSpirit Health; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Starting bonus

Job summary

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is seeking a Department Chair of Surgery to lead strategic, operational, and clinical initiatives that enhance patient care quality and efficiency within a large health system.

You will oversee the expansion of department-wide standards, collaborate with executive leadership, and manage multiple surgical divisions across Western Washington, including Cardiovascular, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, and more.

Qualifications

• MD or DO degree from an accredited institution.
• Board certification or eligibility in a relevant ABMS specialty.
• Active or eligible license in the state of Washington.
• Strong clinical skills with experience in programmatic development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Clinical and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic, operational and clinical initiatives to enhance patient care quality and efficiency.
• Oversee department-wide clinical quality and operational performance standards in a large integrated system.
• Recruit and onboard high-quality, culturally aligned providers and participate in hiring processes.
• Develop an annual strategic plan for the Department of Surgery with growth and quality objectives.
• Collaborate with CMO and executive leadership to align with system strategy and governance.

Skills

MD/DO

Leadership

Clinical leadership

Education

MD/DO degree

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As the Department Chair of Surgery at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you will lead the strategic, operational, and clinical initiatives to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of patient care. Established in 1920, the Virginia Mason general surgery residency program represents the oldest accredited surgical residency within the Pacific Northwest.

Every day you will oversee the expansion and cultivation of department-wide clinical quality and operational performance standards. It is imperative that best practices remain congruent with national, regional, and market‑defined metrics, ensuring comprehensive implementation across all sub‑specialty divisions and the surgical ambulatory continuum. This role operates within an extensive integrated health‑care system and a robust referral network spanning Western Washington. The incumbent leader will provide expertise in managing the Department of Surgery across all domains, collaborating with colleagues and progressive academic and executive leadership.

To be successful in this role, you will leverage existing organizational strengths, including clinical excellence, surgical education, and a commitment to lead multidisciplinary Divisions including Cardiovascular, ENT, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, OBGYN, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Thoracic Surgery and Urology.

Further Details of the Department of Surgery Chair Position Include:

• Leads the department's vision, goals and initiatives in alignment with system strategy.
• Leads multidisciplinary collaboration across divisions, promoting excellence in clinical care, education and research
• Serves as the primary liaison between the Department and applicable CommonSpirit and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health leadership, hospital administration, service line leadership and external organizations
• Oversees the recruitment and retention of high‑quality, culturally aligned providers, actively participating in the hiring and on‑boarding process
• Works with the Chief Medical Officer, PE and administrative partner to develop an annual strategic plan for the Department that includes specific initiatives that will be pursued each year to achieve growth and quality objectives
• The Pacific Northwest frequently earns top accolades across lifestyle, dining and natural beauty
• Electronic medical records via EPIC
• Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Women, under‑represented minorities, and Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are offering a highly competitive salary, starting bonus and relocation assistance, in addition to our competitive chair package in conjunction with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health a part of CommonSpirit Health.

Job Requirements

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution
• Board certification or eligibility in a relevant ABMS specialty
• Active or eligible license in the state of Washington
• Strong clinical skills with experience in programmatic development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment
• Commitment to providing high‑quality, compassionate care
• Clinical and leadership experience

Where You'll Work

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellent. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top‑quality, professional healthcare in modern, well‑equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.

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