Physician, Thoracic Surgeon (San Francisco, CA)

Sutter Health - Bay Area; United States; On-site; USD 350,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

CME allowance

Robust retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Sutter Health - Bay Area is seeking a board-certified Thoracic Surgeon to join its Thoracic Surgery Associates team. This role emphasizes minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience and will lead initiatives aimed at expanding thoracic surgical services.

The ideal candidate must be proficient in complex thoracic procedures, have strong collaborative skills, and contribute to teaching, research, and patient safety improvements.

Qualifications

• Board Certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
• Completion of accredited General Surgery residency.
• Completion of accredited Thoracic/Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex thoracic procedures focused on lung surgery.
• Participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards and care conferences.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and patient safety.

Skills

Robotic surgery expertise

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

Strong interpersonal skills

Clinical judgment

Education

MD or DO

Board Certified in Thoracic Surgery

Job description

Opportunity Information

We are seeking a board-certified Thoracic Surgeon to join our Thoracic Surgery Associates team. This role focuses on thoracic (non-cardiac) procedures, including lung resections and chest wall reconstruction, with a strong emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic techniques (RATS). The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in robotic and minimally invasive thoracic surgery and will contribute to clinical, strategic, and programmatic growth, including leadership of a high-performing thoracic oncology program. This position offers the opportunity to play a central role in expanding thoracic surgical services and advancing clinical quality, patient experience, and system-wide excellence.

Key Position Requirements

Clinical Excellence

• Perform complex thoracic procedures with a focus on lung surgery, including:
  • Lobectomy
  • Segmentectomy and lung-sparing resections
• Minimum of 5-8 years of post-training experience preferred
• Advanced skills and formal credentialing in:
  • da Vinci robotic surgery
  • Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
• Evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients with thoracic surgical conditions

Academic / Research

• Board Certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to academic programs, teaching, and clinical research

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards and care conferences
• Collaborate with medical oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonology, radiology, pathology, and primary care
• Assist with development of coordinated, patient-centered treatment plans
• Facilitate appropriate referrals and continuity of care

Quality and Patient Experience

• Adhere to evidence-based clinical guidelines
• Support quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
• Participate in peer review and quality assurance activities
• Contribute to organizational goals related to access, outcomes, and patient satisfaction

Call Coverage

• Participate in an equitable call rotation
• Provide consultation and emergency thoracic surgical services as needed

Non-Clinical Responsibilities

Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thoracic Surgery FTE Breakdown

• tbd % Clinical
• tbd % Administrative (Program Director role)

Program Development

• Support growth and expansion of thoracic surgery services
• Participate in strategic initiatives to expand access
• Direct the strategic vision and standardized care pathways of the thoracic surgery service line

Qualifications

• MD or DO
• Completion of accredited General Surgery residency
• Completion of accredited Thoracic/Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship
• Board Certified in Thoracic Surgery
• Eligible for unrestricted California medical license
• DEA registration and hospital privileging eligibility

Experience

• Preference for 8 or more years of attending experience with a strong track record in VATS and RATS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical and surgical judgment
• Expertise in thoracic disease management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary care model
• Commitment to high-quality, safe, patient-centered care
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across teams

Practice Characteristics

• Integrated multispecialty medical group environment
• Access to advanced imaging, oncology, pulmonology, and critical care
• Active multidisciplinary thoracic oncology program
• Emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery
• Focus on coordinated, high-quality patient care
• Participation in system-wide thoracic oncology initiatives

Benefits

• Signing bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package and CME allowance
• Robust retirement plan
• Relocation assistance
• Opportunities for teaching, research, leadership, and mentorship

Equal Opportunity Statement

Sutter West Bay Medical Group is committed to equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals and prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics. We actively promote an inclusive and equitable workplace across all aspects of employment.