Chief, Division of Transplantation Surgery – Associate Professor or Professor

Department 01102 – Liver Transplant Program

The Division of Transplantation Surgery

Chief, Division of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Utah

The Department of Surgery at the University of Utah is actively recruiting qualified applicants for the position of Chief, Division of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery.

The Division of Transplantation Surgery is one of eight divisions within the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah. The Chief of Transplantation Surgery oversees a team of abdominal transplant surgeons and advanced practice clinicians who are dedicated to high-quality, value-driven patient care, education, and innovation and discovery through basic science, clinical, and health services research. The division faculty are also instrumental in caring for patients with benign and malignant hepatic and biliary disease in conjunction with the University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute, a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. This position is a critical leadership role that will guide and coordinate the division’s strategic, clinical, educational, and research activities. The selected candidate will have a proven track record of excellence in abdominal transplant surgery, strong leadership abilities, and a passion for advancing patient care, education, and research in the field of surgical transplantation.

Requirements:

• Recognized academic transplant surgeon qualified for, or at the rank of, Associate Professor or Professor, who has completed an ASTS-certified multiorgan abdominal fellowship.
• Strategic vision for the Division, and accountability to fulfill the education, research, clinical, and administrative service missions and values of the Department.
• Strong leadership abilities and management experience in multidisciplinary environments, and the ability to influence and motivate faculty and support a culture of collaboration, quality, and efficiency.
• Demonstrated commitment to foster the growth of others through a collaborative mindset, and aptitude to motivate others through inspiration, effective communication, and good listening skills that result in a strong level of trust and guidance.
• Strong commitment to the educational excellence and advancement of faculty, trainees, students, and advanced practice clinicians (APCs).
• Clinical expertise in living and deceased donor kidney and liver transplant, with deceased donor procurement experience preferred. Interest in liver transplant oncology.
• Meets UNOS requirements as primary liver surgeon.
• Proven success in advancing research and educational missions, evidenced by securing NIH or similar independent research funding, obtaining training grants, and contributing to the body of knowledge with foundation-supported initiatives.
• The Chief will work closely with the Chair of the Department of Surgery, department leadership, and across external partners in Internal Medicine, Radiology, Anesthesia, and others to promote a collaborative environment that enhances clinical growth and excellence, along with academic development by advancing research activities consistent with Department and Institutional missions.
• Prospective candidates must have an MD degree or equivalent and will be Board Certified in General Surgery and have completed an ASTS-certified fellowship in abdominal solid organ transplantation, have at least eight years post-fellowship experience, and be eligible for licensure in the state of Utah. Additional instruction in advanced leadership or management training (e.g., ACS Physician Executives or Physician in Management series) is highly preferred.

University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is an esteemed academic health science center that excels in fostering collaboration and aims to set a national standard for opportunities for all. U of U Health has ranked in the top 10 of the prestigious Vizient Quality Leadership Award for the last 16 years. The University of Utah (U of U) is an R1 Top-Tier research institution and a member of the Association of American Universities with $768 million in research funding, including $312 million from the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. Through state-of-the-art quality care, groundbreaking research discoveries, and novel educational models, U of U Health is dedicated to advancing health for society.

The Department of Surgery is prominent within the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the U of U. This department has a substantial roster of 139 faculty members, 71 residents, 19 fellows, 103 advanced practice clinicians (PAs and NPs), and over 200 staff, standing as one of the largest departments within the university. With an annual budget of $130 million and an endowment of $25 million dedicated to endowed chair positions, the surgery department operates under the framework of eight clinical divisions. The Department of Surgery has a rich history of providing excellent care, quality research, and valuable education in Utah with strong partnerships across departments, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Intermountain Children’s Hospital, the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and affiliates. With a strong research focus, the department was ranked 23rd in 2022 on the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research for NIH funding. The Department of Surgery showcases a robust educational enterprise within University of Utah’s Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, encompassing required clerkships and elective rotations for third- and fourth-year medical students. It also includes six residency programs and over 13 clinical fellowship programs, along with numerous research fellowship positions. These programs cater to medical students, residents, and fellows, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. The Department of Surgery is committed to achieving excellence and national recognition in the core missions of patient care, innovation and discovery research, education, and service.

The Division of Transplantation and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgery at University of Utah Health stands as Utah’s only academic abdominal transplant program, staffed by four dedicated faculty surgeons and offering comprehensive adult liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery. Nationally ranked fifth in liver transplantation and eighth in kidney transplantation, the program is recognized for its expertise with complex, high-risk cases, universal application of organ perfusion technology, and superior outcomes. Rapid expansion includes growing waitlists and regional outreach. Institutional investments in robotic-assisted procedures, research infrastructure, and reliable operating room access support its sustained progress.

For more information about the Department of Surgery visit https://medicine.utah.edu/surgery

For additional information, please contact Giana Aluculesei at giana.aluculesei@hsc.utah.edu

Interested applicants may apply at: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/190118

The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator.

We acknowledge that this land, which is named for the Ute Tribe, is the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Tribes. The University of Utah recognizes and respects the enduring relationship that exists between many Indigenous Peoples and their traditional homelands. We respect the sovereign relationship between tribes, states, and the federal government, and we affirm the University of Utah’s commitment to a partnership with Native Nations and Urban Indian communities through research, education, and community outreach activities.

The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.

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