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Academic Plastic Surgery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

M Health

$450K - $650K/yr

Academic rank at the University of Minnesota will be at the commensurate with qualifications and experience. Practice Details: - General Plastic Surgery opportunity with emphasis on Breast, Wound ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Plastic Surgeon

Chapel Hill, NC

Position Summary The Department of Surgery at the University of North Carolina is seeking applications for a full-time academic plastic surgeon to join our Division of Plastic Surgery. The Division ...

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Academic Plastic Surgery information

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$17.5K

$90.2K

$250.5K

How much do academic plastic surgery jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic plastic surgery in the United States is $90,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is academic plastic surgery?

Academic plastic surgery is a specialized branch of plastic surgery that combines clinical practice with teaching, research, and scholarly activities in a university or academic medical center setting. Academic plastic surgeons often treat patients, train medical students and residents, and conduct research to advance the field. They may also publish scientific articles, present at conferences, and contribute to developing new surgical techniques or innovations. This role is ideal for those interested in both clinical care and advancing the science of plastic surgery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Academic Plastic Surgeon, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Academic Plastic Surgeon, you need advanced surgical expertise, board certification in plastic surgery, and a strong background in research and teaching. Familiarity with surgical simulation tools, electronic medical records, and experience with research methodologies are typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and mentoring skills help build effective relationships with patients, trainees, and colleagues. These competencies are crucial for delivering high-quality patient care, advancing medical knowledge, and training the next generation of surgeons.

What is the difference between Academic Plastic Surgery vs Clinical Plastic Surgery?

AspectAcademic Plastic SurgeryClinical Plastic Surgery
CredentialsMedical degree, plastic surgery residency, academic appointmentsMedical degree, plastic surgery residency
Work EnvironmentHospitals, universities, research institutionsPrivate clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research hospitals, academic medical centersPrivate practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics
FocusResearch, teaching, academic advancementPatient care, cosmetic and reconstructive procedures

Academic Plastic Surgery involves teaching, research, and clinical work within academic institutions, focusing on advancing the field. Clinical Plastic Surgery emphasizes patient care and performing procedures in private or hospital settings. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in their work environment and primary focus.

What are some common challenges faced by surgeons in academic plastic surgery roles?

Surgeons in academic plastic surgery often balance multiple responsibilities, including patient care, teaching, and research. Juggling these duties can be challenging, especially when striving for excellence in each area. Time management is critical, as is staying up to date with surgical advancements and educational methods. Additionally, academic surgeons frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, requiring strong communication skills and adaptability.
More about Academic Plastic Surgery jobs
What cities are hiring for Academic Plastic Surgery jobs? Cities with the most Academic Plastic Surgery job openings:
What states have the most Academic Plastic Surgery jobs? States with the most job openings for Academic Plastic Surgery jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Academic Plastic Surgery jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Academic Plastic Surgery jobs are:
Academic Plastic Surgery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Plastic Surgery job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 72% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,170 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Surgery - Plastic Physician

UKHC (University of KY Healthcare)

Lexington, KY

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Chief of Plastic Surgery

Department of Surgery Division of Plastic Surgery
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Lexington, Kentucky

Lead the Future of Plastic Surgery at Kentucky s Flagship Academic Medical Center

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine and UK HealthCare are seeking an accomplished academic plastic surgeon to serve as the next Chief of Plastic Surgery. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary and collaborative leader to guide a nationally recognized division with strong clinical programs, an integrated residency program, growing research initiatives, and a commitment to innovation, education, and multidisciplinary care.

This leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the strategic direction and continued growth of Plastic Surgery at Kentucky s premier academic health system while maintaining an active clinical practice.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Chief of Plastic Surgery will provide strategic, academic, clinical, and operational leadership for the Division of Plastic Surgery within the Department of Surgery. The successful candidate will oversee faculty development, resident education, research advancement, program growth, and clinical excellence across the division.

The Division currently includes:

  • 6 faculty members
  • 5 Advanced Practice Providers
  • Dedicated clinical and administrative staff
  • A fully integrated 6-year Plastic Surgery residency program matching two residents annually

The Chief will work collaboratively across UK HealthCare and the College of Medicine to strengthen regional and national recognition of the division while supporting innovation in patient care, education, and research.

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Leadership opportunity within a growing academic Plastic Surgery division
  • Active clinical practice supported by strong APP and staff infrastructure
  • Integrated Plastic Surgery residency program with robust educational mission
  • Opportunity to mentor faculty and trainees while expanding research initiatives
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration across surgical and medical specialties
  • Practice located at UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital, a premier tertiary referral center serving Kentucky and surrounding states

Clinical Areas Include:

  • Reconstructive Surgery
  • Microsurgery
  • Craniofacial Surgery
  • Hand Surgery
  • Breast Reconstruction
  • Pediatric Plastic Surgery
  • Burn and Wound Management
  • Cosmetic and Aesthetic Surgery
  • Facial and Nasal Reconstruction

RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

The Division of Plastic Surgery maintains active clinical and translational research programs focused on:

  • Wound healing and burns
  • Breast cancer etiology
  • Implant biofilms
  • Tendon repair
  • Microvascular surgery

Faculty and residents benefit from:

  • Dedicated research laboratories
  • Microsurgery training laboratory
  • Research support staff
  • Opportunities for collaborative and externally funded research

QUALIFICATIONS

  • MD, DO, MD/PhD, or equivalent
  • Board Certified in Plastic Surgery
  • Eligible for medical licensure in Kentucky
  • Demonstrated leadership experience within an academic medical center
  • Strong record of clinical excellence, scholarship, and mentorship
  • National involvement in academic or professional societies preferred

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

UK HealthCare offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

  • Transparent compensation structure aligned with academic rank and leadership responsibilities
  • Generous retirement benefits with 200% match
  • Over 8 weeks of time off annually
  • CME allowance and professional development support
  • Malpractice coverage including tail coverage
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

UK HEALTHCARE HIGHLIGHTS

UK HealthCare is the clinical enterprise of the University of Kentucky and serves as the state s flagship academic health system. The system includes:

  • UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital
  • Kentucky Children s Hospital
  • Markey Cancer Center
  • Kentucky Neuroscience Institute
  • Kentucky Clinic and specialty care locations across the region

UK HealthCare is nationally recognized for advancing patient care, research, and medical education throughout the Commonwealth.

LIFE IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

Lexington offers the perfect blend of academic medicine, vibrant culture, and quality of life. Known for its scenic horse farms, thriving culinary scene, excellent schools, and welcoming community, Lexington provides easy access to outdoor recreation while maintaining the amenities of a growing metropolitan area. Lexington

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