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Director Cardiothoracic Surgery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$250/hr

The successful candidate will also serve as Site Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, our flagship quaternary care campus. This position reports to the Enterprise ...

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Director Cardiothoracic Surgery information

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$64K

$226.1K

$400K

How much do director cardiothoracic surgery jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director cardiothoracic surgery in the United States is $226,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $174,500.00 and $270,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of cardiothoracic surgery do?

A Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery is a senior surgeon responsible for overseeing all aspects of cardiothoracic surgical services in a hospital or medical center. Their duties include performing complex heart and chest surgeries, leading a team of surgeons, developing clinical protocols, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. Additionally, they may be involved in research, education, and the implementation of new surgical techniques within their department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of cardiothoracic surgery?

To thrive as a Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery, you need board certification in cardiothoracic surgery, extensive surgical experience, and a strong background in clinical leadership. Expertise with advanced surgical technologies, electronic medical records, and compliance with regulatory systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and team leadership skills set top candidates apart in this high-stakes role. These qualifications ensure safe, effective patient care and the efficient management of a specialized surgical department.

What are the primary challenges faced by a director of cardiothoracic surgery in balancing clinical duties with administrative responsibilities?

A Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery often balances a demanding schedule that includes performing complex surgical procedures while also managing administrative tasks such as overseeing departmental budgets, mentoring surgical teams, and developing strategic initiatives. One of the main challenges is allocating sufficient time to both patient care and leadership duties without compromising either. Effective delegation, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with multidisciplinary teams are essential to succeed in this role. Additionally, staying updated with advancements in surgical techniques and compliance standards is crucial for maintaining excellence in both clinical and administrative aspects.

What is the difference between Director Cardiothoracic Surgery vs Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

AspectDirector Cardiothoracic SurgeryCardiothoracic Surgeon
CredentialsMedical degree, board certification, leadership experienceMedical degree, board certification, surgical training
Work EnvironmentHospital administration, surgical departments, strategic planningOperating rooms, patient care, surgical procedures
Employer & IndustryHospitals, healthcare organizations, academic medical centersHospitals, clinics, specialized surgical centers
Primary FocusManaging surgical teams, overseeing operations, strategic developmentPerforming cardiothoracic surgeries, patient treatment

The main difference is that a Director Cardiothoracic Surgery focuses on leadership, management, and strategic oversight within healthcare institutions, while a Cardiothoracic Surgeon is primarily involved in performing surgeries and direct patient care. Both roles require extensive medical training, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Director Cardiothoracic Surgery jobs?

For Director Cardiothoracic Surgery jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Cardiothoracic Surgery job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $226,097 per year, or $108.7 per hour.

Medical Director - Cardiothoracic Surgery - $850K-1.1 Million

Savannah, GA

She Recruits. LLC
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and clinical leadership for the Cardiothoracic Surgery service line

  • Maintain an active practice performing a full spectrum of cardiothoracic surgical procedures

  • Lead program development and long-term strategic growth initiatives


Job description

Medical Director – Cardiothoracic SurgerySavannah, Georgia

Compensation: $850,000–$1,100,000

Lead the Growth of a Premier Cardiothoracic Surgery Program

We are seeking an accomplished Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon to serve as Medical Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery and lead the continued growth of an established cardiovascular program in beautiful Savannah, Georgia.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced surgeon with a passion for clinical excellence, physician leadership, and program development. The Medical Director will play a key role in shaping the future of the service line while maintaining an active surgical practice and collaborating with executive leadership to advance quality, innovation, and patient outcomes.

If you're ready to lead a high-performing team and leave a lasting impact on a growing cardiovascular program, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out
  • Executive physician leadership role
  • Competitive compensation: $850,000–$1,100,000
  • Hospital-employed position
  • Opportunity to expand and shape an established Cardiothoracic Surgery program
  • Maintain an active surgical practice while leading strategic initiatives
  • Strong administrative and clinical support
  • Collaborative multidisciplinary cardiovascular team
  • Excellent quality of life in coastal Georgia
Position Highlights
  • Medical Director leadership position
  • Hospital-employed practice
  • Active cardiothoracic surgical practice
  • Rotating weekend coverage
  • Strategic service line leadership
  • Physician recruitment and mentorship responsibilities
  • Quality and performance oversight
  • Program growth and operational development
  • Collaborative leadership environment
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide strategic and clinical leadership for the Cardiothoracic Surgery service line
  • Maintain an active practice performing a full spectrum of cardiothoracic surgical procedures
  • Lead program development and long-term strategic growth initiatives
  • Recruit, mentor, and retain high-performing physicians and clinical staff
  • Partner with hospital leadership to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes
  • Develop and implement quality improvement initiatives focused on patient safety and clinical excellence
  • Promote evidence-based clinical practices and multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Participate in physician leadership meetings and service line planning
  • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and exceptional patient care
  • Support outreach efforts and continued expansion of cardiovascular services
QualificationsRequired
  • MD or DO
  • Board Certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Eligible for an unrestricted Georgia medical license
  • Current unrestricted DEA registration (or ability to obtain)
  • Must be Board Certified within five years of completing training
  • No history of medical license suspension, restriction, or revocation
Preferred
  • Prior experience as a Medical Director, Service Line Director, Division Chief, or other physician leadership role
  • Demonstrated success growing or developing a Cardiothoracic Surgery program
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams
  • Strong operational, strategic planning, and physician leadership skills
Compensation & Benefits
  • Compensation: $850,000–$1,100,000
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer contribution
  • Paid malpractice coverage
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • CME allowance and paid CME time
  • Relocation assistance (where applicable)
  • Leadership development opportunities
  • Comprehensive executive-level benefits package
About Savannah, Georgia

Savannah offers an exceptional blend of historic charm, coastal beauty, and modern amenities. Residents enjoy year-round outdoor recreation, outstanding restaurants, vibrant arts and culture, beautiful waterfront living, and easy access to beaches, golf, and boating. With a lower cost of living than many major metropolitan areas and excellent schools, Savannah provides an outstanding quality of life for physicians and their families.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Cardiothoracic Surgeon to lead a growing cardiovascular program while maintaining a rewarding surgical practice. If you're passionate about physician leadership, clinical excellence, and building a best-in-class cardiothoracic service line, this position offers the platform to make a lasting impact while advancing your career.