Director Cleft Palate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami Leonard Miller School of Medicine, in partnership with Jackson Health System, seeks a highly skilled Craniofacial/Pediatric Plastic Surgeon to join our esteemed program as an Assistant or Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery. This full-time position, based at Jackson Health System—including Holtz Children’s Hospital and Ryder Trauma Center—offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a legacy of excellence in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, building on the iconic history of Dr. D. Ralph Millard Jr. and his pioneering cleft program. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team of over ten plastic surgeons across three major health systems (UHealth, Jackson Health System, and Miami VA Health System), supported by 6 APRNs, 15 residents, two hand fellows, and dedicated administrative and clinical staff. 

The ideal candidate will have specialized training in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, with expertise in both adult and pediatric reconstructive procedures, including cleft, craniosynostosis, orthognathic, aesthetic, and microvascular surgery. This role will enhance subspecialty care, support graduate medical education, and drive the re-accreditation of the program with American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), while contributing to clinical, research, and academic missions. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

Clinical Care (75%): Provide exceptional clinical care at Jackson Health System, including: 

• Pediatric craniofacial surgery, including cleft lip/palate repair, craniosynostosis, and vascular malformation management at Holtz Children’s Hospital. 

• Adult craniofacial trauma reconstruction at Ryder Trauma Center and Jackson South. 

• Head and neck microsurgery, Mohs reconstruction, aesthetic facial surgery, neurosurgical cranioplasty, orthognathic surgery, and contribute to general reconstructive surgery (e.g., perineal, abdominal, breast, and pressure sore reconstructions). 

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (oral surgery, ENT, dermatology, neurosurgery) to optimize patient outcomes and serve as a consultant for complex cases. 

• Participate in on-call schedules, conduct outpatient clinics, and coordinate inpatient care and surgeries. 

Administrative Leadership (15%): Serve as Chief or Medical Director of Craniofacial/Pediatric Plastic Surgery, responsible for: 

• Program development and interdisciplinary care coordination. 

• Leading efforts to restore ACPA accreditation for the cleft and craniofacial program. 

• Developing partnerships, such as a potential physician service agreements with neighboring health systems 

• Medical philanthropy  

Research (5%): Engage in scholarly activities, including: 

• Collaboration on NIH- and DoD-funded research in our craniofacial skeletal tissue development, bone regeneration, and 3D-printed biomaterials basic science lab. 

• Publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national/international conferences. 

Teaching and Mentorship (5%): Educate and mentor medical students, residents, and fellows through: 

• Didactic lectures, workshops, and hands-on training in craniofacial techniques. 

• Development of a Craniofacial Fellowship  

Community Engagement: Raise awareness of craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery through community outreach and health initiatives, leveraging Miami’s position as a gateway to South America for destination care. 

Quality Improvement: Participate in quality assurance initiatives to enhance patient safety, satisfaction, and outcomes. 

Professional Development: Stay current with advancements in craniofacial and plastic surgery through conferences, workshops, and certifications. 

Philanthropic Development: Contribute to fundraising efforts to support program growth and sustainability. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Expertise in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, including cleft lip/palate, craniosynostosis, and complex head and neck reconstructive procedures. 

• Strong medical knowledge and application of professional principles in clinical practice. 

• Effective verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in Spanish preferred but not required. 

• Commitment to patient care, education, clinical research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

• Leadership skills to drive program development and ACPA re-accreditation. 

• Microvascular skill set is strongly preferred but not required 

Education Requirements 

• MD or DO degree. 

• Board eligibility or certification in plastic surgery (American Board of Plastic Surgery). 

• Fellowship training in craniofacial/pediatric plastic surgery. 

• Valid DEA Registration and Florida Medical License. 

Work Experience Requirements 

• 0-20 years of post-training clinical experience in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery preferred. 

• Experience in adult reconstructive surgery, including trauma and microsurgery, is highly desirable. 

Assignment Category 

• Full-time regular position, based at Jackson Health System (Jackson Memorial Hospital, Holtz Children’s Hospital, and Ryder Trauma Center). 

Required Attachments 

• Curriculum Vitae 

• Cover Letter 

• References  

About Jackson Health System and the Legacy of Dr. D. Ralph Millard Jr. 

Jackson Health System, encompassing Holtz Children’s Hospital and Ryder Trauma Center, is a world-class academic medical center dedicated to providing advanced tertiary care to diverse and underserved populations. The Division of Plastic Surgery upholds a storied tradition of excellence, notably through the groundbreaking cleft program established by Dr. D. Ralph Millard Jr., a pioneer in craniofacial surgery. The new appointee will play a pivotal role in revitalizing this legacy, restoring ACPA accreditation, and positioning University of Miami and Jackson Health System as a regional leader in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery.