Position OverviewSurgical Director, Abdominal Transplant SurgeryKidney & Kidney-Pancreas Transplant ProgramBayCare Health System | St. Joseph's Hospital - Tampa, FloridaBayCare Health System is seeking an accomplished
abdominal transplant surgeon to serve as
Surgical Director of Abdominal Transplant Surgery for its developing kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant program at
St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. In partnership with
Northwestern Medicine, BayCare is launching a new solid organ transplant program, with kidney transplants anticipated to begin in
2027-offering a rare opportunity to shape a high-quality transplant service from the ground up.
As Surgical Director, you will provide
strategic and clinical leadership for the surgical transplant program while serving as the
primary kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant surgeon, as defined by
OPTN and UNOS requirements. This role is ideal for a surgeon who thrives in collaborative leadership, values quality and regulatory excellence, and is motivated to build a sustainable transplant program within a community-based academic health system.
You will work in a close
dyad partnership with transplant nephrology leadership and administrative leaders at both BayCare and Northwestern Medicine to ensure complete surgical coverage, regulatory compliance, quality outcomes, and long-term program sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:- Serve as the OPTN-designated Primary Surgeon for the kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant program, ensuring continuous, high-quality surgical coverage.
- Provide leadership and oversight for all surgical aspects of the transplant program, ensuring full compliance with OPTN policies, CMS Conditions of Participation, UNOS requirements, and hospital governance standards.
- Deliver comprehensive surgical care across the transplant continuum, including:
- Evaluation of transplant recipient and living donor candidates
- Donor and recipient operative management
- Peri-operative decision-making and postoperative surgical follow-up
- Related general surgical procedures as needed
- Partner with multidisciplinary teams to advance patient safety, surgical quality, and outcomes.
- Collaborate closely with nephrology, transplant coordinators, anesthesia, and hospital leadership to support program growth, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of clinical protocols, quality metrics, and readiness activities required for OPTN certification and ongoing compliance.
- Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and accountability within a growing academic transplant program.
Qualifications- MD or DO with completion of an ACGME-accredited residency in General Surgery or Urology.
- Board Certification in General Surgery or Urology.
- Completion of an ASTS-accredited abdominal transplant surgery fellowship (or equivalent experience).
- ASTS Board Certification (or equivalent).
- Meets eligibility requirements to serve as OPTN Primary Surgeon for kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant program, including required case logs.
- Unrestricted Florida medical license, or ability to obtain prior to start.
- Demonstrated excellence in clinical judgment, quality assessment, and surgical outcomes.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with providers, staff, patients, and families.
Company OverviewBenefits:
BayCare Medical Group offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to attract and retain top talent. As a valued member of our team, you can expect the following benefits:
- Competitive Base Salary
- Incentive Bonus
- Sign-On Bonus
- Retirement Plan plus employer match
- Paid Time Off
- CME Allowance
- Malpractice Insurance
- Insurance Coverage including Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance and Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Extras including College Savings Plans, Child Care, Auto & Pet Insurance, Wellness Centers, Product & Service Discounts and more
Join BayCare Medical Group and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that not only supports your professional growth but also enhances your overall well-being and quality of life. We value our team members and are committed to providing a rewarding and fulfilling work environment.
About BayCare:BayCare continues to be a top destination to work, receive, and provide care - a commitment that's reflected in our recent recognitions. Nationally, we were honored as a
2025 Top Workplace in the USA by USA Today and Energage. Locally,
Tampa Bay Times and Energage
named BayCare a Top Workplace for the 11th consecutive year. This year, we're especially proud to be recognized as
the top health care system in the country and the highest-ranked Florida-based company at No. 17, and recognized for the fifth time by the prestigious
PEOPLE® Companies That Care list, as well as an eight-time recipient of the
FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Health Careâ„¢ award.
BayCare Health System is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, comprising a network of 16 hospitals and a wide range of services, including imaging, laboratory, behavioral health, home health care, and urgent care. Our mission is to connect patients with a full spectrum of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services to meet their health care needs throughout their lifetime.