Physician, Thoracic Surgeon (San Francisco, CA)

Opportunity Information:

Thoracic Surgeon Position Summary

 

We are seeking a board-certified Thoracic Surgeon to join our Thoracic Surgery Associates team. This role focuses on thoracic (non-cardiac) procedures, including lung resections and chest wall reconstruction, with a strong emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic techniques (RATS).

 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in robotic and minimally invasive thoracic surgery and will contribute to clinical, strategic, and programmatic growth, including leadership of a high-performing thoracic oncology program.

 

This position offers the opportunity to play a central role in expanding thoracic surgical services and advancing clinical quality, patient experience, and system-wide excellence.

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Key Position Requirements

 

Clinical Excellence

· Perform complex thoracic procedures with a focus on lung surgery, including:

o Lobectomy

o Segmentectomy and lung-sparing resections

· Minimum of 5–8 years of post-training experience preferred

· Advanced skills and formal credentialing in:

o da Vinci robotic surgery

o Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

· Evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients with thoracic surgical conditions

 

Academic / Research

· Board Certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery

· Demonstrated ability to contribute to academic programs, teaching, and clinical research

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Multidisciplinary Collaboration

· Participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards and care conferences

· Collaborate with medical oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonology, radiology, pathology, and primary care

· Assist with development of coordinated, patient-centered treatment plans

· Facilitate appropriate referrals and continuity of care

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Quality and Patient Experience

· Adhere to evidence-based clinical guidelines

· Support quality improvement and patient safety initiatives

· Participate in peer review and quality assurance activities

· Contribute to organizational goals related to access, outcomes, and patient satisfaction

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Call Coverage

· Participate in an equitable call rotation

· Provide consultation and emergency thoracic surgical services as needed

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Non-Clinical Responsibilities

Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thoracic Surgery FTE Breakdown

· tbd % Clinical

· tbd % Administrative (Program Director role)

 

Program Development

· Support growth and expansion of thoracic surgery services

· Participate in strategic initiatives to expand access

· Direct the strategic vision and standardized care pathways of the thoracic surgery service line.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

· MD or DO

· Completion of accredited General Surgery residency

· Completion of accredited Thoracic/Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship

· Board Certified in Thoracic Surgery

· Eligible for unrestricted California medical license

· DEA registration and hospital privileging eligibility

 

Experience:

· Preference for 8 years of attending experience with a strong track record in VATS and RATS

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong clinical and surgical judgment

· Expertise in thoracic disease management

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary care model

· Commitment to high-quality, safe, patient-centered care

· Ability to build collaborative relationships across teams

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Join Us and Enjoy:

Sutter West Bay Medical Group provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your professional growth, financial well-being, and work-life balance:

• Medical Coverage: Begins on day one, with multiple plan options starting as low as $0–$50 per month; includes coverage for domestic partners
• Dental & Vision: 100% employer-paid coverage
• Retirement: 8% employer-funded profit-sharing contribution up to IRS maximums—no employee contribution required
• Malpractice Insurance: Tail coverage included 
• Continuing Medical Education: $6,000 annual CME allowance 
• Relocation & Support: Relocation assistance and access to professional development resources
• Technology: Fully integrated EPIC EMR across both clinic and hospital settings
• Professional Development: Opportunities for teaching, research, innovation, mentorship, leadership, and community engagement
• Practice Characteristics
  • Integrated multispecialty medical group environment
  • Access to advanced imaging, oncology, pulmonology, and critical care
  • Active multidisciplinary thoracic oncology program
  • Emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery
  • Focus on coordinated, high-quality patient care
  • Participation in system-wide thoracic oncology initiatives

 

 

Organization Details:

Why Sutter Health and Sutter West Bay Medical Group (SWBMG)

Sutter Health offers a uniquely physician‑aligned environment, large enough to support innovation and investment, yet local enough to preserve the autonomy, relationships, and purpose that matter to clinicians.

SWBMG is a premier multi-specialty medical group made up of nearly 500 clinicians practicing in the greater San Francisco service area. SWBMG works in partnership with Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation (SPMF), a non-profit organization providing care through its affiliation with SWBMG. Physicians work as a team to provide patient-focused care that encourages a sense of teamwork. SPMF provides physicians with an administrative infrastructure, allowing physicians to focus on patient care.

Why This Matters for You

Joining Sutter means more than stepping into a role - it’s an opportunity to:

• Be part of a forward-thinking program shaping the future of care
• Practice in a system investing heavily in innovation, technology, and growth
• Contribute to expanding access to world-class neurological services in San Francisco
• Build your career within a modern, collaborative, and evolving care environment

Be Part of What’s Next

If you’re looking to combine meaningful clinical work with innovation and growth, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

Community Information:

Living in San Francisco 

San Francisco offers a unique combination of professional opportunity, intellectual energy, and quality of life for physicians drawn to innovation and impact.

As a global hub for healthcare innovation, life sciences, and research, the city attracts forward-thinking clinicians and collaborators shaping the future of medicine. Its strong academic environment and commitment to equity and access create a compelling setting for advancing healthcare.

Outside of work, San Francisco offers an exceptional lifestyle, with world-class dining, arts, and culture alongside easy access to Northern California’s natural beauty, from coastal trails to wine country. The region’s diverse communities support both personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

It is the policy of Sutter Health and its partners to provide equal employment for all qualified individuals; to prohibit discrimination in employment because of basis of race, color, creed, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, registered domestic partner status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin (including possession of a driver's license issued to individuals who did not present proof of authorized presence in the U.S.), age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or protected veteran status, political affiliation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition, genetic information or any other characteristic made unlawful by local, state or federal law, ordinance or regulation. We promote the full realization of equal employment opportunities through a positive continuing program within each medical group, company, hospital, department, and service area. Equal employment opportunities apply to every aspect of Sutter's employment policies and practices.