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
· % Clinical
· % 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.
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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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
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Benefits
· Signing bonus
· Comprehensive benefits package and CME allowance
· Robust retirement plan
· Relocation assistance
· Opportunities for teaching, research, leadership, and mentorship
Sutter West Bay Medical Group (SWBMG) is a premier multispecialty group with approximately 380 physicians in the San Francisco Bay Area. In partnership with Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation (SPMF), physicians practice in a collaborative environment supported by strong administrative infrastructure, enabling a focus on high-quality patient care.
San Francisco is a leading cultural and financial center known for its diversity, innovation, and access to world-class dining, arts, and outdoor activities. The region offers a unique opportunity to care for a diverse population with complex medical needs.
Sutter West Bay Medical Group is committed to equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals and prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics. We actively promote an inclusive and equitable workplace across all aspects of employment.

Sutter Health is a not-for-profit, people-centered healthcare system providing comprehensive care throughout California. Sutter Health is committed to innovative, high-quality patient care and community partnerships, and innovative, high-quality patient care. Today, Sutter Health is pursuing a bold new plan to reach more people and make excellent healthcare more connected and accessible. The health system’s 57,000+ staff and clinicians and 12,000+ affiliated physicians currently serve more than 3 million patients with a focus on expanding opportunities to serve patients, people and communities better. Sutter Health provides exceptional, affordable care through its hospitals, medical groups, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care clinics, telehealth, home health and hospice services. Dedicated to transforming healthcare, at Sutter Health, getting better never stops.
Learn more about how Sutter Health is transforming healthcare at sutterhealth.org and vitals.sutterhealth.org.