Surgery-Surgical Director-Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support

Summary of Position:

Temple Health is seeking an accomplished and visionary cardiac surgeon to serve as Surgical Director of Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support . This is a unique opportunity to lead and further build a high-impact, mission-driven program within a dynamic academic health system serving one of the most diverse patient populations in the region.

The Surgical Director will play a central role in shaping the future of cardiac surgical care at Temple Health, building upon a strong platform to grow heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and complex cardiac surgery. The program is well-positioned for expansion, offering the incoming leader the ability to drive strategy, enhance clinical capacity, and elevate regional and national prominence.

As a quaternary medical center and destination cardiac program, Temple is committed to excellence in advanced heart failure therapies, supported by certification from The Joint Commission and CMS. The program is among the oldest in Philadelphia, with more than 1,000 heart transplants performed, over 120 thoracic transplants annually, and more than 80 mechanical circulatory support devices implanted each year. Candidates will join a high-performing team of eight cardiac surgeons, including six transplant surgeons, and will perform and oversee heart transplantation, including donation after circulatory death protocols, durable and temporary VAD implantation, and complex cardiac surgical procedures within a robust clinical and research environment.

Working in close collaboration with the Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery and Chair of Surgery, this individual will lead a multidisciplinary team committed to clinical excellence, innovation, and equitable care delivery. The role offers the opportunity to develop top-tier surgical talent, expand referral networks, and implement forward-thinking clinical and operational initiatives.

Temple Health is a progressive and innovative organization that consistently receives national and regional accolades for excellence in healthcare. Temple Health offers a highly collaborative environment with strong institutional support for programmatic growth, clinical research, and academic advancement. The Surgical Director will have the resources and infrastructure to advance cutting-edge therapies, participate in translational research, and contribute meaningfully to the education and mentorship of trainees.

Ideal candidates will bring a track record of clinical excellence in cardiac surgery and heart transplantation, experience building or growing programs, and a passion for leadership in an academic setting. This is an exceptional opportunity for a driven leader to make a lasting impact on a rapidly evolving program while advancing Temple Health’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality care to the communities it serves.

Candidate Minimum Qualifications

• MD or DO degree from an accredited institution
• Board Certified in Thoracic Surgery (or equivalent) with eligibility for unrestricted medical licensure in Pennsylvania
• Demonstrated expertise in adult cardiac surgery, including complex cardiac procedures
• Significant experience in heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support (e.g., LVAD, ECMO)
• Eligibility for appointment at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University at the Associate Professor or Professor level
• Proven track record of strong clinical outcomes and commitment to quality and patient safety
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary, team-based care model (cardiology, heart failure, critical care, anesthesia)
• Demonstrated leadership experience in an academic medical center or high-volume cardiac surgery program
• Experience with program development, growth initiatives, or service line expansion
• Commitment to teaching, mentorship, and academic advancement
• Participation in clinical research, quality improvement, or innovation initiatives
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders

Faculty Appointment, Benefits/Compensation

Annual compensation shall be determined based on the selected individual's experience and qualifications. In addition to a competitive salary, there is a comprehensive suite of benefits—including a generous 403b retirement match, 457b, health, dental, vision, life, malpractice, tuition remission, and CME, among others.

We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff. We believe that diversity (of experiences, thought, etc.) enriches our learning environment and strengthens our academic community. We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives will enhance our commitment to these values.

About Temple Health : Temple Health is a major Philadelphia-based academic health system that is driving medical advances through clinical innovation, pioneering research and world-class education. The health system’s 1,550+ physicians and scientists share a common mission of bringing tomorrow’s treatments to the bedside today, helping them achieve outcomes once thought impossible.

Temple Health is an educational partner with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , providing medical education to the next generation of physicians and biomedical scientists.

About Philadelphia : Located in the heart of Philadelphia, TUHS provides access to a diverse and culturally rich city with thriving neighborhoods, arts, and cuisine.

"Philadelphia is a city of firsts: first hospital, first library, first medical school. It’s a place where big ideas come to life." – Alexander Hamilton

Procedure for Candidacy:

To be considered for this position, you must complete an online application.

Application materials should include: a curriculum vitae, a personal statement stating your qualifications, professional goals and research/teaching interests, and a statement describing working effectively in an urban environment is strongly encouraged.

Please address your application to: Yoshiya Toyoda, MD, PhD, William Maul Measey Professor of Surgery, Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, C/O Michael R. Lester, Assistant Dean, Physician/Faculty Recruitment & Retention, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Email: [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.