Position Overview

The Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School seeks an accomplished academic surgeon to serve as Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery. The Division Chief will provide strategic, clinical, academic, and administrative leadership for a highly collaborative multidisciplinary pediatric surgery team who delivers comprehensive pediatric surgical care across the M Health Fairview system and Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

The Division’s primary practice location is M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, located on the West Bank campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The Division Head will work closely with hospital and health system leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, accessible pediatric surgical care while advancing the academic mission of the University of Minnesota Medical School.

This position offers an opportunity to lead a nationally respected academic program with a strong commitment to clinical excellence, education, and research.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Administration

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Division of Pediatric Surgery. Develop and execute a strategic vision for the future growth and sustainability of the Division of Pediatric Surgery across clinical, academic, and research missions.
• Lead and support a team of pediatric general surgeons, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing clinical and academic environment.
• Work cohesively with Department of Surgery leadership, M Health Fairview, and Hennepin Healthcare to advance the pediatric surgical program across the health systems.
• Work cohesively with system and local operational leadership and supply chain to establish a high functioning and cost-effective OR.
• Identify and develop opportunities for regional expansion, strategic partnerships, and multisite practice growth.
• Participate in departmental and institutional leadership activities and strategic planning.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and retain outstanding faculty and staff while supporting career advancement, leadership development, and succession planning.

Clinical Program Development

• The Division operates within a dynamic multisite academic environment with substantial clinical responsibilities, including a robust elective pediatric surgical practice, management of injured children at Level I and Level III trauma centers, and care for acute surgical conditions at a quaternary children's hospital.
• As Surgeon In Chief, the individual will partner with leadership within the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview system, and University of Minnesota Physicians to advance pediatric surgical services, quality initiatives, program development, and system-wide strategic growth.
• Support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered surgical care across multiple clinical sites.
• Strengthen referral networks, develop strategic regional partnerships, and expand access to pediatric surgical services across the broader health system and surrounding region.
• Collaborate with pediatric subspecialists and system partners to advance multidisciplinary care models.

Academic Mission

Support and advance the tripartite mission of the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Education

• Provide leadership in the education of medical students, residents, and fellows.
• Support curriculum development and faculty participation in teaching and mentorship.
• Foster a culture of educational excellence and innovation.

Research and Scholarship

• Promote scholarly activity and support faculty in developing clinical, translational, and basic science research programs.
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and participation in funded research initiatives.
• Maintain a strong academic reputation through publications, presentations, and professional engagement.

Faculty Development

• Mentor faculty and support career advancement and academic promotion.
• Foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, accountability, open communication, collegiality, and shared divisional engagement while supporting faculty well-being and professional fulfillment.

Qualifications

Required

• DO, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree.
• Board certification in General Surgery and Pediatric Surgery (or eligibility).
• Eligible for medical licensure in Minnesota.
• Academic record sufficient for appointment at Professor level at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
• Demonstrated experience in academic pediatric surgery practice.
• Commitment to the tripartite mission of clinical care, research, and education.

Preferred

• Prior leadership experience in an academic division, program, or service line.
• Demonstrated success in clinical program growth and strategic development.
• Experience leading multisite or system-based clinical programs.
• Track record of academic scholarship, program building, and success obtaining or supporting externally funded research initiatives.
• Experience mentoring faculty and trainees.

Clinical Environment

The Division of Pediatric Surgery provides care across multiple clinical settings, including:

• M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital (primary clinical site)
• Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) – Level I Pediatric Trauma Center
• Additional M Health Fairview system sites as appropriate

The Division maintains a robust educational presence across its clinical sites and serves as a key training environment for University of Minnesota medical students and General Surgery residents. Through clinical experiences at both M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital and Hennepin Healthcare, trainees gain exposure to a broad spectrum of pediatric surgical care, including elective, acute care, and trauma surgery.

About the Department of Surgery

The University of Minnesota Department of Surgery is a nationally recognized academic department committed to innovation in surgical care, education, and research. Faculty are leaders in advancing surgical science, improving patient outcomes, and training the next generation of surgeons.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Minnesota is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff. We welcome applicants who share our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that supports excellence in patient care, educat…