The Department of Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) and Temple University Hospital (TUH) invite applications for an experienced transplant surgeon to serve as Chief, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplant, with a concurrent appointment as Surgical Director of Transplant. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to shape and advance a comprehensive abdominal organ transplant program within a mission-driven academic medical center.
The Abdominal Organ Transplant Service at Temple Health offers a comprehensive and growing transplant program, performing kidney, liver, and pancreas transplants, along with living donor nephrectomies, including procedures utilizing advanced robotic and minimally invasive techniques. The service also provides pediatric kidney transplant care in collaboration with a local pediatric hospital and plays a key regional role by supporting deceased donor organ procurement through coverage for the local Organ Procurement Organization (OPO).
The Chief/Surgical Director will provide strategic and clinical leadership for the abdominal organ transplant program, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care and compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards, including UNOS/OPTN and CMS requirements. In the role of Surgical Director of Transplant, the successful candidate will oversee surgical quality, outcomes, innovation, and operational performance across the transplant service line, working closely with multidisciplinary partners to enhance access, efficiency, and clinical excellence.
A central focus of this position is the continued growth and advancement of liver transplantation, including living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Experience leading, developing, or expanding a living donor liver transplant program is strongly desired. The Chief/Surgical Director will be expected to strengthen referral networks, improve organ utilization, and advance best practices in donor and recipient care while maintaining the highest standards of safety, ethics, and patient outcomes.
Key priorities for this role include advancing the strategic growth and regional visibility of the abdominal organ transplant program; strengthening clinical quality, outcomes, and regulatory performance across all transplant services; and expanding liver transplantation, with particular emphasis on living donor liver transplantation. Additional responsibilities include recruiting, mentoring, and retaining outstanding transplant surgeons and multidisciplinary faculty; fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture of excellence; enhancing education and training for medical students, residents, and fellows; supporting clinical research, innovation, and scholarly activity; and partnering closely with departmental, school, and health system leadership to optimize operations, access, and long-term program sustainability. Active participation in national transplant societies and professional organizations is encouraged.
This position offers the opportunity to lead and grow a vital transplant program that serves a diverse patient population while advancing the academic, clinical, and community missions of Temple Medicine.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of emerging trends in Abdominal Organ Transplant and academic medicine, along with the ability to build strong relationships across institutional and community settings. Through visionary leadership, the intentional cultivation of a positive and inclusive departmental culture, and a steadfast commitment to Temple s mission of service, the Chief/Surgical Director will guide the AOT program in delivering equitable, high-quality care and advancing the legacy of the University s founding President, Dr. Russell Conwell.
Educational Requirements and Minimum Qualifications
This position requires an M.D. or equivalent. Qualified candidates must be board-certified in General Surgery with fellowship training in Abdominal Organ Transplantation, robotic/laparoscopic training/experience is preferred and be eligible for an academic appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Candidates should have a strong record of clinical excellence, with significant experience in liver transplantation, including living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), and demonstrate prior leadership experience in an academic or high-volume transplant program. Applicants should have a record of scholarship, research, innovation, and mentoring or education of medical students, residents, and fellows, along with experience in faculty development and team leadership. Candidates are expected to possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal and organizational abilities, and a commitment to collaboration, quality, and patient safety. Active participation in national and regional transplant organizations or committees is highly desirable. Candidates must be eligible for medical licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Candidates with additional pertinent degrees (Ph.D., M.B.A., and M.P.H.) and/or fellowship training are encouraged to apply
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 403(b) retirement match, 457(b), health, dental, vision, life, malpractice, tuition remission, and CME, among others.
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, Temple Health 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
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.
Procedure for Candidacy
To be considered for this position, you must complete an online application. Your application will not be considered complete until you have submitted all the required documents and information.
Application materials should include: a current curriculum vitae, a comprehensive letter of interest summarizing all relevant experience, qualifications, clinical, educational, and research interests, and a one-page summary of leadership accomplishments and philosophy. Candidates applying for this position must also provide a statement of contributions to working effectively in an urban environment.
Please address your application to: David Stein, MD, Chair, Department of Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, C/O Michael R. Lester, Assistant Dean, Physician/Faculty Recruitment & Retention, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
Confidential inquiries and candidate nominations should be directed to Michael Lester.
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.
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