Chief of Surgery (New York)

Provider Careers at NYC Health + Hospitals

Physician Affiliate Group of New York (PAGNY) seeks a nationally recognized surgeon to serve as Chief of Surgery at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem , the largest hospital in Central Harlem and the only safety net hospital in Northern Manhattan. Harlem Hospital is a 268‑bed facility that provides a broad array of services, including general and specialized surgery, medicine, infectious disease, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, critical care, imaging, rehabilitation, psychiatry, dental surgery, and various therapies. It is recognized as an Area‑Wide Burn Center and Level II Trauma Center, with Centers of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, Breast Imaging, and Sexual Assault Forensics.

Harlem Hospital maintains a strong academic affiliation with Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons , supporting excellence in patient care, medical education, and research. The mission of NYC Health + Hospitals is to extend comprehensive health services of the highest quality to all New Yorkers, regardless of ability to pay, in an atmosphere of care, dignity, and respect. Values are built on social and racial equity and are guided by the ICARE standards for all staff.

Position Overview

The Chief of Surgery will provide strategic, clinical, academic, and operational leadership for a large multi‑specialty Department of Surgery, comprising more than 80 surgeons, advanced practice providers, and support staff. The Chief will oversee a broad range of surgical specialties while advancing excellence in patient care, medical education, research, quality, and innovation.

Opportunity Details

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Department of Surgery, including clinical operations, education, research, and faculty development.
• Provide oversight across multiple surgical divisions, including Emergency General Surgery, Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, Breast Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Urology, Neurosurgery, Pediatric Surgery, Hand and Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, and Ophthalmology.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Strategic and Operational Management

• Direct departmental strategic planning, budgeting, capital planning, resource allocation, and operational performance.
• Partner with Chiefs of Service, nursing leadership, and administrative teams to achieve organizational objectives and optimize service line performance.
• Develop initiatives that enhance clinical efficiency, patient outcomes, access to care, and financial sustainability.

Education and Academic Programs

• Ensure excellence in graduate and continuing medical education programs.
• Provide oversight of the ACGME‑accredited General Surgery Residency Program, including three categorical residents per year and eight preliminary residency positions.
• Support and strengthen the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program and educational experiences for rotating residents in Urology, Orthopedics, and Otolaryngology.
• Promote faculty engagement in teaching, scholarship, and academic advancement.

Clinical Program Development

• Lead the growth and advancement of innovative surgical services, including robotic, minimally invasive, and hybrid approaches to complex surgical disease.
• Support clinical research initiatives and the adoption of evidence‑based surgical practices.
• Identify opportunities to expand programs and strengthen the department's regional reputation.
• Serve as a key member of hospital and health system leadership teams.
• Represent the department of surgery on institutional committees and enterprise‑wide initiatives.
• Collaborate across disciplines to support organizational growth, quality, safety, and patient‑centered care.

Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, federal, and accreditation requirements, as well as hospital policies and procedures.
• Champion patient safety, quality improvement, and performance excellence initiatives.
• Promote effective communication, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a culture of high reliability throughout the department.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be an accomplished surgical leader with demonstrated expertise in departmental administration, physician leadership, academic medicine, clinical program development, and strategic planning. They will possess a strong commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and quality and innovation while fostering a collaborative and high‑performing surgical culture.

Qualifications

• Board certification in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery.
• Active and unrestricted New York State physician license.
• Active DEA registration.
• Demonstrated experience in departmental leadership and oversight of clinical operations, education, research, budgeting, and personnel.
• Proven track record of mentoring faculty, medical education, and strategic departmental growth.
• Experience in managing surgical quality improvement initiatives and clinical excellence programs (e.g., NSQIP, STS, UNOS, VQUI).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and change‑management skills aligned with institutional goals.
• Commitment to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in both clinical and academic settings.

Wages and Benefits

Annual base salary: $480,000 (based on a 40‑hour work week). The estimated total compensation value is $556,000, including base salary, 401(k) contribution, and other factors.

Benefits include:

• Projected bonus of up to $40,000 based on quality and productivity targets.
• 401(k) company contribution: 3% immediately vested; after one year, an additional 7% vested. No employee match.
• Annual continuing medical education reimbursement.
• Generous annual paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, CME days).
• Medical, prescription, and dental coverage with employee contributions below market rates.
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment coverage equal to 2x salary (up to $300,000) at no cost to the employee; additional voluntary coverage available.
• Medical malpractice coverage (occurrence‑based) at no cost to the employee.
• Healthcare and dependent‑care flexible spending accounts.
• Pre‑tax employee‑paid contributions for commuting expenses.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Physician Affiliate Group of New York, P.C. (PAGNY) is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to equitable hiring practices and a supportive workplace. All candidates are considered based on their individual qualifications, potential, and experience.

JOB DETAILS

Annual base salary (40‑hour work week): $480,000.

Position type: Full‑Time

Department: Surgery – General

Location: 15 minutes walk from nearest station to the hospital.

The role is employed by PAGNY at NYC Health + Hospitals. You will be redirected to the PAGNY career site to complete the application process.