Launch-Ready Neurosurgeon for New Level-1 Trauma Center

Position Summary

Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital | Lakeland, Florida

Orlando Health is seeking an experienced Neurosurgeon to join our team in Lakeland, Florida. This is an exceptional opportunity to be a founding physician in a brand-new program launching in 2026 at our anticipated Level 1 Trauma Center.

About This Opportunity

This position offers the unique opportunity to establish and shape a neurosurgery program from the ground up. Our team is actively developing a comprehensive support staff infrastructure to ensure optimal clinical operations and patient outcomes. You will play a pivotal role in building a world-class neurosurgical service line at our state-of-the-art facility.

Financial Package:

• Comprehensive benefits package includes health, vision, and dental insurance, malpractice coverage, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and matching retirement savings options starting from day one.
• Generous starting bonus.
• Annual CME stipend.
• Eligible employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

About Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland offers an exceptional quality of life in the heart of Central Florida, perfectly positioned between Tampa and Orlando with convenient access to both cities. Known as "Swan City" for its 38 beautiful lakes, this growing community of over 115,000 residents combines small-town charm with big-city amenities. With a cost of living below the national average, no state income tax, and a thriving job market projected to grow 42% over the next decade, Lakeland provides an affordable and economically vibrant environment for professionals and families alike. The area boasts excellent schools, diverse dining and entertainment options, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a rich cultural scene. Whether you're drawn to waterfront living, historic neighborhoods, or modern suburban communities, Lakeland offers the perfect blend of professional opportunity and Florida lifestyle.

Qualifications

• Education: M.D., D.O.
• Completion of an ACGME-accredited Neurosurgery Residency
• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Neurological Surgery
• Unrestricted FL Medical License (on the ability to obtain one) and DEA

Facility Description

Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital

As an integrated healthcare system, Orlando Health has joined forces with the nationally respected, physician-led practice of Watson Clinic to bring exceptional healthcare to the communities of Polk County and the surrounding region. The combined strengths of this collaboration will be showcased with the summer 2026 opening of the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital.

Areas throughout the new hospital will reflect the collaborative spirit between the two organizations. Experts from both Orlando Health and Watson Clinic have been heavily involved in the overall planning of the project, including design of the facility, selection of next-generation technologies, and development of a comprehensive scope of specialized programs and services, with key programs to include cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, obstetrics, surgery and surgical oncology.

This state-of-the-art facility will feature more than 300 inpatient beds, 69 emergency and observation beds, 11 operating rooms, four cardiac and interventional suites, and 18 beds in an intensive care unit that will grow to 36 at full build-out. The hospital will support a wide offering of surgical and procedural services across multiple specialties. A robust cardiovascular program will offer diagnostic cardiology services upon opening, with the addition of PCI care soon after and further progressing to include structural heart disease and advanced electrophysiology (EP) programs. With a strong neurology focus on stroke and spine care, the hospital is expected to advance to a primary stroke center soon after opening with comprehensive stroke center to follow. A full obstetrical unit also will be highlighted on opening day with eight labor and delivery rooms, two designated C-section operating rooms and more than 25 postpartum rooms. A 12-bed neonatal intensive care unit will debut shortly after the hospital opens.

The Orlando Health system of care includes award-winning hospitals and EDs, specialty institutes, urgent care centers, primary care practices and outpatient facilities that stretch from Florida’s east to west coasts and into Central Alabama and Puerto Rico. Collectively, our physicians and team members honor our 115-year legacy by providing professional and compassionate care to the many patients, families and communities we serve.

Along with numerous excellence awards earned by our individual hospitals and institutes, Orlando Health is recognized for an exceptional workplace culture that focuses on personal and professional growth programs that support our physicians and team members throughout their careers.

• Joy in Medicine designation by the American Medical Association
• Great Hospitals in America 2024, Becker's Hospital Review
• Great Place to Work® Certification
• 150+ Top Places to Work in Healthcare 2025, Becker’s Healthcare
• Top Workplaces Award 2025, USA Today
• America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025, Newsweek
• Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2025