Description

Associate Trauma Medical Director / Academic Acute Care Surgeon - Assistant or Associate Professor

The Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery at the University of Utah is seeking an academic Acute Care Surgeon to join our team as Associate Trauma Medical Director, with a planned pathway to transition into the Trauma Medical Director (TMD) role.

This position offers an exceptional leadership opportunity within a nationally recognized Level 1 Academic Trauma Center that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. The successful candidate will join a collegial team dedicated to advancing excellence in clinical care across all facets of acute care surgery.

Position Overview

The Associate Trauma Medical Director will work closely with the Division Chief, and hospital leadership to strengthen trauma and acute care surgery operations, quality improvement, and performance initiatives. The duration in the Associate role and progression to TMD will depend on experience, demonstrated leadership, and alignment with divisional goals and culture.

This position is ideal for a motivated, forward-thinking surgeon who seeks to blend clinical practice with program leadership and academic engagement.

Qualifications   

• Board certified in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care
• Fellowship training in Acute Care Surgery (two-year fellowship preferred)
• Minimum of three years of experience working in a busy Level 1 Academic Trauma Center
• Eligible for appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor level
• Demonstrated excellence in clinical care and teaching, with a defined area of academic contribution (e.g., quality improvement, education, research, or administration)
• Strong administrative, leadership, and quality improvement skills
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary academic environment
• A visionary and inclusive leadership style that promotes teamwork and continuous improvement

Program and Environment

The University of Utah Health is recognized nationally for quality, safety, and patient outcomes. The Trauma and Acute Care Surgery program serves as a regional referral center and provides comprehensive care for injured and critically ill surgical patients. Faculty benefit from a robust infrastructure supporting clinical innovation, education, and research, including dedicated mentorship for academic advancement and leadership development.

Located in Salt Lake City, the University offers an exceptional quality of life with access to world-class outdoor recreation, vibrant arts and dining, and a welcoming community.

For more information, please contact Daniel Harkness, Administrative Assistant, at daniel.harkness@hsc.utah.edu 

Interested applicants should apply here: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/208085

The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty, and patients from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups. 

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. 

Requirements

• Board certified in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care
• Fellowship training in Acute Care Surgery (two-year fellowship preferred)
• Minimum of three years of experience working in a busy Level 1 Academic Trauma Center
• Eligible for appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor level
• Demonstrated excellence in clinical care and teaching, with a defined area of academic contribution (e.g., quality improvement, education, research, or administration)
• Strong administrative, leadership, and quality improvement skills
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary academic environment
• A visionary and inclusive leadership style that promotes teamwork and continuous improvement