Abdominal Recovery Surgeon

About the Role

The Surgical Organ Recovery Specialist (SORS) III is responsible for the surgical dissection, removal, preparation, and recommendation for transplantation of deceased donor livers, kidneys, pancreata, and small intestines.

This position requires regular, time-sensitive travel to and from case activity across the region. The ability to independently and reliably commute between locations is essential. Due to the nature of the work, which may involve urgent or unscheduled travel, personal driving capability is a critical operational need.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead the procurement of livers, kidneys, pancreata, and small intestines from brain-dead (BD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors in compliance with local and national standards for organ transplantation.
• Provide advice and counsel to LifeCenter Northwest staff regarding potential adverse events, surgical errors, disease transmissions, or complaints with medical consequences.
• Mediate disputes between recovery and/or transplant surgeons and programs, including real-time consultations.
• Assist and advise in the allocation of organs with transplant programs.
• Provide direction on organ perfusion and preservation for transplant.
• Ensure timely, complete, and accurate documentation for all surgical donation-related materials.
• Participate in the adoption of new recovery techniques such as NRP to increase organ utilization.
• Collaborate internally and externally to develop practices that increase the number of organs recovered for transplantation and research.
• Serve as a role model and resource to internal staff and external contacts, fostering a respectful and collaborative professional environment.
• Participate in Clinical Advisory Meetings and associated subcommittee meetings.
• Review data regarding organ utilization with designated transplant centers and recommend changes in practice to increase utilization.
• Pursue professional development activities to maintain and enhance professional skills.
• Review reports of surgical damage and provide follow-up to transplant surgeons.
• Assist in the development, review, and approval of surgical policies and preservation procedures.
• Adhere to quality standards and legal compliance with regulatory and accreditation agencies (AOPO, OPTN, UNOS, AATB, FDA, CMS).
• Develop and provide instruction for organ recovery transplant Fellows and surgeons, including training on the organ donation procurement process.
• Train Surgical First Assists on assisting in organ recovery surgery and assessing advanced surgical skills.
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and LifeCenter policies and procedures.
• Participate in compliance, quality assurance, and performance improvement programs and initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in medicine, biology, or related life science from a four-year college or university.
• 5 years’ experience in tissue banking or organ procurement coordination.
• Advanced documented training or experience in a formal surgical training program required (general surgery program or abdominal transplant fellowship training or equivalent strongly recommended).
• Valid driver’s license and access to an insured automobile for work-related functions.
• Valid state or federally issued identification suitable for air travel.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or applicable medical or religious exemption.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
• Compassionate, conscientious, and ethical with effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster an organizational culture based on collaboration, support, and constructive communication.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess critical medical situations and create solutions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including general correspondence, manuals, and presentations.
• Highly organized and able to present information clearly and concisely to senior leadership.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and travel accident insurance.
• Optional supplemental or voluntary plans: life insurance, short-term disability, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness coverage, and pet insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match of up to 7% after one year (auto-enrollment at 3%).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and quarterly Wellness Reimbursement.
• Paid holidays and 119 hours of PTO annually (to start).
• Health Time Off: 1 hour earned per 30 hours worked.
• Paid living donor leave.
• Two weeks paid jury duty leave after 6 months of service.
• Three weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.

Pay

Pay range: $333,696 - $500,544 annually. Compensation within this range is based on experience, tenure, and other specialized knowledge. This position is also eligible for additional compensation such as Extra Call Pay, Extra Call Worked, Overnight Differential, and Holiday Stipend Pay.