Medical Director, Center Surgical Optimization

Christiana Care , a nationally recognized leader in healthcare, is seeking an experienced physician leader for an exciting leadership role in Delaware -- Medical Director, Center for Surgical Optimization.

The Medical Director, Center for Surgical Optimization, will oversee Surgical Services at Christiana Hospital (Newark, DE) and Wilmington Hospital (Wilmington, DE), guiding a multidisciplinary team of physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, and staff to advance surgical excellence through strategic leadership, collaboration, and innovative, patient-centered care.

Requirements:

• Qualified physician candidates (MD, DO) must be board certified in Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine or Surgery.
• 5+ years of clinical expertise in anesthesia, hospital medicine or surgery
• 2+ years of administrative expertise in perioperative management
• Membership/active staff of Christiana Care Health Systems Medical-Dental Staff Dept of Anesthesiology, Dept of Medicine, or Dept of Surgery

Position Details:

• Position includes 0.50 FTE protected administrative time and 0.50 FTE clinical responsibilities
• Partner with surgical, anesthesia, and medical leadership to set strategic goals, establish evidence-based policies and protocols, and ensure compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate across surgical subspecialties, perioperative teams, and community partners to enhance care delivery, streamline processes, and support innovation in patient-centered surgical services.
• Develop and implement initiatives such as ERAS, pre-habilitation, and recovery-at-home programs; monitor outcomes and disparities; and champion efforts to improve patient access, trust, and satisfaction.
• Mentor and provide clinical guidance for complex cases, foster staff development and continuing education, and strengthen physician, nursing, and trainee engagement across surgical services.
• Lead improvement projects with measurable impact, report results to executive leadership, and collaborate with IT, program managers, and operational leaders to enhance workflows, infrastructure, and ROI.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation with bonus incentive, plus Lump Sum Bonus (relocation and sign-on)
• Health, Vision and Dental Benefits
• Generous annual Time Away from Practice (TAP) for quality work-life well-being
• $5,000 CME Allowance Annually
• Comprehensive retirement benefits with employer matching and multiple options --including 403(b), 457(b) and a Defined Contribution Plan.
• Fully paid malpractice insurance plus tail coverage
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave

Christiana Care is one of the country's most dynamic health systems, centered on improving health outcomes, making high-quality care more accessible and lowering health care costs. Christiana Care includes an extensive network of outpatient services, home health care, medical aid units, three hospitals (1,300 beds), a Level I trauma center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a comprehensive stroke center and regional centers of excellence in heart and vascular care, cancer care and women's health.

Christiana Care is a not-for-profit teaching health system with more than 260 residents and fellows. We are continually ranked by US News & World Report as a Best Hospital. With our unique, data-powered care coordination service and a focus on population health and value-based care, Christiana Care is shaping the future of health care.

Due to its location working for Christiana Care offers opportunities to live in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Maryland. Philadelphia International Airport and Amtrak's main East Coastline provide national and international accessibility. Delaware and surrounding areas offer wonderful restaurants and regional cultural activities; proximity to major sporting events; excellent schools and urban and suburban housing options. Within a two-hour drive or train ride you can be in a popular beach resort in Delaware, New Jersey, or Maryland, on the slopes in the Pocono mountains or spending a day or weekend in New York City or Washington, D.C.