VAD/Cardiothoracic Surgeon-High Volume Program at Rochester Regional Health – ROCHESTER, New York

Cardiothoracic Surgeon – Established Program | Meaningful Case Volume | Real Autonomy

Sands-Constellation Heart Institute | Rochester Regional Health

At Rochester Regional Health, cardiac surgery is built around a simple principle: give surgeons the structure, support, and clinical voice they need to focus on what matters most—operating and delivering exceptional patient care.

As part of the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute, you’ll join a stable, experienced team in a high-functioning, community-based program with strong system-wide referrals and a collaborative cardiovascular culture.

This opportunity offers the ability to step into an established practice with immediate access to cases and long-term growth potential.

The Opportunity

Practice at Rochester General Hospital, a 600+ bed tertiary care center and the hub of cardiac surgery for the system.

• Join 3 experienced cardiothoracic surgeons in a collegial, low-turnover environment
• Step into a mature referral network across a 9-hospital system
• Build toward a sustainable, high-quality operative volume (~150–200 cases annually)
• Engage in a broad, clinically relevant case mix, including:
  • CABG and valve surgery (TAVR/SAVR)
  • Mitral interventions (surgical and transcatheter)
  • Structural heart collaboration
  • Heart failure and LVAD (active program)
  • HCM and pulmonary hypertension

This is a setting where cases are available, the program is stable, and surgeons are positioned to succeed without internal competition for volume.

Program Strength & National Recognition

The Sands-Constellation Heart Institute is recognized both regionally and nationally for clinical excellence and program depth:

• 2024 Outstanding Heart Failure Care Team Award
  • Awarded by the Heart Failure Society of America
  • Recognizing excellence in advanced heart failure and mechanical circulatory support
• Top 10% in the U.S. for Cardiology Services
  • Recognized by U.S. News & World Report
• Healthgrades Top 5% in the Nation for Heart Services
  • Consistent recognition for quality and outcomes
• National Top 100 Hospitals (multiple years)
  • Based on national performance benchmarks (IBM Watson Health/Thomson Reuters)
• Widely regarded as a regional center of excellence for cardiac care across Western and Central New York
• One of the largest and most comprehensive cardiology programs in New York State, with strength in:
  • Structural heart and advanced interventions
  • Electrophysiology
  • Heart failure and mechanical circulatory support
  • Multidisciplinary, team-based care delivery

How You’ll Practice

• Work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary model with cardiology, where Cardiac Surgery maintains a strong clinical voice and partnership in decision-making
• Practice in a system designed for efficiency and access, allowing you to focus on operative care rather than navigating unnecessary barriers
• Supported by modern infrastructure, including the Sands-Constellation Center for Critical Care:
  • 20+ operating rooms
  • 100+ private patient rooms
  • Purpose-built environment for complex cardiac patients

Growth, Mentorship & Influence

• Collaborate with division leadership, including Dr. Arthur Martella, with exposure to and mentorship in robotic cardiac surgery
• Opportunity to help shape the next phase of program growth, including clinical focus areas and procedural expansion
• Environment that values surgeon autonomy, input, and long-term retention

What Sets This Apart

• Planned succession, not instability—step into an established, respected role
• Consistent case flow supported by a broad referral base
• Balanced structure: the resources of a large system with the feel of a surgeon-led, community-based practice
• A culture where surgeons are trusted, supported, and heard

Qualifications

• Board Eligible/Board Certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care
• Interest in practicing within a collaborative, community-based environment
• Open to:
  • Early-career surgeons seeking mentorship and case development, or
  • Surgeons with 3–7 years of experience

Life in Rochester, NY

Rochester offers a lifestyle that’s increasingly hard to find:

• Affordable cost of living with access to beautiful, family-friendly neighborhoods
• Highly rated public schools and a strong sense of community
• A vibrant, mid-sized metro with a growing food, arts, and cultural scene
• Immediate access to the Finger Lakes region for year-round outdoor activity

For consideration, please submit your CV to Jessica.Yaeger@rochesterregional.org or Apply Today!

Empowered to Grow, Supported to Succeed, We’re Here for It.

EDUCATION:

• DO
• MD

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: L - Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly; requires occasional walking, standing or squatting.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Physician - New York State Education Department (NYSED)

PAY RANGE: $600,000.00 - $800,000.00

The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for successful applicants. It may be modified in the future. Pay is determined by factors including experience, clinical licensure date, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.