Academic Surgeon for Inaugural Program Director – General Surgery Residency Program

Academic Surgeon for Inaugural Program Director – General Surgery Residency Program
University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) & Renown Health

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health are proud to announce the launch of a new General Surgery Residency Program and seek an accomplished academic surgeon to serve as its Inaugural Program Director. This is an exceptional opportunity to design and lead a residency program from inception—shaping its structure, culture, and educational vision while recruiting its inaugural cohort of residents and faculty. This role blends visionary educational leadership with active clinical practice in a dynamic and growing integrated health system.

Position Overview
The Inaugural Program Director will provide strategic leadership in developing the program’s curriculum, clinical learning environment, and educational philosophy. Responsibilities include:

• Establishing program policies and expectations for faculty and residents
• Overseeing initial and ongoing ACGME accreditation activities
• Building systems and processes to ensure long-term success and sustainability
• Fostering a culture of excellence, professionalism, collaboration, and patient-centered care

This role is integral to institutional GME governance, working closely with the Designated Institutional Official (DIO), the Office of Graduate Medical Education, and the Department of Surgery.

Clinical and Academic Responsibilities
The position includes approximately 0.30 FTE dedicated to academic leadership and 0.70 FTE clinical practice. Clinical duties encompass comprehensive surgical care, including preoperative evaluation, operative management, postoperative care, and participation in multidisciplinary teams. The Program Director will maintain active engagement in scholarly activity and demonstrate a strong commitment to student and resident education, patient safety, and high-quality clinical care.

Department of Surgery, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine:

The Department of Surgery at UNR Med is committed to advancing surgical education, patient care, and research throughout Nevada. Our mission is to provide outstanding training in surgical principles and practice, preparing the next generation of physicians to lead with skill, compassion, and innovation.

Through partnerships with Renown Health, the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, and other regional hospitals, we deliver hands-on clinical experiences for medical students and residents. Learners gain exposure to general surgery and a wide range of subspecialties, including orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, urology, thoracic, trauma, and vascular surgery.

Our faculty includes fellowship-trained surgeons and dedicated educators who foster a collaborative, inclusive environment focused on excellence and patient-centered care. The department plays a vital role in UNR Med’s integrated academic health system, supporting clinical innovation and expanding access to high-quality surgical care across northern Nevada.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and passion for surgical education
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to foster an inclusive, respectful learning environment
• Meets UNR Med and ACGME requirements for Program Directors, including:
  • Minimum of three years of graduate medical education leadership experience
  • Active clinical practice
  • Evidence of scholarly activity
  • MD with Board Certification in General Surgery (ABS)
  • Eligibility for Nevada medical licensure, DEA registration, and controlled substance license
  • Experience in GME leadership (Program Director, Associate Program Director, or equivalent)

This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact on surgical education and healthcare in the region.

Clinical Practice Highlights:

• Busy Level II Trauma Center and Regional Transfer Center
• 28 OR suites; 8 DaVinci Robots and Hybrid Suite
• 24/7 Perfusionists and Anesthesia support
• ECMO program; VA and VV
• 92 ICU Beds; Closed ICUs – Intensivists attend in all ICUs
• ECMO Program
• Strong ancillary support: MAs, PARs, Surgery RN, dedicated surgery schedulers
• Competitive Compensation
• Renown Health employed position
• Full Health Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision
• CME Stipend up to $5000
• Paid Malpractice with 100% Tail Coverage
• $30,000 Start Bonus
• No State Tax

Reno/Tahoe Community

Reno/ Reno-Tahoe, a four-season destination, combines urban attractions with outdoor adventure. Reno, the "Biggest Little City in the World," offers a vibrant arts scene, eclectic dining, and casino gaming. Lake Tahoe, just a short drive away, boasts stunning alpine scenery, ski resorts, and various water activities. Known for its lively nightlife, arts and culture scene, and unique festivals,

Renowned for its crystal-clear lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe offers stunning scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Lake Tahoe is home to numerous ski resorts, making it a popular winter destination. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures during the summer months. 

Nestled on the Northern California border we are convenient distances to San Francisco Bay, Napa Valley, and Sacramento

Contact: Monica Mikulich | Renown Health In-House Provider Recruiter | monica.mikulich@renown.org | 775-982-4534

Renown Health is the region’s largest locally governed, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.

As a national health leader, we challenge ourselves to go above and beyond for the health of our entire community. We develop programs to help people live healthier, happier lives. We provide the region’s only Level II Trauma Center, serving over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles. We offer desperately needed health and medical services in remote, rural communities.