Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiovascular Service Line

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of cardiothoracic surgery within a growing regional health system dedicated to delivering exceptional cardiovascular care. Join Tower Health and lead the next chapter of Cardiovascular Care!

Tower Health

Tower Health is seeking an accomplished and visionary Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery to lead and advance cardiothoracic surgical services across our health system. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of cardiovascular care within a dynamic organization committed to clinical excellence, innovation, and community health.

This role functions within a triad leadership model, partnering closely with the Cardiology Service line Leader and the Administrative Service Line Leader to provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and program development across the system.

About Tower Health:

Tower Health is a regionally integrated health system serving communities across Berks, Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties. With over 11,500 employees, Tower Health includes:

• Reading Hospital
• Phoenixville Hospital
• Pottstown Hospital

Tower Health also partners with Drexel University College of Medicine to host a regional medical campus-just a short walk from Reading Hospital-which opened in 2021. Reading Hospital serves as the primary clinical training site for this new medical school and supports multiple ACGME-accredited residency and fellowship programs.

Position Overview

The Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery provides system-level leadership for cardiac and thoracic surgery across Tower Health, including services at Reading Hospital and Phoenixville Hospital, with collaboration alongside St. Christopher’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiac Surgery. The role balances leadership and clinical practice, with approximately 0.4-0.5 FTE dedicated to leadership responsibilities and 0.5-0.6 FTE to clinical activities.

This leadership role will guide the program with growth, quality improvement, physician engagement, and regionalization of cardiovascular care while ensuring alignment with Tower Health’s mission and strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Administrative Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for cardiovascular services across Tower Health.
• Provide insight into all employed and independent Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery departments within the system.
• Collaborate with hospital CEOs, COOs, CMOs, CQOs, CNOs, department chairs, and senior leadership.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and integration of physicians and advanced practice providers.
• Ensure compliance with Medical Staff Bylaws and regulatory standards.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and promote collegial relationships across departments and sites.
• Lead and participate in Service line committees.

Fiscal & Operational Oversight

• Co-lead development and management of the Service Line budget and capital planning process.
• Promote cost-effective resource utilization.
• Oversee program development and facility planning across the system.
• Ensure evaluation of quality, outcomes, and cost effectiveness of care delivery.

Clinical & Academic Engagement

• Maintain active clinical practice at Reading Hospital and Phoenixville Hospital.
• Support fellowship and residency programs in collaboration with program directors and Graduate Medical Education leadership.
• Encourage and advance research initiatives within the Cardiovascular Service Line.

Education & Certification

• MD or DO degree
• Board Certification in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Valid, unrestricted Pennsylvania medical license (or eligibility)

Experience & Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership experience in cardiothoracic surgery within a complex health system.
• Proven ability to lead a matrixed organization and collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong experience in program development and strategic planning.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to inspire trust, foster teamwork, and navigate ambiguity.
• Experience interacting with executive leadership and governing boards.