Surgical oncology

Surgical Oncologist – Academic & Robotic Surgery Opportunity

Florida’s Only VA Commission on Cancer Approved Program

The C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center is seeking a fellowship-trained, board-certified or board-eligible Surgical Oncologist to join a highly collaborative team of four board-certified General Surgeons at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. This opportunity is designed to expand and strengthen the Surgical Oncology program at one of the nation’s premier VA cancer centers.

As the only VA Medical Center in Florida with a Commission on Cancer Approved Cancer Program, the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center offers a unique opportunity to practice advanced oncologic surgery within a mission-driven environment dedicated to serving our nation’s Veterans.

This position includes a combination of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery responsibilities, including participation in General Surgery call coverage.

Position Highlights

• Opportunity to build and expand a robust Surgical Oncology practice
• Strong emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques
• Academic affiliation with both University of South Florida and University of Central Florida
• Teaching responsibilities with surgical residents and medical students
• Opportunities for both clinical and basic science research
• Collaborative multidisciplinary cancer care environment
• Meaningful mission serving Veterans with complex oncologic needs

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, evidence-based surgical oncology care tailored to each patient’s individual needs in a compassionate and patient-centered environment
• Perform a broad range of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery procedures
• Participate in General Surgery call rotation with physician colleagues
• Advance minimally invasive and robotic surgical approaches in complex Upper GI and Hepatobiliary/Pancreatic (HBP) oncology
• Educate and mentor surgical residents and medical students
• Participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards and collaborative cancer treatment planning
• Conduct and support clinical and translational research initiatives
• Obtain informed consent and counsel patients and families regarding risks, benefits, and alternative treatment options
• Deliver exceptional customer service while supporting the mission and values of the Department of Veterans Affairs

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will:

• Be fellowship-trained in Surgical Oncology
• Be board-certified or board-eligible in General Surgery
• Possess expertise or strong interest in robotic and minimally invasive oncologic surgery
• Demonstrate excellence in patient care, collaboration, teaching, and academic engagement
• Have interest in complex oncologic procedures, including Upper GI and Hepatobiliary surgery
• Value serving the Veteran population within an integrated multidisciplinary system

Why Bay Pines VA?

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System provides physicians with an exceptional quality of life, strong academic partnerships, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Veterans’ lives while practicing cutting-edge surgical oncology in a collegial and mission-focused environment.

Paid Time Off:

• 26 Days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave
• 13 Days paid sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation
• 11 Federal holidays with pay annually
• 5 Days paid absence to attend approved CME courses

Insurance:

• Health Insurance: VA employees have an outstanding number of health insurance plans from which to choose (premiums are partially paid by VA) Lifetime Healthcare Insurance options available
• Dental & Vision: Our insurance options also include exceptional vision and dental plans (premiums are partially paid by VA)
• VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts, which allow you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan
• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are available with the cost shared by the Federal Government
• Long-term care insurance is available as an option

Federal Retirement Plan:

• VA employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan composed of 1) Social Security benefits, 2) FERS-RAE basic benefits (pension), and 3) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is a 401K-type plan
• How is the pension funded? VA employees automatically contribute 4.4% of their salary each pay period and the VA contributes 12.2% of the employee’s salary each pay period for a total annual contribution percentage equal to 16.6% of the employee’s salary
• Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer a portion of their income each year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. For calendar year 2025, employees under the age of 50 may contribute up to $23,500, while those over age 50 are eligible to make catch-up contributions that allow them to defer up to $31,000.
• The Federal Government also provides an automatic basic contribution (1% of salary) and up to 4% of salary in matching contributions, depending on the amount of the employee contribution
• For retired military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension
• In addition to FERS, VA provides health care insurance coverage for retired personnel
• Disability Retirement
• Employees are vested in a federal pension after only 5 years service

About the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

Since 1933, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has been improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation. We consider it our privilege to serve your health care needs in any way we can. Our services are available to Veterans living in a ten county catchment area in west central Florida.

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics

In addition to our main facility at Bay Pines, we offer services in one outpatient clinic and 7 community-based outpatient clinics. These clinics are located in —

• Bradenton, Florida
• Cape Coral, Florida
• Naples, Florida
• Palm Harbor, Florida
• Port Charlotte, Florida
• St. Petersburg, Florida
• Sarasota, Florida
• Sebring, Florida