Exciting Opportunity at MSK: Chair of Surgery

Job details

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) seeks an exceptional academic surgeon to serve as the next Chair of the Department of Surgery, following Dr. Jeffrey A. Drebin’s promotion to Chief Physician Executive. This is a unique opportunity to lead a world‑class faculty of 155 surgeons who are committed to clinical excellence, research innovation, and educational distinction. The Chair will set the strategic direction for MSK’s surgical enterprise during a period of institutional growth, technological advancement, and regional expansion—ensuring MSK remains a global leader in cancer surgery.

Role Overview

• Report directly to the Chief Physician Executive and Hospital President.
• Provide programmatic oversight for all surgical services at MSK (excluding the freestanding Department of Neurosurgery).
• Shape and execute strategy across clinical care, research, education, and faculty development for the Department of Surgery.
• Maintain an active surgical practice while leading operational excellence across inpatient and outpatient sites, including MSK’s regional network in Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey.
• Advance a contemporary research vision; promote grant funding, publications, and scholarship; and elevate the national and international profile of MSK Surgery and its fellowship programs.
• Build strong collaborations with peer Department Chairs, SKI leadership, and external academic partners to drive multidisciplinary programs and training.

Key  Requirements:

• MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent with board certification by the American Board of Surgery (or international equivalent).
• Nationally or internationally recognized academic clinician in cancer surgery (e.g., general surgical oncology, thoracic, gynecologic, head and neck, orthopedic, and related disciplines).
• 5–7+ years of progressive leadership experience (e.g., Department Chair, Vice Chair, Section/Division Chief, or Director) in an academic health system or cancer center.
• Active clinical practice with an outstanding reputation for clinical excellence and qualifications for appointment at the rank of Full Professor.
• Demonstrated success recruiting, developing, and mentoring diverse, high‑performing faculty and leaders.
• Experience overseeing complex clinical operations and quality performance across inpatient and outpatient settings, including regional networks.
• Track record of growing research programs and promoting academic excellence, including grants, publications, and multidisciplinary program development.
• Exceptional communication, consensus‑building, and stakeholder engagement skills; eligibility for medical licensure in New York State.

Core Skills:

• Strategic leadership and service line planning for a large, complex surgical enterprise.
• Operational excellence and quality improvement, including patient experience and outcomes.
• Faculty engagement, development, retention, and succession planning.
• Research vision setting and support for grant funding, clinical trials, and scholarly productivity.
• Collaboration across departments and institutions; effective communication and change leadership.

Application Instructions

Submit C.V., letter of interest, addressed to the MSK Search Committee to:
Contact: Sarah Brooks
Email: sarah.brooks@russellreynolds.com

Pay Range: 1,950,000 to $2,300,000

This is inclusive of an incentive opportunity tied to individual and organizational performance. In addition, this executive will be eligible for retirement and additional benefits. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be determined based on various factors, including but not limited to scope of role, level of experience, education, accomplishments, internal equity, budget, and subject to Fair Market Value evaluation. The compensation range listed is a good faith determination of potential compensation at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future.

Helpful links:  

• MSK Compensation Philosophy
• Review Our Great Benefits Offerings

About the Department of Surgery

MSK’s Department of Surgery includes 155 faculty across breast, colorectal, dental, gastric/mixed tumor, gynecology, hepatopancreatobiliary, head and neck, ophthalmology, orthopedic, pediatric, plastic, thoracic, and urology specialties. In 2024, MSK performed over 29,000 surgeries. The Department has a strong presence across MSK’s Manhattan sites and six regional centers.

Research: In FY2024, the Department held 162 active sponsored projects (federal, foundation, industry, and internal), remains among the top NIH‑funded surgery departments, and produced 450+ publications. Faculty participate in four NCI SPORE grants (Sarcoma, Breast, Prostate, and Pancreas) and a long‑running Surgical Oncology T32 training grant. A 20+ member editorial team supports grant and manuscript development.

Education: The Department trains the next generation of surgeons and surgeon‑scientists, with 2024–2025 totals of 82 fellows and 436 residents (518 trainees overall) across multiple specialty programs.

Closing:

At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.  

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