Open Rank/Open Track Assistant to Associate Professor – Adult Anterior Access Spine Surgeon

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

47d•$310,000 - $680,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado is seeking a board certified/board eligible Vascular or General Surgeon with specialized expertise in spine anterior access surgery to support a growing adult spine program in the metro-Denver and surrounding regions. The ideal candidate will have completed an accredited surgical residency and fellowship with further training or 5-10 years’ experience in anterior access, and demonstrate a strong interest in collaborative spine care, clinical program development, and academic engagement. The primary role of this position is to serve as a Spine Anterior Access Surgeon, providing expert anterior exposure for lateral thoracic and lateral/anterior lumbar spine procedures in collaboration with orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgeons. Clinical duties include care delivery in both inpatient and outpatient settings and active participation in the continued growth and advancement of the University of Colorado Spine Surgery programs at multiple locations. Experience with complex spine pathology, including deformity, tumor, infection, and revision cases, is highly desirable. The successful candidate will contribute to the academic mission by participating in the education and training of orthopedic and neurosurgery residents, spine fellows, and medical students. Teaching responsibilities will occur in the operating room, clinical settings, and academic conferences as appropriate. As an academic institution with multiple promotional pathways, candidates on the academic track are expected to demonstrate ongoing scholarly activity. Research responsibilities may include participation in spine-related clinical outcomes research, collaborative translational initiatives, or other focused clinical or basic science research aligned with the candidate’s interests. Alternatively, candidates may elect a clinical track, which does not require a research portfolio and is not tenure-eligible; all other rights and privileges remain equivalent across tracks. Candidates must be self-directed, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a high-acuity, team-based clinical environment. A commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and collaboration across disciplines is essential. Academic rank and salary will be commensurate with experience, training, and academic credentials, with compensation closely linked to clinical productivity.

Requirements

MD degree
Board certified and/or board eligible General Surgery, Vascular Surgery or Orthopedic Spine Surgery with demonstrated expertise in anterior spine exposure equivalent surgical specialty with substantial anterior access experience.
Completion of a five-year residency and a one-year fellowship
At least 6 years’ experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified (for Associate Professor level)
Self-directed, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a high-acuity, team-based clinical environment.
Commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and collaboration across disciplines.

Nice To Haves

Experience with complex spine pathology, including deformity, tumor, infection, and revision cases
Experience in and willingness to participate in our resident/fellowship education program.
Ability to explain complex medical conditions in a way that patients and their families can understand.
Compassion and patience to support patients through their medical journey, providing emotional support and guidance.

Responsibilities

Perform anterior exposures for spine surgery and manage all intraoperative aspects of anterior access
Collaborate closely with orthopedic spine and neurosurgery teams to plan and execute surgical approaches.
Participate in perioperative care only as it relates to surgical exposure, including postoperative rounds when needed for access-related issues.
Provide intraoperative consultation regarding vascular or soft-tissue considerations.
Maintain high standards of surgical safety, efficiency, and communication.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to spine surgery outcomes.
Engage in teaching of residents, fellows, and advanced practice providers if part of an academic program.
Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
Writes progress notes on patients' office and hospital charts in a timely fashion indicating patient status and treatment procedures performed; maintains other records as required.
Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
Participate (attend, give talks, help organize) in educational programs including weekly academic conferences, journal clubs, etc.
Will assist in community outreach events including giving educational talks, organizing, planning, and attending.
Develop written educational materials and treatment protocols for specific conditions and post-operative care.
Gives power point and poster presentations for educational purposes at institutional, local and national meetings.
Performs clinical and/or basic science research related to spine specific conditions and prepares manuscripts for publication in conjunction with the orthopedic spine research group.
Proficient in documentation and use of the current electronic medical record programs and maintains timely documentation at or above hospital set standards.