Description
Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgeon
Location: Saint Louis, MO
Institution: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis / St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Position Type: Full-Time Faculty Position
Academic Rank: Commensurate with experience
Position Overview
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, in partnership with St. Louis Children’s Hospital, is seeking a pediatric and congenital cardiac surgeon to join our congenital cardiac surgery program.
The successful candidate will participate in the full spectrum of congenital cardiac surgical care, including neonatal, pediatric, and adult congenital heart disease, while working within a highly collaborative multidisciplinary Heart Center.
Candidates with experience or interest in complex redo congenital surgery, adult congenital heart disease, heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, and transplantation are especially encouraged to apply. The position offers an opportunity to contribute broadly to congenital cardiac surgery while helping further develop areas of programmatic growth, including ACHD and transplant-related congenital care.
This position is well suited for a surgeon who values team-based care, academic collaboration, surgical excellence, and thoughtful program development. The ideal candidate will have completed formal congenital cardiac surgery training and will have 2–3 or more years of independent attending/consultant level of experience.
As part of Washington University School of Medicine, the position also offers opportunities to participate in clinical outcomes research, translational research, quality improvement, surgical innovation, and education. Scholarly activity is valued, and the successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with investigators across the institution in areas related to congenital heart disease, transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, device development, and translational science.
Candidates with substantial international congenital cardiac surgery experience are also encouraged to apply, provided they meet institutional requirements for faculty appointment, credentialing, visa sponsorship, and eligibility for medical licensure in Missouri.
Clinical Responsibilities
The selected candidate will participate in the care of patients across the spectrum of congenital heart disease, with responsibilities that may include:
Neonatal, pediatric, and adult congenital cardiac surgery
Complex redo congenital operations
Surgery for adult congenital heart disease
Surgical management of single-ventricle and Fontan physiology
Participation in heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, and transplant-related congenital care
Multidisciplinary case planning with cardiology, critical care, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, advanced practice providers, transplant teams, and the broader Heart Center team
Participation in surgical call coverage
Contribution to program development in areas aligned with the candidate’s expertise and the needs of the Heart Center
Education of trainees, students and other learners interested in congenital heart surgery
Academic and Programmatic Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the academic mission of Washington University School of Medicine. Depending on the candidate’s interests and experience, this may include:
Clinical outcomes research
Translational research
Quality improvement initiatives
Surgical innovation
Education and mentorship of trainees
Participation in multidisciplinary conferences
Collaboration with investigators across Washington University School of Medicine
Program development in congenital heart disease, ACHD, transplant, heart failure, mechanical support, or related areas
Qualifications
Required
MD, DO, MBBS, or equivalent medical degree
Completion of cardiothoracic surgery training
Completion of congenital cardiac surgery training or equivalent focused experience
Eligibility for medical licensure in Missouri
Eligibility for institutional credentialing and faculty appointment
Demonstrated commitment to collaborative, multidisciplinary care
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Preferred
At least 2–3 years of independent attending- or consultant-level experience in congenital cardiac surgery
Demonstrated experience across a range of neonatal, pediatric, and/or adult congenital cardiac operations
Interest or experience in adult congenital heart surgery
Interest or experience in complex redo congenital procedures
Interest or experience in heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, or advanced heart failure surgery
Experience caring for patients with single-ventricle/Fontan physiology
Academic interest in clinical outcomes, translational research, quality improvement, surgical innovation, education, or program development
Substantial international congenital cardiac surgery experience will be considered, provided the candidate meets institutional requirements for appointment, credentialing, visa sponsorship, and medical licensure
About the Program
St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine are home to a comprehensive Heart Center caring for children and adults with congenital heart disease. The program includes congenital cardiac surgery, congenital cardiology, adult congenital heart disease care, heart failure and transplantation, pulmonary hypertension, mechanical circulatory support, cardiac intensive care, interventional cardiology, advanced imaging, fetal cardiology, and a broad multidisciplinary team.
The congenital cardiac surgery program provides care across the full spectrum of congenital heart disease, from neonates to adults. The program has particular strengths in complex congenital surgery, multidisciplinary care of high-risk patients, transplantation, mechanical support, and innovation in congenital heart disease.
The Heart Center benefits from the academic environment of Washington University School of Medicine and the clinical infrastructure of St. Louis Children’s Hospital and BJC HealthCare. The program also provides a dedicated and ACGME accredited Congenital Fellowship program.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and academic rank
Academic appointment at Washington University School of Medicine
Comprehensive benefits package
Malpractice coverage
Support for academic and professional development
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit:
Curriculum vitae
Cover letter describing clinical interests and relevant experience
Contact information for three professional references
Selected candidates may be asked to provide a de-identified operative case log or case summary from the preceding 12–24 months, including case type and role in the operation.
International applicants should include a brief summary of their training pathway, current appointment, operative experience, and licensure/credentialing status.
Applications and inquiries may be directed to:
Pirooz Eghtesady, MD, PhD
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
