Department Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry - Surgery Dept

Posted date September 19, 2025

Closing date October 31, 2025

Position Type Full Time

Description

The University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (FoMD) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) invite applications for the Chair of the Department of Surgery, and Zone Clinical Department Head, Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone. Within the College of Health Sciences, the FoMD at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta) is internationally recognized as a top-five health sciences faculty in Canada and top-75 worldwide. Alberta Health Services is Canada’s first province-wide health system, responsible for delivering health services to more than 5 million people.

Two Complementary Leadership Roles

This opportunity involves two separate and closely connected leadership positions—one at the University of Alberta (Chair, Department of Surgery) and one within Alberta Health Services (Zone Clinical Department Head, Surgery, Edmonton Zone). These roles have historically been held by a single individual; however, candidates may also request consideration for a single role.

Each role has its own Search and Selection Committee because the positions are with different organizations. One application package will be reviewed by both committees— please clearly indicate in your cover letter whether you wish to be considered for both roles or for a specific role only. If one candidate is selected for both roles, they will be expected to build a strong leadership team to manage the breadth of responsibility. If two candidates are selected (one per role), they will be expected to work closely together to ensure aligned academic and clinical leadership.

Chair, Department of Surgery – University of Alberta

The successful candidate will be appointed as the endowed Walter Stirling Anderson Professor. They will bring clear vision, excellent leadership qualities and strong interpersonal skills to sustain and enhance the Department’s international education and research standing. The academic leadership portfolio spans 13 specialty divisions of 250+ faculty and 800+ learners (undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral scholars, residents, fellows). The Department receives support from a recently implemented Academic Medicine and Health Services Program for physicians providing patient care, teaching, and research.

Key responsibilities include:

• Academic recruitment and retention across specialty and subspecialty divisions.
• Fostering mentorship and career development opportunities for faculty members.
• Overseeing undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral scholar and postgraduate surgical education programs (seven fully accredited Royal College surgical training programs).
• Strengthening the University’s reputation as a globally recognized, research-intensive institution.

The Department of Surgery has a long-standing, internationally recognized graduate program in Experimental Surgery and Surgical Education. The Chair is expected to actively support research and the vital roles of clinician and PhD scientists in the Department’s academic mandate. Opportunities in research are enhanced through partnerships with University research institutes and the AI + Health Hub.

Zone Clinical Department Head, Surgery – Alberta Health Services (Edmonton Zone)

The Edmonton Zone Clinical Department Head for Surgery is a senior medical leadership role reporting to—and providing leadership support to—the Associate Zone Medical Director and supporting the vision of the Zone Medical Director. The Zone Clinical Department Head provides expert guidance on matters within the Zone Clinical Department, including performance management and quality improvement, to advance high-quality, patient-centred surgical care.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operational leadership: effective oversight of all Edmonton Zone Surgery services.
• Strategic planning and evaluation: development of strategic plans, in-patient services, priorities and performance agreements, including workforce planning.
• Relationship management: collaboration with diverse groups of partners, patients, and community members.
• Performance management: innovation and integration of high-quality, patient-focused clinical care.
• Other responsibilities as outlined in the AHS Medical Staff Bylaws (AHS Medical Staff Bylaws & Rules | Insite).

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an inclusive and visionary leader. They will:

• Provide effective, strategic leadership that inspires excellence and fosters collaboration across disciplines and sites.
• Build, manage, and sustain high-quality, productive relationships with individuals and groups from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences.
• Demonstrate a record of academic accomplishment and a clear vision for education, research, and clinical care.
• Use creativity and innovation to meet the opportunities and needs of learners, faculty, staff, patients, and communities.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Candidates for the University Chair position must be either 1) current tenured University of Alberta academic faculty with a PhD or MD, or 2) external candidates with an MD (may have additional degrees) who are able to provide clinical care in a manner that meets the expectations of both the University and AHS. Candidates for the Zone Clinical Department Head position must hold—or be eligible for—licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and appointment to the AHS Medical Staff.

Application Package

Interested candidates should submit the following in one file:

• A letter of introduction outlining relevant academic and leadership experience, your vision for the Department of Surgery, and why you are an ideal candidate (maximum 3 pages);
• A leadership philosophy statement (maximum 1 page);
• A statement on your approach to collaboration with internal and external partners (maximum 1 page);
• An equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) statement describing past contributions and resulting impact in academic, professional, and/or community settings (maximum 1 page);
• A curriculum vitae.

Please clearly indicate in your cover letter whether you wish to be considered for both roles or for a specific role only. To reduce unconscious bias, please remove identifying information (e.g., name, age, gender identity, education, work history) from the leadership philosophy, collaboration and EDI statements to support masked review by the Search and Recommendation Committee. Your CV should remain complete and unredacted.

How to and Timeline

MD candidates external to Edmonton will require a second application through DoctorJobsAB for clinical appointment with Alberta Health Services. Early applications are encouraged. Accommodations are available for candidates during the application and interview processes. Please contact ddoudiet@ualberta.ca to discuss your needs. Confidential inquiries are welcome.

The FoMD has adopted the Okanagan Charter and is committed to health-promoting learning and working environments that support safety, wellbeing, respect, and belonging.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight October 31, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.