Chief of Plastic Surgery Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of medical advancements, the focus on the role of Chief of Plastic Surgery has never been more critical.

Medical science progresses, and with each stride, the demand for skilled hands who can sculpt, enhance, and protect our bodily aesthetic grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Chief of Plastic Surgery?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A healthcare executive outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of plastic surgery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Chief of Plastic Surgery job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or healthcare career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Chief of Plastic Surgery Duties and Responsibilities

The Chief of Plastic Surgery plays a crucial role in a hospital setting, overseeing the Plastic Surgery department and providing medical and cosmetic surgical procedures.

This role requires excellent leadership skills, surgical proficiency, and a deep understanding of patient care.

The duties and responsibilities of a Chief of Plastic Surgery include:

• Overseeing all activities, policies, and objectives for the Plastic Surgery department
• Performing complex surgical procedures and ensuring the provision of high-quality care to patients
• Consulting with patients to discuss their concerns and desired results, and proposing appropriate surgical procedures
• Supervising and mentoring junior surgeons and medical staff, ensuring they follow all necessary protocols and standards
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in plastic surgery and integrating new techniques and technologies when beneficial
• Ensuring all department activities comply with healthcare regulations and standards
• Working closely with other medical professionals, such as anesthesiologists and nurses, to ensure comprehensive patient care
• Assessing patient health before surgery and determining the risk of complications
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures in the Plastic Surgery department to enhance patient safety and service quality
• Participating in hospital committees and contributing to the overall improvement of hospital services

 

Chief of Plastic Surgery Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and committed Chief of Plastic Surgery to join our healthcare team.

The chosen candidate will be responsible for providing top-tier patient care while managing the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the plastic surgery department.

A successful Chief of Plastic Surgery will not only be an exceptional surgeon with a demonstrated history of excellence in patient care, but also a dynamic leader capable of managing staff, resources, and policies to ensure the highest standard of care.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional patient care in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Manage the operations of the plastic surgery department
• Lead, supervise, and mentor plastic surgery staff
• Develop policies and procedures for the department
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Collaborate with other department heads and medical staff to optimize patient care services
• Participate in research and development activities
• Manage department budget and resources
• Stay updated on the latest surgical techniques, technologies and best practices

 

Qualifications

• Board certification in Plastic Surgery
• A minimum of 10 years of experience as a practicing plastic surgeon
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery
• Experience in a leadership role in a medical setting
• Ability to make decisions in high-pressure situations
• Commitment to continual learning and improvement
• M.D. degree and valid medical license

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Chief of Plastic Surgery
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. On-call availability may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Medical Officer or Hospital Administrator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $350,000 minimum to $600,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any applicable certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Chief of Plastic Surgery Do?

A Chief of Plastic Surgery is a highly specialized medical professional who primarily oversees the plastic surgery department in a hospital or medical facility.

Their role entails performing a wide range of plastic surgeries, including reconstructive, cosmetic, and microsurgeries.

They perform procedures such as face lifts, breast augmentations, rhinoplasties, and many others, correcting or enhancing specific parts of the body based on patients’ needs and desires.

As a leader, the Chief of Plastic Surgery is responsible for managing the plastic surgery team, which may include other surgeons, residents, nurses, and administrative staff.

They delegate tasks, ensure that all surgeries are performed safely and efficiently, and oversee the training and development of junior staff.

In addition to performing surgeries, the Chief of Plastic Surgery also provides consultations to patients, explaining surgical procedures, potential risks, and expected outcomes.

They collaborate closely with patients to understand their expectations and discuss the best surgical options to achieve their goals.

Another important aspect of their role is to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in plastic surgery, ensuring that the department is implementing the most current and effective techniques.

They may also be involved in research, presenting findings at medical conferences, and publishing in medical journals.

Their role often includes setting and maintaining high professional and ethical standards within the department.

Lastly, they are responsible for dealing with any administrative tasks that may arise, such as budgeting, staff recruitment, and performance evaluations.

 

Chief of Plastic Surgery Qualifications and Skills

A Chief of Plastic Surgery should have the qualifications and skills that align with the requirements of the role, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of and expertise in a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, techniques, and best practices.
• Strong leadership and management skills to oversee the plastic surgery team, ensuring the highest standards of care and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, medical staff, and other healthcare professionals.
• Superior decision-making abilities to make critical clinical decisions, often under pressure and in emergency situations.
• A high level of manual dexterity and physical stamina, necessary for performing intricate surgical procedures and working long hours.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills to diagnose complex patient cases and develop effective treatment plans.
• Dedication to continuous learning and professional development to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field of plastic surgery.
• Good patient-care skills to provide empathetic and compassionate care to patients, addressing their concerns and fears.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to the highest standards of medical ethics and professionalism.
• A medical degree from an accredited school, a valid license to practice medicine, and board certification in plastic surgery.

 

Chief of Plastic Surgery Experience Requirements

Chief of Plastic Surgery candidates typically have extensive experience and medical training.

This begins with a bachelor’s degree, followed by a four-year medical degree, after which they undertake a residency program in general surgery, which typically lasts for five years.

In addition to this, a further two to three years of specialized residency training in plastic surgery is essential.

This extensive training ensures that they are thoroughly familiar with all aspects of plastic surgery, from cosmetic procedures to reconstructive surgery.

Most candidates have at least ten years of experience in the field of plastic surgery before they are considered for a Chief of Plastic Surgery role.

This experience often includes roles such as Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Consultant, or Clinical Faculty member in a medical school.

Those with more than ten years of experience may have held leadership roles such as Head of Plastic Surgery Department or Program Director, providing them with the management experience necessary for a Chief of Plastic Surgery role.

Furthermore, board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or equivalent is often a requirement, which further attests to their expertise and commitment to the field.

Lastly, many employers will prefer candidates with a demonstrable track record of research and publications in the field of plastic surgery, as this indicates a commitment to staying at the forefront of their field.

 

Chief of Plastic Surgery Education and Training Requirements

To become a Chief of Plastic Surgery, an individual must first complete a Bachelor’s degree program, typically in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry.

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, the next step is to enroll in a medical school for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Medical school typically lasts four years and includes both classroom and clinical training.

Upon graduation, the individual must complete a residency in general surgery which typically takes five years.

After completing the general surgery residency, the individual must apply for a fellowship in plastic surgery, which typically lasts two to three years.

After the fellowship, the individual can apply to become a board-certified plastic surgeon.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery provides certification for plastic surgeons in the United States.

To maintain this certification, plastic surgeons must continue their education and pass a recertification exam every 10 years.

To move into a leadership role such as Chief of Plastic Surgery, the individual typically needs several years of experience in the field.

Many hospitals and medical centers also prefer candidates who have completed a master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field.

Leadership training, administrative experience, and a strong record of clinical excellence are also crucial for this role.

Furthermore, the individual must continuously update their knowledge and skills in the field of plastic surgery through ongoing medical education and training.

Some Chiefs of Plastic Surgery may also pursue additional certifications in specific areas of plastic surgery to further demonstrate their expertise and dedication to the field.

 

Chief of Plastic Surgery Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Chief of Plastic Surgery is around $409,665 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can significantly vary based on the years of experience, the complexity and number of procedures performed, geographic location, and the type of healthcare institution.

 

Chief of Plastic Surgery Job Description FAQs

What skills are required for a Chief of Plastic Surgery?

The Chief of Plastic Surgery should possess excellent surgical skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to handle complex cases.

They should have solid leadership skills to manage the team of surgeons and staff.

They need good communication skills to interact with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.

The ability to make critical decisions and manage stress effectively is also crucial in this role.

 

What qualifications does a Chief of Plastic Surgery need?

A Chief of Plastic Surgery must have a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, followed by a general surgery residency and a specialized fellowship in plastic surgery.

They should also be board certified in plastic surgery.

Additionally, they must have several years of experience in plastic surgery, with some of those in a leadership role.

 

What should you look for in a Chief of Plastic Surgery’s resume?

Apart from a strong educational background and relevant certifications, you should look for significant experience in plastic surgery and previous leadership roles in the candidate’s resume.

Proven success in performing complex surgeries, research publications, and evidence of continuing education or professional development would be beneficial.

Any awards or recognition for their work can also serve as strong indicators of their expertise and dedication.

 

What qualities make a good Chief of Plastic Surgery?

A good Chief of Plastic Surgery is one who demonstrates strong leadership and excellent surgical skills.

They should be patient-centric and have a compassionate approach to patient care.

They should be able to handle pressure, make critical decisions quickly, and solve complex problems effectively.

Good interpersonal and communication skills are important for coordinating with the team and interacting with patients.

They must also be committed to ethical practice and uphold the highest standards of medical care.

 

How challenging is it to hire a Chief of Plastic Surgery?

Hiring a Chief of Plastic Surgery can be a challenging task due to the high level of expertise and experience required for the role.

The pool of qualified candidates who possess the necessary surgical skills, leadership experience, and educational qualifications can be quite limited.

It often requires a comprehensive search, competitive compensation, and benefits package to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the fascinating world of a chief of plastic surgery.

Surprised?

It’s not just about wielding a scalpel.

It’s about reshaping lives, one surgical procedure at a time.

With our well-drafted chief of plastic surgery job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every surgical procedure is a piece of a larger journey.

Let’s sculpt that future. Together.

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