Position Overview

Understanding the Role

A Leadership Role in Academic Cardiac Anesthesia

Join Temple University Hospital's Department of Anesthesiology as a Cardiac Anesthesiologist and contribute to one of the nation’s busiest thoracic transplant programs while shaping the next generation of cardiac anesthesia professionals. This role marks a key moment in departmental growth, expanding the cardiac team from four to eight physicians and building a high-performing academic cardiac program to serve one of Philadelphia’s most medically complex populations.

As the flagship academic center of the Temple Health system, Temple University Hospital provides 746 beds of tertiary and quaternary care. Its national prominence in pulmonary, cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery—particularly a lung transplant program with over 150 annual procedures—creates unmatched opportunities for cardiac anesthesiologists. You will play a vital role in supporting this high-acuity surgical ecosystem while teaching anesthesiology residents in a collaborative, academically driven setting.

Essential Qualifications and Appointment

  • Fellowship training in Cardiac Anesthesiology with strong proficiency in TEE (transesophageal echocardiography)
  • Board certified or board eligible in Anesthesiology
  • Active state medical license and DEA certification (or eligibility)
  • Minimum of 3 years post-training experience preferred, though exceptional new graduates are considered
  • Faculty appointment at Assistant or Associate Professor level depending on experience and time in rank (private practice experience may contribute partially to academic rank)
  • Demonstrated passion for academic medicine and teaching in a high-acuity, urban clinical environment

Your Clinical Schedule and Academic Balance

The role follows a 90% clinical / 10% academic split—allowing you to maintain expert clinical skills while making a meaningful impact on resident education. You’ll work within a physician-only cardiac anesthesia model, with residents engaged in your cases and no CRNAs covering cardiac procedures. This ensures high-level practice and the ability to mentor trainees intensively.

Case mix includes:

  • CABG, valve repair/replacement
  • VAD placement, TAVR
  • Pulmonary endarterectomy, heart and lung transplants
  • Thoracic oncology and advanced thoracic procedures

On non-cardiac days, you’ll rotate through general anesthesia cases (2–6 per room daily). There are no obstetric call duties, ensuring clear clinical focus and manageable work-life balance.

Leadership and Reporting Structure

You will report to Dr. Yuliana Salamanca-Padilla, Interim Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology as of July 2024. Known for her collaborative, physician-focused leadership style, Dr. Salamanca-Padilla fosters a culture of mentorship, career development, and balanced workloads.

This is an expansion position—not a replacement—created to deepen the cardiac team and reduce call burden as Temple’s surgical programs grow. You’ll have real input into the future of the cardiac anesthesia program, from curriculum development and simulation programming to strategic service line design.

Why This Role Matters

Unlike traditional academic hierarchies, Temple offers a seat at the table for cardiac anesthesiologists passionate about teaching and innovation. You’ll find support, opportunity, and the rare satisfaction of building something exceptional in a high-complexity academic setting where patient needs and education align.

This is where clinical expertise, academic ambition, and impact intersect.

© Copyright 2023 Pacific Companies. All Rights Reserved.