Denver Health logo
Denver Health
Denver, Colorado

Neurosurgery Physician

SurgeryFull-Time

Listed compensation

$556k-$782k

Listing transparency3 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage and nights and shift pattern.

Employment & setting
Full-Time · on-site
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Neurosurgery Physician to join our team!

We're with you for life’s journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey.

Our Values

Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency

Department

Neurosurgeons

Denver Health Medical Center in the heart of Downtown Denver, CO is recruiting for a Neurosurgeon with an emphasis in spine (preferred) to join our level I academic medical center. The division encompasses broad based neurosurgery, including traumatic brain injury (in conjunction with our Level I trauma center), spine (elective and trauma), oncology, and neuro critical care. The successful incumbent will demonstrate the ability to balance and optimize call, clinic, ICU, teaching and research. The ideal candidate will be spine fellowship trained. Our team of 4 physicians and 10 advanced care providers provides high quality care to an urban underserved patent population in Denver, CO.

Our team is committed to excellent patient care at the states leading safety net institution. In addition to patient care we provide education to the next generation of healthcare professionals through our collaborative affiliation with the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Our team of 4 physicians and 10 advanced care providers provides high quality care to an urban underserved patent population in Denver, CO.

DHHA has been certified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level I Adult Trauma Center and a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center. DHHA offers comprehensive medical, surgical and psychiatric care, as well as emergency, ambulatory and diagnostic services. With 525 licensed beds Denver Health Medical Center is one of the state’s busiest hospitals with more than 26,000 admissions annually. DHHA has been recognized by the University Hospital Consortium as having one of the lowest observed to expected mortality rates in the country (Ranked #5 out of 121 academic health centers). As Colorado’s premier safety net institution, DHHA offers unique clinical and academic opportunities addressing the needs of our patient population. Our surgical team is nationally renowned for teaching, research and trauma services. DHHA is an affiliate hospital of the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Health Sciences and all DHHA faculty will have an academic appointment through the school of medicine.

Key Benefits of this Position

  • Academic appointment at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Hospital employed model with competitive salary
  • 9.5% employer retirement match
  • 34 days of paid time off (vacation, holiday & CME)
  • Collaborative group practice at busy Level I trauma center
  • Interested candidates can apply online and may also send a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae to:
  • Aaron Ortiz, Manager of Provider Recruitment
  • Denver Health Medical Center

aaron.ortiz@dhha.org

Essential Functions

Physicians at Denver Health are faculty members of the University of Colorado School of Medicine serve as teachers for students seeking clinical experience at Denver Health and provide education for post graduate medical trainees. (20%)

Focus on Superior Patient Care by 1) practicing evidence-based, high-quality state-of-the art medicine; 2) encourage increased patient understanding, involvement in care, and treatment decisions; 3) achieve and maintain optimal patient access; 4) insist on departmental focus on superior patient service; and 5) participate in or support education and research. (20%)

Collaborate on Care Delivery by 1) including staff, other physicians and management in both service and patient care improvements; 2) treat all members with respect; 3) demonstrate the highest levels of ethical and professional conduct; and 4) behave in a manner consistent with Denver Health goals. (20%)

Listen and Communicate by 1) providing clinical information in a clear and timely manner; 2) requesting information and resources needed to provide care consistent with Denver Health goals; and 3) provide and accept feedback in a respectful manner from all staff. (20%)

Take Ownership by 1) providing leadership to improve outcomes quality and service quality; 2) work to ensure personal, departmental and organization compliance with all legal and educational requirements; and 3) steadily improve the efficiency and economic aspects of your practice. (10%)

Quality Metrics. 1) Focus on clinically relevant outcome measures; 2) Change by embracing innovations to continuously improve patient care, service and organizational efficiency. (10%)

Education

Doctorate Degree Required

Licenses

MD-Physician - State Medical Board Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of and ability to apply professional medical principles, procedures and techniques.
  • Thorough knowledge of pharmacological agents used in patient treatment.
  • Able to effectively manage and direct medical staff support activities while providing quality medical care.

Able to receive detailed information through oral communications; express or exchange ideas by verbal communications.

Excellent written and verbal communications, listening, and social skills.

Able to interact effectively with people of varied educational, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, skill levels and value systems.

  • Performs in a tactful and professional manner.
  • A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
  • Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
  • Computer skills required.

Shift

  • Work Type
  • Regular

Salary

$556,200.00 - $782,300.00 / yr

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

  • Here is a small list of our benefit programs:
  • Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays
  • 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
  • Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
  • Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.

Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center

  • Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
  • Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
  • Tuition reimbursement & assistance

Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways

Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program

National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.

Key Responsibilities

The physician will provide high-quality neurosurgical care, including spine, trauma, and oncology services, while balancing clinical, ICU, and research duties. Additionally, they will serve as faculty to teach and mentor medical students and post-graduate trainees.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Doctorate degree and be a licensed MD-Physician. Spine fellowship training is preferred for this academic medical center role.

Qualifications

Education
Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
10+ years of experience

Key Skills

Spine surgeryTrauma surgeryEvidence-based medicineClinical teachingCommunicationCollaborationSurgical procedures

Surgery — Physician Career Context

Of the 50 active Surgery listings this role was benchmarked against, 8% are remote, 76% have no call, 52% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Colorado is 103.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$669k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $649k in an average-cost state. 60.9% of Colorado clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Surgeon Jobs

33 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution33 jobs · 9 employers

19
$350k-440k
5
$440k-1000k
9
$1000k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks25 jobs · 9 employers

401k / retirement match
96% this job
CME allowance
20% this job
Relocation assistance
12%
Sign-on bonus
8%
Loan repayment
4% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Physician: Cardiac Surgeon - Palos Heights, IL

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare · Palos Heights, Illinois

$765k-$1000k
#2

San Ramon Plastic Surgeon Opportunity | Top Earners $1M+

Sono Bello | Aesthetic Physicians · San Ramon, California

$500k-$1000k
#3

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon Opportunity | Top Earners $1M+

$500k-$1000k
#4

Portland Plastic Surgeon Opportunity | Top Earners $1M+

$500k-$1000k
+ 31 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

2.6/ 10
Listing-based score
  • On-site

Living in Denver

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$560k
Typical market rent
$1,881/mo
Residents’ average commute
25 min
State income tax
Up to 4.4%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Denver Health logo

About Denver Health

Hospitals and Health Care
Denver, CO
5,001-10,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Academic appointment at University of Colorado School of Medicine
9.5% employer retirement match
34 days of paid time off (vacation, holiday & CME)
Paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
Immediate eligibility for retirement plans
Generous medical, dental, vision plans
Employer paid disability and life insurance
On-site employee fitness center