Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician - First Assist

Why Join Us

Central Valley Doctors Health System Physician Group invites you to join an established and growing cardiothoracic surgery team at Doctors Medical Center — a 465-bed, Joint Commission–accredited regional referral center in the heart of California's Central Valley.

You'll work alongside experienced cardiothoracic surgeons in a high-acuity program equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an active TAVR program, ECMO capabilities, and a hybrid OR.

This is a collaborative, team-based environment where advanced resources and dedicated support staff allow you to focus on delivering exceptional surgical care.

Position Highlights

• Full-time, employed position with Central Valley Doctors Health System Physician Group
• Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assist role supporting open and minimally invasive cases
• Primarily inpatient-focused with some outpatient follow-up
• Monday–Friday OR schedule, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM
• Call participation aligned with the cardiothoracic surgery team
• Work within a state-of-the-art surgical environment featuring:
• Hybrid OR and Xi Da Vinci robotic system (3 units on site)
• Active TAVR program and ECMO capabilities
• Dedicated cardiothoracic nursing teams, CV PAs, and RNFAs
• Collaborative team includes cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiology, perfusion, nursing, and ICU teams
• Facility is a certified STEMI Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center with 4 ICUs and 44 critical care beds

What We Offer

• Compensation ranging from $600,000–$850,000 annually, commensurate with

Experience and Qualifications

• CME allowance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Malpractice insurance provided
• Health, dental, and life insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Deferred compensation program
• Relocation assistance

Candidate Requirements

• MD or DO degree required
• Completed surgical training with experience functioning as a first assist
• Prior cardiothoracic surgery experience strongly preferred
• Board eligible or board certified (or equivalent surgical board eligibility)
• California licensed or eligible to obtain licensure in California

Why Modesto

Modesto sits at the heart of California's Central Valley, offering a lower cost of living than coastal metros without sacrificing access to world-class destinations — Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and San Francisco are all within a two-hour drive.

The city boasts a warm, family-friendly community with well-regarded schools, a growing arts and dining scene, and a strong agricultural heritage that feeds some of the best farm-to-table cuisine in the state.

Affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a tight-knit professional community make Modesto an increasingly attractive choice for physicians seeking balance between career and lifestyle.

Doctors Medical Center (DMC), part of the Central Valley Doctors Health System, is the largest full-care hospital between Stockton and Fresno, and from the Sierras to the San Francisco Bay Area, with a 394-bed general acute care and a 67-bed inpatient psychiatric capacity.

DMC is known for providing comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and emergency care.

Doctors Medical Center offers a wide range of services including cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, emergency and trauma services, minimally-invasive and robotic surgery, women and childrens services, medical/surgical, behavioral health, oncology and critical/intensive care. Join our team!