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Sutter Health
Santa Barbara, California

Physician, Orthopedic Surgery - Total Joints (Santa Barbara, CA)

Orthopedic SurgeryFull-Time

Listed compensation

$650k-$750k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 1h ago · Verified live

Job Description

Opportunity Information

Lead and Innovate in Orthopedic Surgery in One of California's Most Desirable Coastal Communities! Sansum Medcial Group, part of Sutter Health, is seeking a fellowship-trained Orthopedic Total Joint Replacement Surgeon to join our highly respected, physician-led, multi-specialty medical group in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.

This unique opportunity also offers the chance to serve as Medical Director of our Total Joint Replacement Program, providing both clinical excellence and strategic leadership within a growing orthopedic service line. This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished surgeon with expertise in primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty to build upon an already established comprehensive joint replacement program.

You will practice in a collaborative environment supported by an extensive network of specialists, advanced imaging, rehabilitation services, and an integrated electronic health record, while performing procedures in our state-of-the-art Foothill Ambulatory Surgery Center.

We are seeking a surgeon who is passionate about delivering outstanding patient outcomes and advancing evidence-based, patient-centered care.

As Medical Director, you will play a key role in shaping the future of joint replacement services, driving quality initiatives, expanding outpatient surgical capabilities, and helping establish Sansum Clinic as a premier regional destination for hip and knee replacement care.

Whether you are an experienced physician leader or an established orthopedic surgeon seeking the next step in your career, you'll find the resources, support, and stability needed to grow a successful practice while enjoying the unmatched lifestyle of California's Central Coast.

  • Compensation & Financial Incentives
  • $650,000 - $750,000 annual base salary
  • Additional Stipend for Directorship
  • One year income guarantee

Sign-on Bonus

  • Productivity incentives (opportunity to move to productivity after 6 months!)
  • PSLF-eligible employer
  • Additional Financial Support
  • Home Loan Assistance Program
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance
  • Relocation assistance
  • Covered licensure, DEA, and board certification fees
  • Comprehensive Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • CME allowance
  • Malpractice insurance with tail coverage
  • Disability coverage
  • Generous time away
  • 401(k) with profit sharing
  • Retirement planning resources

Qualifications

  • MD with Directly Related Experience in Orthopedics and Total Joints
  • Excellent Skill Set in both Orthopedic and Total Joint surgeries
  • Board Certified or Board Eligible in Orthopedics
  • DEA Certificate
  • Eligible to Work in the United States
  • CA Licensure or the Ability to Obtain CA Licensure
  • Exceptional Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Join Us and Enjoy
  • Established patient panel with strong community demand
  • Collaborative multispecialty support
  • Integrated care model with shared Epic EHR
  • Dedicated Medical Assistant support
  • Physician-focused culture that values quality care and work-life balance
  • Opportunity to serve a diverse patient population while building lasting relationships

Organization Details

We believe that Sansum Clinic is not just a workplace; it's a community where talented medical professionals come together to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Your skills and dedication can contribute significantly to our mission. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to our growing family of healthcare professionals. Together, let's create a healthier and happier future for our community.

Community Information

Nestled in the heart of California, Santa Barbara stands out as one of the most picturesque communities in the United States. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant atmosphere, it has consistently been recognized as one of the best places to live in the Golden State.

Whether you are a family looking for a welcoming community or a young professional eager to explore new horizons, Santa Barbara has something to offer for everyone. Picture yourself enjoying sunny days at the pristine beaches, exploring scenic trails, and relaxing in beautiful parks.

Indulge in the culinary delights of local restaurants and explore the rich tapestry of wineries that the region has to offer. And let's not forget the weather – an absolute dream with consistent sunshine year-round. Imagine waking up to bright, sunny days that inspire outdoor adventures and a sense of well-being.

Santa Barbara also offers unparalleled convenience with immediate access to a regional airport, ensuring effortless travel with multiple direct flights nationwide. Plus, with a mere 95 miles separating you from the bustling energy of Los Angeles, you have the best of both worlds within easy reach.

Consider making Santa Barbara your home, where every day feels like a celebration of life. If you have any questions or would like more information about this incredible community, please feel free to reach out. Here's to the next year of discovery and joy!

Equal Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Sutter Health and its partners to provide equal employment for all qualified individuals; to prohibit discrimination in employment because of basis of race, color, creed, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, registered domestic partner status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin (including possession of a driver's license issued to individuals who did not present proof of authorized presence in the U.S.), age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or protected veteran status, political affiliation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition, genetic information or any other characteristic made unlawful by local, state or federal law, ordinance or regulation.

We promote the full realization of equal employment opportunities through a positive continuing program within each medical group, company, hospital, department, and service area. Equal employment opportunities apply to every aspect of Sutter's employment policies and practices.

Key Responsibilities

The surgeon will perform primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty while serving as the Medical Director of the Total Joint Replacement Program. Responsibilities include providing clinical excellence, driving quality initiatives, and shaping the strategic future of the orthopedic service line.

Qualifications

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

Certifications

DEA License

Key Skills

Hip arthroplastySurgical leadershipEvidence-based medicineStrategic planning

Orthopedic Surgery — Physician Career Context

For production-based offers, this specialty runs a typical 8,500 wRVUs per year (derived from CMS CPT-frequency data), and WeekdayDoc listings compensate a median of about $48 per wRVU — implying roughly $408k in production-based pay. For reference, the 2026 CMS Medicare conversion factor is $33.40 per RVU.

Orthopedic Surgery by the numbers
MeasureThis jobMarket
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$632k in purchasing powerCalifornia index 110.7 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Orthopedic Surgery listings in California47 active373 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026
Implied production pay~$408k$48/wRVU × 8,500 wRVUsCMS CPT frequencies; WeekdayDoc listing median $/wRVU
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index, BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), CMS Physician Fee Schedule; as of Oct 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

Top Orthopedic Surgeon Jobs

10 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

9 jobs · 7 employers
2
<$435k
1
$520k
3
$570k-705k
3
$705k-840k

Annual compensation range

Work-Life Balance Distribution

10 jobs · 7 employers
0
1-2
0
3-4
1
5-6
9
7-8
0
9-10

Higher = better work-life balance

#1

Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon

MultiCare Health System · Tacoma, Washington

$809k-$838k
#2

Physician, Orthopedic Surgery - Spine (Roseville, CA & Folsom, CA)

Sutter Health · Roseville, California

$700k-$800k
#3

Orthopedic Surgeon | $50K Sign-On & Loan Repayment | Lakewood, NY

$645k-$731k
#4

Physician - Orthopedic Trauma Surgery - Duluth, MN

$622k
+ 8 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 2.8this job 1.5
Better work-life than 20% of Orthopedic Surgery listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 369 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Sutter Health logo

About Sutter Health

Hospitals and Health Care
Sacramento, California
10,000+ employees

Benefits & Perks

One Year Income Guarantee
Sign-On Bonus
Productivity Incentives
PSLF-Eligible Employer
Home Loan Assistance Program
Student Loan Repayment Assistance
Relocation Assistance
Covered Licensure, DEA, and Board Certification Fees

Living in Santa Barbara

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$1.90M≈ 2.9× annual pay
Typical market rent
$3,642/mo≈ 7% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
17 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
108.8
State income tax
Up to 13.3%
Sources & methodology

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

BEA 2024 · Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.