Surgical Medical Director and Recovery Surgeon

LifeSource Donation Services (dba LifeSource) is seeking a Surgical Medical Director and Recovery Surgeon in Minneapolis, MN, to lead the surgical recovery of abdominal organs from deceased donors for transplantation and research. This role is central to ensuring the safe and effective recovery of donor organs while advancing clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and transplant outcomes. The Surgical Medical Director and Recovery Surgeon participates in quality assurance and process improvement and research activities aimed at increasing donation and improving transplant outcomes. This role is responsible for the overall medical aspects of recovery services and operational practices for LifeSource.Primary responsibilities include:Lead and perform surgical recovery of abdominal organs-incl. kidneys-from deceased donors, ensuring procedures meet national and organizational standards.Perform intraoperative donor assessments, incl. inspection of the abdominal cavity for abnormalities and determining the need for pathological evaluation.Obtain and interpret organ biopsies, kidneys in particular, in collaboration with donor hospital pathology teams to assess organ suitability.Conduct sterile packaging of recovered organs in accordance with regulatory guidelines; assist in labeling, perfusion, and preservation procedures.Provide intraoperative anatomical assessments to LifeSource staff, incl. documentation of organ quality, abnormalities, and surgical findings to support transplant team decision-making.Provide operational leadership for the administration and practice of Normothermic Regional Perfusion, ensuring that all related policies, procedures, and competencies are maintained.Oversee the clinical and medical aspects of organ recovery processes and ensure compliance with CMS, UNOS, AOPO, and LifeSource protocols.Participate in the investigation and documentation of clinical issues, incl. adverse outcomes, positive infectious disease test results, and team member injuries or exposures during recovery.Review and advise on organ and tissue donor medical records to ensure clinical and regulatory compliance.Review and update LifeSource donor eligibility policies and recovery protocols.Provide real-time consultation with OPO staff, transplant physicians, and recovery teams regarding donor assessment, organ viability, and recovery logistics.Serve as the primary medical authority for organ recovery, providing strategic guidance to LifeSource's recovery and clinical teams.Lead the Recovery Surgeon Qualification Program, incl. ongoing performance review, credentialing, and adherence to LifeSource and national standards.Serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and the Clinical Policy Board (CPB).Participate in organ-specific working groups and initiatives to advance best practices in organ recovery and utilization.Collaborate with CPB and leadership in policy review, corrective action planning, and assessment of technical performance standards.Lead the internal Research Committee and participate in external research initiatives and contribute to LifeSource's research agenda through study design, data interpretation, and publication of findings aimed at increasing organ donation and improving transplant success.Represent LifeSource at natl. and regional meetings, incl. UNOS, OPTN, AOPO, and other professional associations.Develop and maintain relationships with transplant surgeons, physicians, and hospital partners.Support public and media relations, representing LifeSource's clinical voice in donation-related initiatives and campaigns.Ensure policies, procedures, and team competencies are maintained for advanced organ preservation techniques.Maintain knowledge of evolving transplant practices, regulations, and performance standards, and integrate innovations into LifeSource's clinical operations.The position requires a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree, or an equivalent foreign degree. The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of clinical experience specifically in abdominal organ transplantation, including pancreas, liver, or kidney transplants. The candidate must have completed one or more fellowships accredited by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) approved for pancreas, liver, and kidney transplantation. Additionally, the candidate must have a demonstrated record of research and academic scholarship, including authorship or co-authorship of at least ten (10) peer-reviewed publications in academic journals.Substantial travel (at least 25%) to cover the entire LifeSource donation area with occasional overnight stays. Our donation service area includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and portions of Western Wisconsin. There are currently over 280 hospitals and 9 transplant centers within the LifeSource donation service area.Salary: $384,000/year plus eligibility for bonus and long-term incentives. Benefits include health, vision, dental, and life insurance, PTO, 401k, 457b, HSA, and more.Please apply online at or send resume to Nordeen Gangani, ngangani@ Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-04-15