Division Chief of Breast Cancer Surgery – Hackensack University Medical Center, NJ

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is seeking a nationally recognized physician leader to serve as Chief, Division of Breast Cancer Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center, and Co-Director, Breast Cancer Service, John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC). This is a key strategic leadership role responsible for building and overseeing a world-class, multidisciplinary breast and women’s cancer program across the HMH network, grounded in clinical excellence, research innovation, and comprehensive patient care.

The Chief, Division of Breast Cancer Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) and Co-Director of the Breast Cancer Service at John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) will provide visionary leadership for one of the largest cancer programs in the United States.

This individual will:

• Lead the Division of Breast Surgery at HUMC, overseeing clinical, academic, and programmatic development.
• Serve as Co-Director of the Breast Cancer Service, partnering with multidisciplinary colleagues in medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology, genetics, and reconstructive surgery to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care.
• Advance Hackensack’s mission to become the destination of choice for breast cancer care in New Jersey and the Northeast, building a program that rivals the leading national centers.

Job Title:
Chief, Division of Breast Cancer Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center
Co-Director, Breast Cancer Service, John Theurer Cancer Center

Job Reports to Title(s):
Chair, Department of Surgery, HUMC (direct reporting)
Physician-in-Chief, John Theurer Cancer Center (dotted-line reporting)

Location
Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), Hackensack, NJ

Hackensack John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) – A national leader in cancer care

Role & Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Program Growth

• Lead and expand the Division of Breast Surgery at HUMC, ensuring delivery of high-quality, evidence-based surgical care.
• Grow surgical case volume and improve patient access, experience, and outcomes.
• Streamline care coordination and navigation from diagnosis to surgery.
• Work to expand our regional and national footprint.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Partner with breast medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and geneticists to lead a fully integrated, multidisciplinary breast program.
• Enhance JTCC’s reputation as a model of seamless cancer care from high-risk screening to survivorship.

Network Strategy

• Collaborate with leaders across Hackensack Meridian Health’s 18 hospitals to strengthen and harmonize breast cancer services across the network.
• Serve as a system-wide ambassador for breast cancer care, fostering alignment and consistency in quality and outcomes.

Academic Opportunities

• Serve as faculty at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (eligible for appointment at Associate or Full Professor rank).
• Expand educational initiatives, including fellowship and residency training in breast surgery.

Research Leadership

• Leverage leading translational infrastructure through JTCC, CDI, and HICAP to drive innovation in clinical, operative, and research realms.
• Collaborate with the Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) and JTCC clinical research teams to enhance translational science and clinical trial participation, with a focus on neoadjuvant and de-escalation studies.

Community Engagement & Philanthropy

• Serve as a visible ambassador for breast cancer care in New Jersey, engaging with community organizations, advocacy groups, and philanthropic partners (g., Susan G. Komen, NY Giants).
• Partner with Hackensack leadership to advance philanthropic initiatives, marketing efforts, and public outreach.

Operational & Quality Excellence

• Work closely with hospital administration and department chairs to optimize OR access, scheduling, staffing, and support services.
• Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives, ensuring top-quartile performance in surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and access metrics.
• Support system-wide accreditation and regulatory compliance, including National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Physician degree (MD, DO, MBBS, MD/PhD, or equivalent).
• Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency in General Surgery.
• Board Certification in General Surgery.
• Fellowship training in Breast Surgical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, or equivalent expertise in breast cancer surgery.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-fellowship clinical experience in breast surgical oncology.
• Eligible for an unrestricted medical license in the State of New Jersey.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within an academic medical school, cancer center, health system, or equivalent environment.
• Strong commitment to multidisciplinary care and collaboration.
• High Emotional Intelligence (EQ), excellent communication skills, and the ability to unite diverse stakeholders across clinical and administrative settings.
• Proven dedication to clinical quality, education, mentorship, and professional development.
• Eligible for academic appointment at the Associate Professor or Full Professor level at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
• National or regional reputation for excellence in clinical care, research, and/or education in breast cancer.

Preferred Qualifications / Ideal Candidate Profile

• Track record of program-building experience, or a demonstrated ability to lead transformative growth in breast surgical oncology.
• Active regional or national engagement with relevant professional societies and associations (e.g., American Society of Breast Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology, etc.)
• Ability to represent Hackensack and JTCC as a clinical, academic, and community leader.
• Comfortable serving as the public face of the program, with experience engaging donors, philanthropic leaders, health system executives, and advocacy groups (e.g., Susan G. Komen, NY Giants Foundation).
• Experience leading or contributing to clinical trials, translational research, and/or scholarly output.
• Recognized as a collaborative leader with the ability to inspire and align a multidisciplinary team across a large health system.
• Proven mentor and teacher, with a track record of guiding junior faculty, trainees, and staff, and fostering team cohesion.

Why Join Us?

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is New Jersey’s largest, most comprehensive health network, consisting of 18 hospitals, over 500 patient care locations, and a team of more than 36,000 dedicated healthcare professionals. As an academic health system with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and education, HMH provides a dynamic environment for medical professionals to thrive, lead, and make a lasting impact.

• Nationally Recognized Cancer Care – HMH’s John Theurer Cancer Center is a US News & World Report top-ranked cancer center, part of the NCI-designated Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Consortium, and a leader in innovative oncology treatments.
• Cutting-Edge Research & Clinical Trials – HMH is at the forefront of precision medicine, immunotherapy, and molecular oncology, providing access to over 900 active clinical trials across multiple specialties.
• Academic Opportunities – Affiliated with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and top research institutions, HMH offers faculty appointments and mentorship opportunities for training the next generation of oncologists.
• Multidisciplinary Approach – Work alongside world-class experts in surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and research in a highly integrated cancer care environment.
• Commitment to Innovation – HMH is dedicated to pioneering new treatment modalities, AI-driven healthcare advancements, and groundbreaking therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.
• Culture of Excellence & Compassion – With a patient-first approach, HMH is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care in an environment that fosters professional growth and work-life balance.

Institutional Highlights

John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC)

• Recognized as the #1 Cancer Program in New Jersey, and among the Top 50 cancer centers nationwide by S. News & World Report
• Named among America’s Best Cancer Hospitals, ranking #1 in NJ and within the Top 75 nationally by Newsweek
• Home to the Northeast’s largest Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) program, the largest Phase I/first‑in‑human clinical trial portfolio in New Jersey, and an early pioneer in CAR T‑cell therapy
• Member of the Georgetown Lombardi Consortium (NCI‑designated), fostering research and clinical innovation
• Conducts more clinical trials than any other center in New Jersey, including first-in-human programs

Center for Discovery & Innovation (CDI)

• Established in 2019, CDI serves as a world-class translational research hub collocated with HMSOM and leveraging HMH’s clinical strength
• Features the JTCC–CDI Translational Research Office, facilitating rapid bench-to-bedside innovation and clinician-scientist collaboration
• CDI’s researchers achieved the NJ R&D Council Emerging Tech Award in 2024 for pioneering biomarker discovery in early metastatic cancer—a first for HMH

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) System

• New Jersey’s largest integrated health system, comprising 18 hospitals, over 7,000 physicians, and more than 500 care sites across the state
• Its flagship, Hackensack University Medical Center, is the only hospital in NJ ranked among the Top 20 nationally by S. News

Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention & Applied Molecular Medicine (HICAP)

• Launched by JTCC, HICAP is the first statewide program offering comprehensive cancer risk assessment and early detection
• HICAP will expand into a clinical campus adjacent to HMSOM and CDI in 2025, strengthening pathology-to-prevention integration.

The Helena Theurer Pavilion—a 530,000 sq ft, nine-story “smart hospital” featuring world-class surgical and critical care facilities.

About Hackensack Meridian Health

Hackensack Meridian Health System

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive not-for-profit health care network, serving over 6 million residents across the region. Formed in 2016 through the merger of Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health, HMH encompasses 18 hospitals (including three academic medical centers), more than 500 patient care locations, 36,000 team members, and over 7,000 physicians. The system invests heavily in innovation, with significant capital commitments for facilities and technology, and is recognized for its commitment to health equity, including cultural competency training and community partnerships.

Mission
Transform health care and be recognized as the leader of positive change.

Vision
Innovation is in our DNA, compelling us to create a world where: the highest quality care is human-centered, accessible and affordable; we deliver outcomes that matter most; and excellence is the standard. We believe in being creative, courageous, compassionate, collaborative and connected.

The modern HUMC exterior, ranked #1 in New Jersey, offering a premier setting for the Chief of Breast Cancer Surgery role.

Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC)

Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), located in Hackensack, New Jersey, is the flagship hospital of the Hackensack Meridian Health network and the primary base for the Chief of Breast Cancer Surgery. As a 781-bed, not-for-profit, tertiary care, and academic medical center, HUMC is ranked #1 in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026, with national rankings in 10 adult specialties, including Cancer (#37). It serves as the central hub for the John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) and the Department of Surgery, housing advanced facilities such as 24 state-of-the-art operating rooms, da Vinci Xi robotic systems, and cutting-edge diagnostic technologies like 3D mammography and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM).

The Chief will be based at HUMC, leading the Division of Breast Surgery and collaborating with JTCC’s multidisciplinary teams to deliver world-class breast cancer care. HUMC’s academic environment, integrated with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, supports the Chief’s leadership in clinical innovation, residency and fellowship training, and translational research. Its proximity to New York City and robust referral network across HMH’s 18 hospitals position HUMC as the epicenter for the Chief’s strategic, clinical, and academic initiatives, driving excellence in breast cancer care across the region.

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine’s largest class of future physicians, underscoring the institution’s commitment to education and academic excellence—key partners for the next Chief of Breast Cancer Surgery.

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM)

The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM), established in 2015 in Nutley, New Jersey, as the first private medical school in the state in decades, became independent in 2020 and is tightly integrated with the HMH network for clinical education and research. Its innovative curriculum, centered on the Human Dimension Course, emphasizes human-centered care, early clinical exposure, and social determinants of health, supported by a 20-acre campus dedicated to health science research. HMSOM has welcomed its eighth cohort of students, demonstrating steady growth, and its faculty and students contribute to high-profile research, including over 1,000 publications in journals like Nature and Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.

For breast cancer surgeons, HMSOM offers academic advancement with eligibility for Associate or Full Professor appointments, mentorship of students during clinical rotations at hubs like HUMC, and leadership in residency and fellowship programs. Its research focus aligns with breast oncology, supporting clinical trials and collaborations with the Center for Discovery and Innovation for biomarker discovery and personalized treatments, bolstered by grants like $1.1 million from the New Jersey Health Foundation in 2025.

Hackensack Meridian Health surgeons with state-of-the-art robotic surgery technology, reflecting the department’s commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care.

Department of Surgery

The Department of Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) is a high-volume, academically oriented division comprising over 100 surgeons across specialties, performing more than 20,000 procedures annually. It hosts a 5-year ACGME-accredited General Surgery Residency Program with 25 residents, emphasizing advanced training in minimally invasive, robotic, and oncologic surgery. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including 24 operating rooms, da Vinci Xi robotic systems, and hybrid ORs for complex cases.

Leadership and community partners celebrate the opening of Hackensack Meridian Health’s state-of-the-art Center for Breast Cancer Care.

Division of Breast Surgery

The Division of Breast Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) is a nationally recognized, high-volume program accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Performing over 1,000 procedures annually, the division excels in oncoplastic techniques to achieve optimal oncologic and cosmetic outcomes, supported by advanced technologies like SAVI SCOUT® for precise tumor localization, contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT).

Surgeons collaborate seamlessly with John Theurer Cancer Center’s multidisciplinary team, including medical and radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, genetic counselors, and supportive care specialists, ensuring comprehensive, patient-centered care from diagnosis to survivorship.

Clinical Services and Expertise

• Breast-Conserving Surgery: Outpatient lumpectomies utilizing SAVI SCOUT® for precise localization of nonpalpable tumors, integrated with radiation oncology for optimal outcomes.
• Mastectomy Procedures: Modified radical, skin-sparing, and nipple-sparing mastectomies, with options for immediate or delayed reconstruction.
• Breast Reconstruction: Collaborative efforts with plastic surgeons using autologous tissue or implants for personalized reconstructive outcomes.
• Lymph Node Procedures: Sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary node dissection for accurate staging and treatment planning.
• Survivorship Care: Comprehensive long-term surveillance, including nutrition, psychosocial support, and lymphedema therapy to enhance patient quality of life.

Opportunities for the Incoming Surgeon

• Lead a high-volume, nationally recognized program with a robust referral base across HMH’s 18-hospital network.
• Drive academic initiatives, including fellowship and residency training in breast surgical oncology, with eligibility for Associate or Full Professor appointment at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
• Innovate in breast surgical oncology through quality improvement initiatives, achieving top-quartile patient satisfaction (95th percentile, Press Ganey surveys).
• Collaborate with JTCC on clinical trials, neoadjuvant and de-escalation studies, and translational research, supported by the Center for Discovery and Innovation.
• Serve as a mentor and leader, fostering team cohesion and advancing patient-centered care in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.

Breast Cancer Program at Hackensack

Centered at the John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) and integrated with HMH’s Breast Health Program, the Breast Cancer Program is New Jersey’s largest, delivering comprehensive care for benign and malignant conditions. It emphasizes early detection with 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast MRI, automated breast ultrasound (ABUS), and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), improving detection rates by up to 40% in dense breasts. Treatment options span the full spectrum, from personalized chemotherapy based on tumor genetics and hormonal therapy for ER+ or PR+ tumors, to advanced radiation therapies like accelerated hypofractionated radiation, brachytherapy, IGRT, IMRT, and prone radiation to spare healthy tissues, alongside surgical options such as lumpectomy (outpatient in 70% of cases) and nipple-sparing mastectomies with immediate reconstruction.

The Hackensack Center for Breast Cancer/Women’s Health serves as a hub for high-risk screening, genetic counseling (testing via BRCA and multigene panels), and survivorship services, including lymphedema therapy, psychosocial support, and nutrition programs. Multidisciplinary tumor boards review cases weekly, ensuring personalized plans that incorporate genomic profiling and access to clinical trials focused on reducing complications and recurrence. Dedicated navigators support patients from diagnosis through survivorship, decreasing time to treatment and enhancing outcomes in a convenient, integrated environment across New Jersey and the Greater New York Metropolitan Area.

John Theurer Cancer Center

The John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) at Hackensack University Medical Center is a nationally renowned oncology institution, ranked #1 in New Jersey for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026 and recognized as New Jersey’s only nationally ranked cancer center. As part of the NCI-designated Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Consortium (one of only 56 such centers in the U.S.), JTCC offers cutting-edge treatments, innovative clinical trials, and world-class research collaborations, including partnerships with Memorial Sloan Kettering.

The center presented findings from 32 studies at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, highlighting advancements in precision medicine, immunotherapy, and CAR T-cell therapy, and has been the first U.S. site for groundbreaking trials, such as those combining checkpoint inhibitors post-transplant.

JTCC’s recently expanded facility, following a $14 million renovation in 2025, features specialized divisions for breast oncology, with multidisciplinary teams achieving high adherence to national quality metrics and improved patient outcomes through AI-driven predictive analytics.

The John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC), part of Hackensack University Medical Center, is a nationally recognized leader in cancer care. It is consistently ranked among the top cancer programs in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report and is known for its comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to oncology.

“As one of the most prominent cancer programs nationwide, we are committed to transforming cancer care, expanding our specialized services to give more patients access to extraordinary care, and to delivering tomorrow’s cures today.” 

– Andre Goy, M.D., M.S. Chairman & Executive Director

For breast cancer leaders, JTCC provides unparalleled infrastructure, including phase I trial programs at multiple sites, a focus on translational research that has led to numerous ongoing studies in solid tumors, and opportunities to drive innovation in patient-centered care.

Hackensack Meridian Health’s Center for Discovery and Innovation connects academic, clinical, and commercial research—a powerful ecosystem where the next Chief of Breast Cancer Surgery can advance translational science in breast oncology.

Center for Discovery & Innovation (CDI)

The Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI), established in 2019 as part of Hackensack Meridian Health, is a state-of-the-art research facility in Nutley, New Jersey, dedicated to translating basic science into clinical applications.

With over 100 scientists and faculty who have published more than 2,500 peer-reviewed papers in leading journals such as Science, Nature, and the New England Journal of Medicine, CDI focuses on key areas including cancer (solid tumors like breast cancer), infectious diseases, and immunology.

Hackensack Meridian Health’s CDI supports 34 investigators, 10+ core facilities, and $45M in NIH awards—resources available to the next Chief of Breast Cancer Surgery to drive breast oncology research.

The center has secured substantial funding, including a $37.8 million, 5-year NIH grant in 2025 for drug discovery through its Centers of Excellence for Translational Research (CETR) drug accelerator group, and a $33 million NIH CETR grant for therapeutic countermeasures. CDI’s oncology research emphasizes biomarker discovery, immunotherapy strategies, and extracellular vesicle-based diagnostics, with spin-off companies like EValuate Diagnostics advancing early cancer detection.

Collaborations with JTCC enable seamless bench-to-bedside translation, such as immunology projects funded by the Memorial Sloan Kettering-HMH partnership.

For breast cancer surgeons, CDI provides access to advanced labs for neoadjuvant therapy studies, AI-integrated genomics, and award-winning research—such as Dr. Olivier Loudig’s 2024 NJ R&D Council Emerging Tech Award for cancer biomarkers in breast, lung, prostate, and bladder cancers—fostering innovative programs to improve patient outcomes.

Research & Clinical Trials Opportunities

As Chief, you will spearhead research initiatives within a network that leads New Jersey in clinical trials, with JTCC participating in numerous oncology studies and HMH’s Research Institute recognized as a top research center.

Breast-specific opportunities include leading neoadjuvant and de-escalation trials, with high enrollment rates, and collaborating on precision medicine via genomic testing. Infrastructure includes biorepositories, AI platforms for outcome prediction, and phase I programs at multiple sites, supported by grants like the $1.1 million from the New Jersey Health Foundation in 2025 for HMH research projects, enabling transformative growth in translational science.

Rankings and Recognitions

HUMC is ranked #1 in New Jersey, #1 in the NY/NJ metro area, and top 20 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026, with national rankings in 10 adult specialties, including Cancer (#37).  JTCC is recognized as New Jersey’s only nationally ranked cancer center, part of the elite NCI-designated Lombardi Consortium. HMH ranks #1 on Diversity Inc.’s “Top Hospitals & Health Systems” for 2023, emphasizing an inclusive environment.

Where You’ll Live

Hackensack, New Jersey
Located in Bergen County, Hackensack offers a dynamic mix of urban convenience and suburban charm. Just 12 miles from New York City, it provides easy access to world-class dining, entertainment, and cultural institutions while maintaining a strong sense of community. The city is home to top-rated schools, diverse neighborhoods, and an array of parks and recreational facilities. With its proximity to major highways, public transit options, and three major airports, Hackensack is an ideal location for professionals and families alike.

Housing options range from luxury high-rise apartments with stunning Manhattan skyline views to historic homes in charming residential areas. The town has undergone significant revitalization, with an expanding downtown area featuring restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected total compensation range for this position is based on AAMC Salary Data that ranges from the 50^th to the 75^th percentile in accordance with the hired physician’s commensurate experience and qualifications. The total annual compensation range for this role is $781,776- $901,136. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package.

The starting base salary is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted base salary based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to:

• Specialization: Area of specialization and sub-specialization.
• Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
• Experience: Years of relevant experience in the areas of specialization and sub-specialization.
• Leadership: Relevant experience as a department chair or chief, practice group leader, or other leadership roles.
• Education and Certifications: Degrees attained, residencies, fellowships, board certifications, research, and publications.
• Productivity: Levels of productivity, quality and patient satisfaction.
• Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.
• Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.
• Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the specialty and/or sub-specialty.
• Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.

In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits. The final compensation and benefits package will be discussed during the interview process.

How To Apply

Hackensack Meridian Health has retained the services of Academic Med to assist with this strategically important search. The search for this esteemed position is being conducted by Academic Med Principals, Gentry Zacheis & Jim Hagood. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be handled with confidentiality. Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae to:

• Jim Hagood, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Academic Med via email (ji*@**********ed.com)

EEO/AA Statement

We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout our organization. As a result of our network-wide efforts, Hackensack Meridian Health has been named No. 1 in the U.S. on Diversity Inc.’s “Top Hospitals & Health Systems” list for 2023. Hackensack Meridian Health’s Health Equity Strategy emphasizes:

• Cultural competency training
• Data collection and stratification
• Dimensions of team member well-being
• Diversity and inclusion in leadership and governance
• Strengthening community partnerships

Our commitment to DEI is one of our seven strategic priorities, emphasizing the importance of an equitable and inclusive environment.