Cardiac Surgery Intensivist

Position Summary

The Cardiac Surgery Intensivist reports to the Chief of Cardiac Surgery and is responsible for providing high-level critical care for patients requiring intensive monitoring and management following cardiac surgery as well as those experiencing acute and severe cardiac conditions. This role involves overseeing the management of critically ill patients in Cardiac Surgery and collaborating closely with cardiac surgeons, advanced practice providers (APPs), anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and other specialists to deliver optimal care. The intensivist plays a central role in the peri‑ and post‑operative management of heart surgery patients, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve surgeries, heart transplants, and other advanced procedures. The position requires advanced expertise in cardiac surgery, cardiology, and critical care, with the ability to manage complex high‑acuity patients and navigate multidisciplinary care teams to ensure the best outcomes for patients.

Brown University Health employees are expected to embrace BUH’s mission of "Delivering health with care" and role‑model BUH’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence in everyday patient, customer, and colleague interactions.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct critical care management of cardiac surgery patients, including those recovering from CABG, valve repair or replacement, heart transplantation, and other complex cardiac procedures with mechanical circulatory support.
• Manage patients with acute cardiac conditions such as acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Oversee hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management, renal replacement therapy, and cardiopulmonary support (e.g., intra‑aortic balloon pumps, ECMO) for critically ill cardiac patients.
• Address post‑surgical complications such as bleeding, infection, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and organ dysfunction in a cardiac surgery recovery setting.
• Provide expert consultation for management of acute heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, electrolyte disturbances, and severe respiratory distress in critically ill patients.
• Work collaboratively with cardiac surgeons, APPs, and cardiologists to ensure coordinated care, particularly in complex or unstable patients requiring intensive monitoring and therapy.
• Serve as a leader within the multidisciplinary ICU team, ensuring patient care plans are effective, evidence‑based, and aligned with best practices.
• Facilitate communication between cardiac surgery, cardiology, and critical care departments to improve coordination across the continuum for patients requiring both cardiac surgery and intensive care.
• Participate in daily rounds with surgical and cardiology teams to assess the ongoing care needs of critically ill cardiac patients.
• Supervise and collaborate with APPs, fellows, residents, nurses, and ICU staff to enhance care and clinical education in cardiac surgery and cardiology ICU settings.
• Contribute to development and implementation of clinical protocols and care pathways for patients on the cardiac surgery service, ensuring evidence‑based practices and standardized care.
• Lead quality improvement efforts by monitoring clinical outcomes, reviewing morbidity and mortality data, and initiating projects aimed at improving patient care and outcomes.
• Ensure best practices in managing postoperative complications, including early extubation, early mobilization, and prevention of ventilator‑associated pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and nosocomial infections.
• Monitor performance metrics and assist in developing strategies to optimize ICU resource use while enhancing patient care quality.
• Provide education and mentorship to APPs, residents, fellows, nurses, and other ICU staff in the management of cardiac surgery patients and complex cardiac conditions.
• Lead teaching rounds, case discussions, and other educational activities in critical care within cardiac surgery for clinical and non‑clinical staff.
• Ensure clinical staff stay updated with the latest guidelines, research, and technological advancements in the management of cardiac patients in critical care settings.
• Participate in institutional education initiatives and help shape curriculum content focused on the intersection of cardiology, cardiac surgery, and critical care.
• Participate in clinical research initiatives aimed at improving the care of cardiac surgery patients and critically ill cardiology patients, focusing on innovative treatments, therapies, and outcomes.
• Support and contribute to research studies on topics such as heart failure management, cardiac surgery outcomes, ECMO, and peri‑/post‑operative recovery.
• Present findings from research, quality improvement, or clinical initiatives at conferences and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Encourage a culture of research and evidence‑based practice within the ICU, fostering collaboration between critical care, cardiology, and cardiac surgery teams.
• Contribute to review of ICU policies and protocols, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and accreditation guidelines.
• Engage in operational efforts to improve patient flow, discharge planning, and ICU bed utilization, optimizing throughput while maintaining high standards of care.
• Maintain a high level of professional practice in compliance with hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and clinical governance standards.
• Assist in conducting peer reviews and mortality and morbidity meetings to analyze adverse events, identify systemic issues, and implement improvements.
• Ensure patient safety, infection control, and risk management protocols are consistently followed across both cardiac surgery and cardiology ICU settings.
• Engage with patients and families regarding management and disease processes to ensure communication and understanding during hospitalization, both peri‑ and post‑procedure.

Basic Knowledge

• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
• Board certification in Critical Care Medicine or Surgery, Cardiology, or Cardiothoracic Surgery (or equivalent).
• Fellowship training in Cardiac Critical Care, Cardiology, or Cardiothoracic Surgery.
• Proven leadership and experience working in a multidisciplinary ICU environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Experience

• Experience in peri/post‑operative cardiac surgery care, including management of complex cases in cardiac intensive care and use of advanced cardiac life support modalities such as ECMO, IABP, and LVAD.

Work Details

• Location: Rhode Island Hospital – 593 Eddy Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
• Work Type: variable
• Work Shift: Variable
• Daily Hours: 8 and 12 hours
• Driving Required: No

EEO Statement

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.