Surgical Oncologist -Bakersfield, CA

Adventist Health Medical Group – Bakersfield, CA

Adventist Health is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Surgical Oncologist to join our multidisciplinary cancer care team in Bakersfield, California. This role offers the opportunity to build and grow a comprehensive surgical oncology practice while delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in a collaborative, hospital-based environment.

About the Role

The Surgical Oncologist will be responsible for diagnosing, staging, and surgically treating a wide range of cancers. This position works closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.

This is a primarily hospital-based role with access to advanced surgical technology and a strong referral network within a growing community.

Candidate must be BC/BE, be California licensed or eligible and meet the hospital’s medical staff credentialing standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform complex oncologic surgeries, including tumor resections and minimally invasive procedures
• Evaluate, diagnose, and stage cancer using clinical assessment and diagnostic testing
• Develop and implement comprehensive, individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative care, including inpatient rounding and follow-up
• Participate in tumor boards and case conferences
• Coordinate care with oncology, radiology, pathology, and support services
• Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatment options, and surgical risks/benefits
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and clinical program development
• Stay current with advances in surgical oncology techniques and cancer care

Schedule & Practice Model

• Full-time position
• Combination of OR time, clinic, and inpatient responsibilities
• Shared call coverage (details based on team structure)
• Established referral base with opportunity to grow subspecialty focus (e.g., breast, GI, hepatobiliary, melanoma)

Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Generous PTO and CME allowance
• Loan repayment assistance eligibility (PSLF-qualified employer)
• Malpractice coverage with tail
• Licensing and certification reimbursement

Candidate Requirements

• MD or DO degree from an accredited institution
• Board-certified or board-eligible in General Surgery
• Fellowship training in Surgical Oncology required
• Active California medical license (or eligibility)
• Experience with advanced surgical techniques (laparoscopic and/or robotic preferred)
• Commitment to multidisciplinary, patient-centered cancer care
• Strong clinical judgment, communication, and teamwork skills

Why Bakersfield?

• One of California’s fastest-growing cities, offering a strong and expanding patient base
• Significantly lower cost of living than coastal California, with more affordable housing and shorter commutes
• Family-friendly community with a welcoming, down-to-earth culture
• Rich agricultural roots and a diverse population, providing meaningful opportunities to serve underserved communities
• Access to outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, and proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains and national parks
• Convenient location with easy access to Los Angeles, the Central Coast, and weekend getaway destinations
• Growing arts, music, and food scene, along with local events and community festivals
• Expanding healthcare infrastructure, creating opportunities to build and shape oncology services in the region

About Adventist Health

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 80 communities across the West Coast and Hawaii. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, whole-person care and improving the health of the communities we serve.

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations, including, but not limited to, measles, mumps, flu (based on the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine typically during October-March each year), COVID-19 vaccine (required in CA and HI) or the option of COVID-19 vaccine or weekly testing (required in OR), etc., as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.