OPT Orthopedic Surgeon Jobs
Orthopedic surgeon roles are among the most competitive and heavily credentialed positions in U.S. medicine. F-1 OPT students who have completed a U.S. residency or fellowship can pursue these roles, but employer sponsorship for H-1B visa or J-1 visa waiver positions is essential. STEM OPT extension does not apply to medical degrees.
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Get Access To All JobsEmployment Type: Full time
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Description:
Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon – Join a Growing, High-Performing Team
MercyOne Genesis is seeking a BC/BE Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon to join our expanding orthopedic team. This is an exciting opportunity to be a foundational member of a new and rapidly growing orthopedic practice, with the autonomy to shape and elevate a comprehensive sports medicine program in a vibrant, active community. We are looking for a fellowship-trained sports surgeon skilled in advanced arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, shoulder and knee surgery, and comprehensive care for athletes and active adults. With a strong referral network, dedicated OR access, and robust APP support, you’ll step into immediate case volume and a practice designed for long-term success.
Why You’ll Love This Role
Build something exceptional. You’ll have the opportunity to design and grow a premier sports medicine program—from clinical pathways to community partnerships with local schools, colleges, and athletic organizations.
High-volume case potential. With a broad regional patient base and strong primary care integration, you’ll see immediate demand across shoulder, knee, and general sports injuries.
Collaborative care model. Work closely with physical therapy, athletic trainers, primary care sports medicine, emergency medicine, anesthesia, and pain management to support optimal outcomes.
Enjoy balance and support. A predictable schedule, shared call, and strong institutional backing help you thrive personally and professionally.
Position Highlights
- Level III Trauma Center
- Shared evening and weekend call (1:8)
- Dedicated Advanced Practice Provider support
- Strong referral base from primary care, urgent care, and local athletic programs
- Excellent OR access and highly collaborative multispecialty environment
Qualifications
- MD or DO
- Fellowship trained in Orthopedic Sports Medicine
- ABOS Board Certified or Board Eligible required
- Ability to obtain Iowa and Illinois medical licenses
- Strong arthroscopic and open sports surgery skills (shoulder, knee, hip optional)
- Excellent communication and team collaboration skills
- Open to graduating fellows and experienced surgeons
Compensation & Benefits
- Two-year guaranteed salary: $739,410, with production beginning at 10,650 wRVUs
- Straight production model beginning year 3
- Potential to earn $1M+ annually
- $100,000 recruitment incentive
- Relocation assistance up to $15,000
- Generous time off: 4 weeks PTO, 1 week CME, 6 paid holidays
- $6,000 annual CME allowance
- Comprehensive benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability - Benefits start day one!
- 401(k) with match + 457(b)
- Professional liability coverage
- PSLF eligible
- Autonomy to build the practice you envision with the support of a cohesive medical group and strong leadership
A Community You’ll Love
Situated along the beautiful Mississippi River, the Quad Cities offer an unmatched blend of affordability, convenience, and culture. Enjoy:
- Safe, welcoming neighborhoods
- Top-rated public and private schools
- A vibrant arts and festival scene
- The Niabi Zoo, extensive riverfront trails, museums, and outdoor recreation
- Quick, convenient travel through the Quad Cities Airport
- 2.5 hours to Chicago and 1 hour to the University of Iowa
The Quad Cities offer the perfect balance of professional opportunity, active lifestyle, and community connection.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Type: Full time
Shift:
Description:
Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon – Join a Growing, High-Performing Team
MercyOne Genesis is seeking a BC/BE Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon to join our expanding orthopedic team. This is an exciting opportunity to be a foundational member of a new and rapidly growing orthopedic practice, with the autonomy to shape and elevate a comprehensive sports medicine program in a vibrant, active community. We are looking for a fellowship-trained sports surgeon skilled in advanced arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, shoulder and knee surgery, and comprehensive care for athletes and active adults. With a strong referral network, dedicated OR access, and robust APP support, you’ll step into immediate case volume and a practice designed for long-term success.
Why You’ll Love This Role
Build something exceptional. You’ll have the opportunity to design and grow a premier sports medicine program—from clinical pathways to community partnerships with local schools, colleges, and athletic organizations.
High-volume case potential. With a broad regional patient base and strong primary care integration, you’ll see immediate demand across shoulder, knee, and general sports injuries.
Collaborative care model. Work closely with physical therapy, athletic trainers, primary care sports medicine, emergency medicine, anesthesia, and pain management to support optimal outcomes.
Enjoy balance and support. A predictable schedule, shared call, and strong institutional backing help you thrive personally and professionally.
Position Highlights
- Level III Trauma Center
- Shared evening and weekend call (1:8)
- Dedicated Advanced Practice Provider support
- Strong referral base from primary care, urgent care, and local athletic programs
- Excellent OR access and highly collaborative multispecialty environment
Qualifications
- MD or DO
- Fellowship trained in Orthopedic Sports Medicine
- ABOS Board Certified or Board Eligible required
- Ability to obtain Iowa and Illinois medical licenses
- Strong arthroscopic and open sports surgery skills (shoulder, knee, hip optional)
- Excellent communication and team collaboration skills
- Open to graduating fellows and experienced surgeons
Compensation & Benefits
- Two-year guaranteed salary: $739,410, with production beginning at 10,650 wRVUs
- Straight production model beginning year 3
- Potential to earn $1M+ annually
- $100,000 recruitment incentive
- Relocation assistance up to $15,000
- Generous time off: 4 weeks PTO, 1 week CME, 6 paid holidays
- $6,000 annual CME allowance
- Comprehensive benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability - Benefits start day one!
- 401(k) with match + 457(b)
- Professional liability coverage
- PSLF eligible
- Autonomy to build the practice you envision with the support of a cohesive medical group and strong leadership
A Community You’ll Love
Situated along the beautiful Mississippi River, the Quad Cities offer an unmatched blend of affordability, convenience, and culture. Enjoy:
- Safe, welcoming neighborhoods
- Top-rated public and private schools
- A vibrant arts and festival scene
- The Niabi Zoo, extensive riverfront trails, museums, and outdoor recreation
- Quick, convenient travel through the Quad Cities Airport
- 2.5 hours to Chicago and 1 hour to the University of Iowa
The Quad Cities offer the perfect balance of professional opportunity, active lifestyle, and community connection.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
See all 37+ OPT Orthopedic Surgeon Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Orthopedic Surgeon
Target teaching hospitals and academic medical centers
Academic medical centers like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins routinely sponsor foreign-trained physicians. They have established immigration infrastructure and are far more likely to support H-1B visa petitions than private practices or smaller community hospitals.
Understand your OPT timeline relative to residency completion
OPT begins after your degree program ends, not after residency. Most orthopedic surgeons will have transitioned to J-1 visa or H-1B during training. Confirm your current work authorization status before applying to attending-level positions to avoid authorization gaps.
Ask about J-1 waiver sponsorship in underserved areas
Orthopedic surgeons who completed residency on a J-1 visa may qualify for Conrad 30 waivers by committing to work in federally designated underserved areas. Many hospitals in rural or shortage areas actively recruit international physicians specifically for this pathway.
Confirm your ECFMG certification and state medical license are current
No hospital will begin H-1B sponsorship without valid ECFMG certification and an active state medical license. Delays in either document directly stall the sponsorship process, so have both in order before reaching the offer stage with employers.
Work with an immigration attorney alongside your hospital's legal team
Hospital credentialing and visa sponsorship involve separate legal processes that often run in parallel. Having your own immigration attorney review the H-1B petition terms protects your interests, even when the employer covers filing costs through their in-house legal team.
Negotiate H-1B premium processing into your offer
Standard H-1B processing can take three to six months. If your OPT expiration is approaching, negotiating premium processing into your employment offer gives you a 15-business-day adjudication window and significantly reduces the risk of a work authorization gap at your start date.
Orthopedic Surgeon OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an orthopedic surgeon on F-1 OPT?
Yes, but the path is narrow. OPT authorizes work directly related to your degree program, so this only applies if your degree is in medicine and your OPT was activated after completing that program. Most orthopedic surgeons in residency or fellowship are on J-1 or H-1B status, not OPT. If you are on OPT and have completed your MD, you can work in a qualifying orthopedic role, but you'll need an employer willing to sponsor your next visa before OPT expires.
Does the STEM OPT 24-month extension apply to orthopedic surgery?
No. STEM OPT extension applies only to degrees classified under the Department of Homeland Security's STEM Designated Degree Program List. Medical degrees, including MD and DO programs, are not on that list. Orthopedic surgery graduates do not qualify for the 24-month extension, which means the standard 12-month OPT window applies. Planning your H-1B or J-1 waiver transition well before that deadline is critical.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor an orthopedic surgeon on H-1B?
Teaching hospitals, academic medical centers, and large health systems are the strongest candidates. Institutions like university-affiliated hospitals and multispecialty group practices have dedicated immigration teams and a track record of H-1B sponsorship for physicians. Smaller private practices rarely have the legal infrastructure to manage physician sponsorship. Browse orthopedic surgery roles with visa sponsorship on Migrate Mate to identify employers actively hiring international candidates.
What is the J-1 waiver and how does it apply to orthopedic surgeons?
If you completed residency or fellowship on a J-1 exchange visitor visa, you're subject to a two-year home residency requirement before you can change to H-1B or green card status. A J-1 waiver removes that requirement. Orthopedic surgeons can pursue waivers through the Conrad 30 program by committing to work in a health professional shortage area for a minimum of three years. State health departments administer Conrad 30 applications, and slots fill quickly each year.
How long does H-1B sponsorship take for a physician role, and will it align with my OPT end date?
Standard H-1B processing takes three to six months after filing. H-1B cap-subject petitions can only be filed once per year, with the fiscal year starting October 1. If your OPT expires before your H-1B takes effect, you may face a gap in work authorization. Many hospitals filing for physicians use cap-exempt status under INA provisions for nonprofit or educational institutions, which allows filing year-round and avoids the lottery. Confirm cap-exempt eligibility with your employer early in the hiring process.