OPT Reconstructive Surgeon Jobs
Reconstructive surgeon roles on OPT require employer sponsorship for H-1B visa or O-1 visas, and most hiring happens through hospital systems and academic medical centers. Your 12-month OPT window is tight given surgical fellowship timelines, so STEM extension eligibility depends on your specific degree program.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center seeks an adult reconstructive surgeon to join four other orthopedic surgeons (1 Arthroplasty, 1 Foot & Ankle, 1 Shoulder, 1 Sports Medicine) in a well-established, busy, hospital-employed, and single-office practice. The surgeons are supported by 1:1 PAs and NPs; skilled anesthesiologists, well-trained surgical technologists, hospitalists, and a nursing staff that completes our team. A strong orthopedic trauma program, with (4) surgeons, complements our practice.
American Board-certification/board-eligibility in orthopedics and fellowship training in Adult Reconstructive Surgery required.
Position highlights:
- Hospital-employed opportunity at a regional tertiary care center
- New graduates welcome
- On-site X-ray and MRI
- Multidisciplinary orthopedic team with Sports Medicine, Oncology/MSK, Pediatrics, and Athletic Training support
- Dedicated OR block time in Main OR and ASC
- State-of-the-art operating suites
- In-house PT, OT, and Wound Care services
Compensation Information:
- $780,000 annual base salary with the ability to earn additional compensation based on productivity.
- The compensation range listed reflects the range Northern Light Health anticipates relying on in setting the wages for the position. The range may not necessarily include all additional compensation elements available, including but not limited to call pay, leadership stipends, etc.
Schedule:
- Weekdays 8:00am to 4:30pm (mixed between surgery and clinic)
- NO ER call responsibility.
Why Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center?
- Robust benefits package
- Sign-on and relocation bonuses
- Substantial student loan reimbursement – 20k/year with no maximum
- Flexible schedules and generous PTO for work/life balance
About us:
Regional Tertiary Care and ACS Verified Level II Trauma Center: We are a comprehensive, 411-bed medical center serving as the referral center for a patient population of 500,000 in the northern two-thirds of the state’s geography. The hospital is a base for LifeFlight of Maine, a critical care air transportation service flying nearly 900 missions per year.
Vibrant Small City: As one of Maine’s major urban centers, Bangor serves as the regional hub for medicine, arts, and commerce. Unwind in our historic downtown filled with shopping, bars and restaurants; take in a concert on the picturesque waterfront; or enjoy the vibrant cultural scene with a show at the Bangor Symphony Orchestra.
Adventure Awaits: Outdoor recreational activities are abundant during all four seasons. You’ll enjoy easy access to lakes, mountains and many state parks; and it’s only a short commute to miles of beautiful coastline as well as Acadia National Park.
Family Friendly: Bangor was rated one of the top cleanest metropolitan cities in the US in 2023 by the ALA. Great school systems, safe communities, friendly neighbors and a lower-than-average cost of living are ideal for raising a family.
Academic Enrichment: Public schools rank among New England’s best with the flagship campus of the University of Maine located in the neighboring town of Orono, home to the Black Bears ice hockey team. The Eastern Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program is ACGME accredited with osteopathic recognition.
Well connected: Bangor International Airport offers direct and one-stop service to most major national destinations.
For confidential consideration, please contact:
Marlee Cuskelly
Physician Recruiter II
Phone: (207) 973-5358
Email: ProviderCareers@northernlight.org
INTRODUCTION
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center seeks an adult reconstructive surgeon to join four other orthopedic surgeons (1 Arthroplasty, 1 Foot & Ankle, 1 Shoulder, 1 Sports Medicine) in a well-established, busy, hospital-employed, and single-office practice. The surgeons are supported by 1:1 PAs and NPs; skilled anesthesiologists, well-trained surgical technologists, hospitalists, and a nursing staff that completes our team. A strong orthopedic trauma program, with (4) surgeons, complements our practice.
American Board-certification/board-eligibility in orthopedics and fellowship training in Adult Reconstructive Surgery required.
Position highlights:
- Hospital-employed opportunity at a regional tertiary care center
- New graduates welcome
- On-site X-ray and MRI
- Multidisciplinary orthopedic team with Sports Medicine, Oncology/MSK, Pediatrics, and Athletic Training support
- Dedicated OR block time in Main OR and ASC
- State-of-the-art operating suites
- In-house PT, OT, and Wound Care services
Compensation Information:
- $780,000 annual base salary with the ability to earn additional compensation based on productivity.
- The compensation range listed reflects the range Northern Light Health anticipates relying on in setting the wages for the position. The range may not necessarily include all additional compensation elements available, including but not limited to call pay, leadership stipends, etc.
Schedule:
- Weekdays 8:00am to 4:30pm (mixed between surgery and clinic)
- NO ER call responsibility.
Why Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center?
- Robust benefits package
- Sign-on and relocation bonuses
- Substantial student loan reimbursement – 20k/year with no maximum
- Flexible schedules and generous PTO for work/life balance
About us:
Regional Tertiary Care and ACS Verified Level II Trauma Center: We are a comprehensive, 411-bed medical center serving as the referral center for a patient population of 500,000 in the northern two-thirds of the state’s geography. The hospital is a base for LifeFlight of Maine, a critical care air transportation service flying nearly 900 missions per year.
Vibrant Small City: As one of Maine’s major urban centers, Bangor serves as the regional hub for medicine, arts, and commerce. Unwind in our historic downtown filled with shopping, bars and restaurants; take in a concert on the picturesque waterfront; or enjoy the vibrant cultural scene with a show at the Bangor Symphony Orchestra.
Adventure Awaits: Outdoor recreational activities are abundant during all four seasons. You’ll enjoy easy access to lakes, mountains and many state parks; and it’s only a short commute to miles of beautiful coastline as well as Acadia National Park.
Family Friendly: Bangor was rated one of the top cleanest metropolitan cities in the US in 2023 by the ALA. Great school systems, safe communities, friendly neighbors and a lower-than-average cost of living are ideal for raising a family.
Academic Enrichment: Public schools rank among New England’s best with the flagship campus of the University of Maine located in the neighboring town of Orono, home to the Black Bears ice hockey team. The Eastern Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program is ACGME accredited with osteopathic recognition.
Well connected: Bangor International Airport offers direct and one-stop service to most major national destinations.
For confidential consideration, please contact:
Marlee Cuskelly
Physician Recruiter II
Phone: (207) 973-5358
Email: ProviderCareers@northernlight.org
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Reconstructive Surgeon
Target academic medical centers first
University-affiliated hospitals and academic medical centers are the most likely to have established visa sponsorship infrastructure. They regularly hire international surgical residents and fellows and are experienced navigating H-1B visa and O-1 petitions for physicians.
Clarify your OPT end date before fellowship applications
Reconstructive surgery fellowships often start on fixed dates that may not align with your OPT authorization window. Confirm your OPT expiration date and H-1B cap-gap eligibility before committing to a fellowship start date to avoid an authorization gap.
Understand how O-1A fits your credentials
Board-certified reconstructive surgeons with publications, awards, or hospital leadership roles often qualify for O-1A extraordinary ability status. This visa has no annual lottery and can be a more reliable path than H-1B for physicians with strong academic records.
Ask about J-1 waiver programs during your job search
If you completed residency on a J-1 visa, you may be subject to a two-year home residency requirement. Many states offer Conrad 30 waiver slots for physicians who commit to underserved areas, which can clear the path to H-1B sponsorship.
Confirm the employer files H-1B before your OPT expires
H-1B petitions for cap-subject employees must be filed by April 1 for an October 1 start. If your OPT expires before October 1, cap-gap protection only applies if your employer files on time. Confirm the employer's timeline in writing before accepting an offer.
Document your specialty training thoroughly for visa petitions
H-1B and O-1 petitions for reconstructive surgeons require detailed evidence that the role qualifies as a specialty occupation. Keep records of your board certifications, surgical case logs, fellowship completion letters, and any published research or peer review activity.
Reconstructive Surgeon OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a reconstructive surgeon on OPT?
Yes, but only in a role directly related to your degree program. If you trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery, your OPT employment must align with that specialty. General clinical or administrative roles outside your field of study would not qualify as valid OPT employment, and unauthorized work jeopardizes your immigration status.
Do reconstructive surgeon roles qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If your medical degree or surgical training program is classified under a STEM-designated CIP code, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most MD programs are not STEM-designated, but some research-focused doctoral programs in biomedical engineering or computational surgery may qualify. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO.
How do I find reconstructive surgeon jobs that offer H-1B sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers willing to sponsor international candidates. Academic medical centers, large hospital networks, and multispecialty group practices are your strongest targets. Avoid smaller independent practices, which rarely have the legal infrastructure to support H-1B petitions for surgical hires.
What happens to my OPT status during a surgical fellowship?
A fellowship counts as valid OPT employment as long as it falls within your authorized field of study and your OPT period is active. If your fellowship is paid, it must be with an employer enrolled in E-Verify if you are on STEM OPT extension. Unpaid fellowships can still count toward OPT requirements but must be documented carefully with your DSO.
Can a reconstructive surgeon qualify for an O-1 visa instead of H-1B?
Yes, and for many surgeons it is the stronger option. The O-1A visa recognizes extraordinary ability through criteria like published research, peer review contributions, speaking at surgical conferences, awards, or leadership in professional associations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Unlike H-1B, there is no lottery and no annual cap, making approval timing more predictable.