Orthopedic Trauma APP

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

About The Position

The Orthopedic Trauma Physician Associate (PA) functions as an advanced practice provider within a collaborative multidisciplinary orthopedic trauma team. The role provides comprehensive, primarily outpatient care for patients with musculoskeletal injuries, including acute fractures, polytrauma, post-operative care, and urgent orthopedic conditions. The PA provides services as assigned by the supervisor in support of the university’s teaching, research, patient care, outreach, and public service missions. The Orthopedic Trauma APP delivers care within a defined scope of practice in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, including care for general musculoskeletal patients and assigned orthopedic subspecialty patients. Work expectations are guided by departmental workflows, productivity standards, performance expectations, the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and institutional policies. The position is structured around contract-defined expectations of 200 10-hour shifts per year, including daytime coverage, and participates in departmental scheduling to support equitable coverage and safe, consistent clinical operations. APPs are also expected to support OHSU’s clinical, education, and research missions through routine clinical care involving students, trainees, and patients participating in research, consistent with their role, scope of practice, applicable contract, and institutional policies.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Physician Assistant/Associate Studies from an accredited program.
Experience in orthopedic surgery or musculoskeletal care.
Strong knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy and orthopedic conditions.
Surgical assisting skills.
Excellent clinical assessment abilities.
Strong communication and patient education skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical and surgical environment.
Team collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Current PA licensure with the Oregon Medical Board.
Current NCCPA certification.
Current BLS, ACLS, or PALS certification.
DEA certification.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience in orthopedic surgery or musculoskeletal care.

Responsibilities

Provide direct ambulatory clinic appointments.
Assist surgeons during surgical procedures.
Participate in rounding on hospitalized patients.
Manage EPIC in-basket activities and clinical documentation.
Provide peer-to-peer eConsults.
Prepare visits and conduct pre-visit planning.
Coordinate care and manage caseloads.
Support prior authorizations.
Review and triage referrals medically.
Cover for colleagues on leave or during vacancies.
Complete medical necessity documentation.
Complete FMLA and leave forms.
Participate in clinic huddles and meetings.
Contribute to quality and safety improvement efforts.
Attend departmental training and meetings, including APP meetings, quality committee meetings, and clinical operations committee meetings.
Participate in accreditation efforts.
Attend court or legal proceedings related to patient cases, such as in response to subpoenas.
Support the clinical, education, and research missions through routine clinical care involving students, trainees, and research participants.
Participate in departmental scheduling processes and provide daytime coverage as needed for the service.