The Physician Assistant, First Assist is responsible for providing medical care and treatment to patients. Performs physical examinations and preventative health measures within the prescribed guidelines and instructions of the physician.
Obtains patient histories and performs physical examinations on patients.
Manages complaints involving interpretation of lab values and imaging with subsequent treatment or referral to staff physicians as needed.
Assists in satellite and private clinics as determined by staffing needs.
Orders or performs diagnostic procedures as delegated by the supervising physician.
Performs clinical duties and procedures as needed.
Develops and implements a treatment plan in accordance with written clinical practice guidelines and protocols set forth by the supervising physicians.
Documents and communicates pertinent findings to primary care physicians/referral sources.
Monitors the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
Makes appropriate referrals to tertiary professional services as determined by clinical findings (PT/OT/Medical subspecialties).
Offers counseling and education to meet patient needs.
Assists in surgical cases in the operating room as directed.
Performs suturing of simple wounds, managing wound care and suture removal, initial evaluation of inpatient plastic surgery consults, etc.
Assists with preoperative evaluation of surgical patients via performance of history and physical examinations and parental interviews.
Assists in preparation of surgical/procedural consent forms.
Assists nursing and office staff with telephone triage and follow-up of referral patients.
Collaborates with other health care professionals, participates in committees, task forces and activities to improve patient care.
Serves as a role model, resource person to nursing and staff members.
Participates in research protocols approved by the hospital I.R.B. via data collection, patient interviews and retrospective chart review.
Keeps abreast of current clinical research findings and integrates into education programs.
Evaluates the impact of programs upon patient care and medical practice.
Promotes professional staff development through education and other activities that enhance the practice of medicine, nursing and education.
Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature and in-services.
Maintains certification and licensure as delineated by state boards.
Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant Program (MS-PAS).
Current PA License in the State of Louisiana from the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.
Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association.