Physician Assistant, Surgical Oncology

University Hospital, Newark NJ•Newark, NJ

5d•$123,639 - $179,342•Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of the Physician Assistant position, under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician, is to provide comprehensive, hands-on care to patients across both inpatient and outpatient settings. This role offers the opportunity to be actively involved throughout the continuum of care—from initial evaluation and surgical preparation through inpatient management, procedures, postoperative care, and outpatient follow-up. The Physician Assistant will work closely with attending surgeons, residents, nursing staff, and other members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team to assess patients, develop and implement treatment plans, perform clinical procedures, provide patient and family education, and assist in the operating room. This position is ideal for a PA seeking a dynamic surgical role with meaningful patient interaction, procedural experience, and involvement in both hospital-based and ambulatory care. This position offers a unique opportunity for a Physician Assistant who enjoys a varied and clinically engaging surgical practice. Rather than being limited to one area of care, the PA will have meaningful involvement throughout the patient journey, with opportunities to develop strong clinical relationships, expand procedural skills, participate in surgery, and manage patients in both inpatient and outpatient environments. The ideal candidate is a motivated, collaborative, and patient-focused Physician Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced environment and values the opportunity to practice with a high degree of clinical involvement as part of an experienced surgical team.

Requirements

Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science or a related field.
Graduation from a Physician Assistant Program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
New Jersey license from the State Board of Medical Examiners – Physician Advisory Committee.
All requirements must be met prior to employment with University Hospital.
BLS (Basic Life Support), ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support), and ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) certifications are required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in clinical medicine is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings, working collaboratively with physicians, surgical residents, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team.
Participate in the evaluation and management of new and established patients, including obtaining medical histories, performing physical examinations, reviewing diagnostic studies, and developing treatment plans in collaboration with the supervising physician.
Assist with the routine daily operations of the outpatient practice, including addressing patient questions, reviewing medical records and documentation received from outside facilities, coordinating care, and facilitating appropriate follow-up.
Perform initial assessments of patients in the outpatient setting and assist with preoperative evaluations, including preparation and documentation of History and Physical examinations.
Participate in the daily management of hospitalized patients, including rounding, performing physical examinations, reviewing laboratory and imaging results, documenting progress notes, and assisting with appropriate medical orders and treatment plans.
Communicate regularly with attending surgeons and the multidisciplinary care team regarding patient status, clinical findings, treatment plans, and changes in condition.
Perform and assist with clinical procedures within the Physician Assistant’s scope of practice, training, and hospital credentialing. Procedures may include wound evaluation and care, dressing changes, suture and staple removal, drain management and removal, incision management, and other bedside or outpatient procedures as appropriate.
Assist surgeons in the operating room, including patient positioning, ensuring appropriate application of antithrombotic stockings and compression devices, maintaining proper surgical preparation, and providing first-assist support as needed.
Assist with surgical procedures when appropriate, including incision closure and suturing, and help facilitate the patient’s safe transfer to the recovery area following surgery.
Provide postoperative care to both hospitalized and ambulatory patients, including monitoring recovery, assessing wounds, managing drains, reviewing postoperative concerns, and identifying when physician intervention is needed.
Manage outpatient postoperative follow-up visits, including documenting progress, ordering appropriate laboratory, imaging, or other follow-up studies, and coordinating ongoing care.
Provide patient and family education regarding diagnoses, surgical procedures, postoperative expectations, wound care, medications, follow-up needs, and recovery instructions.
Serve as an accessible clinical resource for patients and families while helping to ensure a coordinated, compassionate, and positive healthcare experience.
Work collaboratively with the surgical team to promote continuity of care as patients transition between the outpatient clinic, operating room, inpatient hospitalization, and postoperative follow-up.