Physician Assistant Surgical - Orthopedics

UTHealth Houston•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Physician Assistant Surgical provides advanced medical care to patients in a surgical setting and in one or more specialized surgical areas under the direction of a surgeon. The role involves conducting specialized patient-care procedures, assessing and treating medical complaints, managing pre- and post-operative patients, assisting physicians with therapeutic decisions, and providing preventive and postsurgical guidance to patients. The position is in an orthopedic care environment that provides services including injury prevention and evaluation, orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation, concussion management, performance training and testing, and sports nutrition. The position requires PA-C certification from the NCCPA, Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association, and a clinical specialty certification determined by the department. A master's degree as a Physician Assistant is required; a bachelor's degree as a Physician Assistant with at least two years of professional experience in the role is acceptable based on terminal degree requirements at the time of graduation. Previous experience in a surgical specialty is preferred. Employees must permanently reside and work in Texas.

Requirements

Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) credential from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).
Clinical specialty certification as determined by the department.
Master's degree as a Physician Assistant; a bachelor's degree as a Physician Assistant with at least two years of professional experience in the role is acceptable based on terminal degree requirements at the time of graduation.
Proficiency in using the medical and surgical instruments and equipment required for the work.
Must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.
Must follow required safety training and applicable engineering and administrative controls, including personal protective equipment, when handling biohazardous, chemical, or radiological materials or operating associated equipment.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a surgical specialty.

Responsibilities

Conduct complex, standardized patient-care procedures requiring specialized experience and training that would otherwise be performed by a physician, but that do not constitute the practice of medicine.
Assess patients' medical complaints and provide appropriate treatment.
Perform minor surgical procedures as delegated by the supervising physician.
Manage pre-operative and post-operative patients in coordination with the faculty supervising physician.
Use advanced assessment skills to anticipate complex surgery-specific patient problems and communicate information to the supervising or attending physician.
Assist in collecting patient histories.
Perform physical examinations and provide episodic or problem-oriented care under physician supervision.
Order appropriate laboratory tests and interpret data such as blood and urine samples.
Monitor patients' treatment programs and inform the attending physician of pertinent medical or surgical information.
Provide patients with guidance and instruction on preventive health care or postsurgical care.
Assist physicians in formulating therapeutic decisions.
Enter chart documentation for physician review and counter-signature.
Prepare and care for supplies and equipment.
Respond to emergency situations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

100% paid medical premiums for full-time employees.
Generous time off, including holidays, a preventative leave day, vacation, and sick time, totaling around 37–38 days per year.
Additional vacation accrual with longer service.
Longevity pay through monthly payments after two years of service.
Retirement and pension plan.
Free financial and legal counseling.
Free mental health counseling services.
Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs.
Employee discounts, including entertainment, car rentals, and cell phones.
Resources for child and elder care.