Physician Assistant (Pulmonary)

Veterans Health Administration•Atlanta, GA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pulmonology Physician Assistant is located in the Medicine Service and reports clinically and administratively to the Section Chief of Pulmonology. The position includes clinical and administrative responsibilities within Pulmonology, with program activities that may evolve or be determined by facility leadership. The Physician Assistant provides outpatient and inpatient care, supports Pulmonology clinical operations, and may participate in administrative, clinical, and research goal setting with the Section Chief. The role also includes teaching administrative aspects of VA work to new physicians and residents. Clinical duties include conducting histories and physical examinations; screening and triaging patients; prescribing medications, including Schedule II–V controlled substances within the defined scope of practice; ordering diagnostic studies; reviewing laboratory and diagnostic results; contributing to diagnoses and treatment plans; and documenting care in electronic medical records. The Physician Assistant coordinates consultations and appointments, provides patient and family education and counseling, obtains informed consent for relevant Pulmonary procedures and therapies, and interprets Home Sleep Studies and Nocturnal Oximetry. The role also involves quality assurance and peer review activities. Administrative duties may include coordinating the Pulmonology section, managing clinical calendars, opening or closing clinics, reviewing affected patients, and arranging rescheduling instructions or medication refills. The position is a permanent federal appointment in the Excepted Service. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., subject to change based on agency needs. Telework and virtual work are not authorized; relocation, recruitment incentives, and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

Master’s degree in any discipline, or a bachelor’s degree in any discipline plus one year of experience as a Physician Assistant.
Successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), or be in the process of taking the exam.
Hold, or be able to obtain, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Maintain current registration in the state of licensure if required to maintain active and current licensure there.
Be proficient in spoken and written English.
Meet the applicable grade-level qualifications: PA-I requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; PA-II requires two years of successful PA practice, or an eligible postgraduate residency, or a doctoral degree in a health-related field; PA-III requires three years of successful PA practice, or an eligible postgraduate residency plus one year of PA practice, or a doctoral degree in a health-related field plus one year of PA practice.
Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities applicable to the selected grade, including patient assessment and treatment skills and, at higher grades, complex medical problem-solving, autonomy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced clinical judgment.
Be physically and mentally able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Complete required pre-employment screening, including a physical evaluation, background/security investigation, and drug testing if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Complete the required online onboarding and application documentation.

Nice To Haves

Intensive care unit (ICU) experience.

Responsibilities

Obtain patient histories and perform physical examinations.
Provide ongoing outpatient and inpatient care to assigned and episodic patients.
Screen and triage outpatients to determine additional care needs.
Prescribe medications within the defined scope of practice, including Schedule II–V controlled substances, and write orders or prescriptions in accordance with federal and state law.
Order laboratory tests, x-rays, and other diagnostic studies; obtain and review laboratory data and diagnostic results.
Perform clinic chart reviews and assist with clinical diagnoses and treatment plans.
Enter electronic notes in patient charts and clearly identify Physician Assistant-authored orders, notes, consultation requests, and letters in the medical record.
Coordinate clinic appointments and consultations with other services and respond to secure messages and telecare inquiries for Pulmonology.
Initiate and expedite consultation requests and scheduling of special tests and studies.
Prepare interim progress summaries in patients’ medical records.
Provide health promotion and disease prevention services, and educate and counsel patients and families about preventive care, medical conditions, prescribed treatments, and medications.
Obtain informed consent for relevant Pulmonary procedures and therapies.
Interpret Home Sleep Studies and Nocturnal Oximetry.
Participate in quality assurance activities, including Root Cause Analysis, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, and tort claim review.
Participate in protected peer review and pertinent peer chart review activities.
Attend care line staff meetings, Specialty Care Team meetings, and mandatory staff functions.
Participate with the Section Chief in establishing short- and long-term administrative, clinical, and/or research goals.
Teach new physicians and residents about administrative aspects of their work in VA.
As assigned, coordinate the Pulmonology section, manage clinical calendars, open or close clinics, review affected patients, and arrange rescheduling instructions and/or medication refills.