Physician Assistant - Surgical Care

Veterans Health Administration•Milwaukee, WI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physician Assistant provides clinic-based care exclusively within the Pre-Operative & Pre-Procedure Clinic (COTC), functioning with full autonomy as defined by VHA Directive 1063 for a non-procedural, non-operative assignment. The PA maintains periodic contact with a collaborating physician, who is available in person, by telephone, or through other suitable means for consultation. The role is limited to pre-operative and pre-procedure evaluation, coordination, recommendations, and documentation. It does not include procedural duties, operating-room activities, or bedside procedures. The PA may write medical orders within the scope of practice and approved privileges, including verbal orders in emergencies. The PA manages pre-procedure readiness by conducting and documenting histories and physicals, coordinating testing and consultations, tracking clearance status, and following up on changes in patient condition. The role includes patient and family education, authorized informed-consent activities, protocol-based antibiotic orders, collaboration with the COTC team and specialty services, and teaching trainees about clinic protocols. Additional assignments may include quality assurance, peer review, research, committee work, preventive medicine, emergency preparedness, and other administrative or non-clinical duties. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized. The full performance level is PA-III; the selected grade may range from PA-I to PA-III.

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 PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE), or be in the process of taking the exam.
Currently 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.
Be proficient in written and spoken English.
Meet the applicable Physician Assistant grade requirements: PA-I requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; PA-II requires two years of successful PA practice, an eligible postgraduate PA residency, or a doctoral degree in a health-related field; PA-III requires three years of successful PA practice, an eligible postgraduate PA residency plus one year of PA practice, or a health-related doctoral degree plus one year of PA practice.
Meet applicable security, identification, onboarding, and pre-employment physical requirements; selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to pre-employment drug testing.
Register for Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a VA health care personnel requirement.
Be prepared for walking, bending, stooping, some lifting in direct patient care, and potentially extended periods of sitting.

Nice To Haves

Experience evaluating veterans who will undergo surgical procedures.
Experience assessing comorbidities and risks related to surgical procedures.
Experience performing histories and physical examinations efficiently and in a timely manner.
Experience collaborating and communicating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, other physician extenders, trainees, and staff from multiple services.
Experience or exposure to EKG readings.

Responsibilities

Document all clinic activities and communications in CPRS.
Maintain the COTC appointment schedule, track surgical and procedural candidates and clearance status, and ensure timely completion of pre-operative requirements.
Perform pre-operative and pre-procedure histories and physical examinations, document findings in CPRS, and communicate pertinent findings to the collaborating physician and surgical or procedural team.
Coordinate pre-operative and pre-procedure testing and consultations, such as anesthesia and cardiology, and ensure results are reviewed and acted upon.
Manage patients preparing for procedures, including entering orders for diagnostics, medications, and preparations as indicated.
Conduct follow-up calls or encounters to review readiness, update records, and notify the responsible physician of significant changes in patient condition.
Order appropriate pre-operative antibiotics according to written protocol.
Educate patients and families about planned procedures, preparation requirements, and post-procedure expectations.
Obtain and document informed consent when authorized and sufficiently knowledgeable and trained to counsel the patient about the procedure, indications, risks, benefits, complications, and alternatives.
Identify deviations from established protocols, care standards, and clinic pathways and intervene to prevent or correct variances.
Teach residents and health professions trainees about COTC pre-operative and pre-procedure protocols.
Collaborate with COTC registered nurses, anesthesia providers, clearing physicians, and specialty services to ensure comprehensive clearance and readiness.
Perform additional duties as assigned, which may include quality assurance, peer review, research, committee service, trainee education, preventive medicine, emergency preparedness, and other non-clinical tasks.