Physician Assistant - Plastic Surgery

MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Physician Assistant role within the Department of Plastic Surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is integral to delivering patient-centered care across the continuum, including outpatient clinics, the operating room, and inpatient settings. The Physician Assistant practices with increasing independence, performing tasks traditionally carried out by physicians while supporting exceptional clinical outcomes. This position is essential to maintaining continuity of care and advancing surgical excellence. The ideal candidate brings a strong educational foundation as a Physician Assistant, along with relevant licensure in Texas and experience in surgical or plastic surgery settings, preferably with exposure to oncology. Candidates who demonstrate advanced clinical judgment, technical surgical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams will be well suited for this role.

Requirements

• Master's Degree Accredited Physician Assistant (PA) program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), except for Physician Assistants who graduated from a PA program prior to 2013.
• PAC - Physician Assistant Certifica Certification by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants. Upon Hire
• PA - Physician Assistant Licensed by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners Upon Hire
• BLS - Basic Life Support American Heart Association (AHA). Upon Hire
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support American Heart Association (AHA). Upon Hire
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support American Heart Association (AHA). If working in one of following department: Pediatrics - Patient Care (113100). Upon Hire
• Eligible to be granted limited prescriptive authority by the State of Texas. Upon Hire
• Clinical Privileges Must obtain and maintain relevant clinical privileges. Continued employment in this position at MD Anderson is contingent upon maintaining these privileges.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in surgical or plastic surgery settings, preferably with exposure to oncology.

Responsibilities

• Perform first- and second-assist duties in the operating room daily or as directed by physician
• Demonstrate manual dexterity with surgical instruments including scalpel, needle-driver, forceps, and cautery
• Tie sutures using both hand and instrument techniques
• Perform retraction, suture cutting, direct hemostasis, drain placement, and multi-level closures
• Assist with complex flap harvests, graft procedures, and wound dressing placements
• Assess patients preoperatively and complete H&P updates in a timely manner
• Coordinate with anesthesia team, nursing staff, and surgical personnel
• Ensure availability of supplies, equipment, and medications prior to procedures
• Assist with patient positioning in the operating room
• Write postoperative orders and transition patients to PACU or ICU
• Provide reports to recovery staff and communicate with assigned family members
• Perform post-operative patient checks as directed by attending physicians
• Conduct daily inpatient rounds with or without faculty prior to other duties
• Provide hands-on care including wound care, dressing changes, and drain or suture removal
• Communicate clinical findings promptly to attending physicians and care teams
• Coordinate inpatient consultations with other specialists as needed
• Facilitate communication between patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team
• Support discharge planning and anticipate post-discharge needs
• Arrange home health services and follow-up care
• Complete discharge summaries within 24 hours per medical record standards
• Evaluate patients during consults, second opinions, and pre/postoperative follow-ups
• Obtain patient histories and perform physical examinations for surgical planning
• Ensure clinical data is complete, accurate, and aligned with institutional documentation standards
• Communicate findings clearly to attending physicians and care team
• Provide continuous care from outpatient setting through surgery and inpatient recovery
• Collaborate with a large, cohesive team of Physician Assistants and multidisciplinary providers
• Support high-quality clinical and administrative care across settings
• Contribute to a collaborative environment focused on excellence in patient outcomes

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week
• Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank
• Paid holidays
• Wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System
• Voluntary retirement plans
• Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior