Physician Assistant - Primary Care

Veterans Health Administration • New Philadelphia, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Physician Assistant provides comprehensive primary care services to a defined panel of Veterans. The role includes taking histories, performing physical examinations, ordering laboratory and diagnostic studies, diagnosing conditions, and formulating treatment plans for acute and chronic conditions within the scope of practice. The provider is part of and leads a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), working with nursing and clerical staff to provide direct care. The provider is assigned a patient panel at a specific location and may occasionally assist with patient care or administrative duties at the main hospital or another site.

The position combines clinical care with responsibility for monitoring PACT performance, supporting quality and effectiveness of care, and meeting VA performance measures. The provider coordinates with a multidisciplinary treatment team and helps address patient concerns. The position reports to the local medical director or associate chief of staff for primary care, who reports to the Chief of Staff. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval. An award may be up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years. Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply. Recruitment incentives and permanent change of station benefits 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 it.
• Currently hold, or be eligible to hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move freely.
• Emotional stability and ability to cooperate.
• For PA-II qualification: two years of successful PA practice, or completion of an eligible PA postgraduate residency, or a doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university.
• For PA-III qualification: three years of successful PA practice, or an eligible PA postgraduate residency plus one year of PA practice, or a health-related doctoral degree plus one year of PA practice.
• Ability to provide appropriate patient care using PA practice principles, take patient histories and perform physical examinations, formulate plans and provide treatment, and keep care current with changes and advancements in the profession.
• Ability to analyze complex medical problems, function autonomously and make independent medical decisions, incorporate training and experience into patient care, work effectively in an interdisciplinary setting, and collaborate with colleagues and peers for PA-II-level practice.
• Ability to evaluate patient-care delivery systems; demonstrate expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multisymptomatic patients; present findings and recommendations to management; facilitate care collaboratively; implement clinically appropriate protocol changes based on medical literature; and participate in patient-care audit processes for PA-III-level practice.
• Complete required pre-employment screening, onboarding, and application documentation; selected applicants are subject to background/security investigation and drug testing.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of two years of experience in primary care.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical examinations, diagnoses, and treatment for acute and chronic diseases, preventive care, and care coordination for a panel of primary care patients.
• Take patient histories and perform physical examinations.
• Order laboratory tests and diagnostic studies.
• Formulate treatment plans for acute and chronic conditions within the scope of practice.
• Document patient care in clinical records.
• Refer patients to specialists when additional expertise or treatment beyond the provider's experience and training is needed.
• Lead a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) that provides direct care to Veterans enrolled in primary care.
• Monitor PACT team performance for adherence to VA standards, quality and effectiveness of care, and VA performance measures.
• Provide outstanding customer service and lead the team in assisting the patient advocate and administration with resolving patient concerns and inquiries.
• Exercise medical decision-making and provide diagnostic and therapeutic services for an assigned group of patients.
• Collaborate with staff, community members, and a multidisciplinary treatment team, including social work, pharmacy, mental health, and nutrition.
• Occasionally assist with patient care or administrative duties at the main hospital or another site.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with an award of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

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