Physician Assistant (Orthopaedic Surgery)

Johns Hopkins University•Bethesda, MD

2d•$112,572 - $152,900

About The Position

The Johns Hopkins Department of Orthopaedic Surgery seeks a Physician Assistant to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary orthopedic surgical team under a physician’s direction, supervision, and responsibility. In accordance with established policies and protocols, the position evaluates patients’ health status through diagnostic procedures and tests and provides therapeutic patient care. The role requires regular travel to Johns Hopkins locations in the National Capital Region. The Physician Assistant interviews and examines patients, obtains and evaluates medical histories and test results, develops care plans for physician review, and performs clinical procedures. The position supports surgical care, including preparing patients for surgery and assisting physicians in the operating room, and contributes to postoperative care, outpatient clinics, wound care, patient education, and coordination with other medical services. The role also requires participation in continuing education and maintaining current licensure and certification.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Certification by the NCCPA or a similar national certifying body.
Completion of a CAAHEP-certified Physician Assistant program.
Licensure as a Physician Assistant in Maryland or another state where practicing.
Current CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross; certification must be maintained during employment.

Responsibilities

Interview patients and compile medical histories to assist in determining health status.
Perform physical examinations and note normal and abnormal findings.
Obtain patient specimens; run routine laboratory tests and procedures; perform diagnostic tests; and order non-routine laboratory tests or procedures as required.
Analyze and evaluate patient histories, physical examination findings, and laboratory values, and make preliminary diagnoses for physician review.
Develop care and treatment plans according to established protocols, consulting with the supervisory physician and other professionals before implementation.
Perform procedures as required, including starting IV lines, applying plaster casts, traction and splints, assisting with tube placement, and suturing cuts and wounds.
Prepare patients for surgery by shaving, scrubbing, and draping the surgical field using sterile techniques.
Insert monitoring equipment such as urinary catheters and temperature probes.
Assist physicians during surgical procedures and provide first or second assist in the operating room as required.
Write postoperative orders, including laboratory tests, medications, and care plans, according to established procedures and protocols for physician review.
Attend medical rounds as needed to monitor patient progress and provide staff with information about care plans, condition, and progress.
Educate and guide patients and family members in maintaining good health, preventing disease, and providing home care under physician supervision.
Attend regularly scheduled continuing education programs to maintain current knowledge of procedures, health care plans, and protocols.
Attend outpatient clinics and assist with patient management.
Facilitate communication between the team and other consulting medical services; request consultations with other departments as necessary.
Act as a liaison with other medical services, including social work and rehabilitation medicine.
Remove and/or reinforce sutures.
Evaluate wounds, change dressings, and perform wound care.
Maintain current licensure and certification throughout employment.