Physician Assistant - Gastroenterology

Veterans Health Administration•Milwaukee, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physician Assistant works in the Gastroenterology Section of the Medicine Division at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The position provides comprehensive gastroenterology support, with special emphasis on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, and delivers advanced clinical practice, consultation, and patient management in support of the VA mission. The full performance level is PA-III, although selection may be made at grades PA-I through PA-III. Under the supervision of a collaborating physician, the PA sees general gastroenterology patients in clinic, evaluates patients, takes histories and performs physical examinations, develops treatment plans, coordinates follow-up care, and documents in CPRS. The role also includes care coordination for patients with hepatitis B and C, management of VA motility and pH services, transplant program coordination, and interpretation of capsule endoscopy results with treatment and follow-up recommendations. The PA educates and counsels patients and families on current GI conditions and preventive health behaviors, and supports clinical access initiatives to improve clinic flow and reduce waiting times. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

A 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 experience and education criteria for the selected grade: 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 qualifying doctoral degree in a health-related field; PA-III requires three years of successful PA practice, or an eligible postgraduate PA residency and one year of PA practice, or a qualifying doctoral degree in a health-related field and one year of PA practice.
Demonstrate applicable knowledge, skills, and abilities for the selected grade, including patient assessment and treatment, clinical judgment, collaboration, and care coordination.
Complete required pre-employment screening and onboarding, including urinalysis for applicants tentatively selected for testing-designated positions, background/security investigation, and pre-employment physical evaluation.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of clinical practice as a Physician Assistant, preferably in gastroenterology, hepatology, or related subspecialties.
Experience independently managing IBD patients.
Expertise in managing common GI conditions such as GERD, IBD, IBS, liver disease, GI bleeding, and motility disorders in outpatient or inpatient settings.
Proficiency ordering, interpreting, and acting on laboratory and imaging studies relevant to gastrointestinal conditions.
Familiarity with evidence-based gastroenterology guidelines and applying them in direct patient care.
Strong patient education and counseling experience, including lifestyle, nutrition, and medication adherence for chronic GI conditions.
Experience coordinating interdisciplinary care involving physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other specialists.
Knowledge of VA or large integrated health care systems, including electronic medical record documentation and consult management.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced specialty clinic while functioning effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Experience with quality improvement projects or program development related to specialty care.

Responsibilities

See general gastroenterology patients in a clinic setting under the supervision of the collaborating physician, communicating with the physician as necessary.
Evaluate patients, obtain histories, perform physical examinations, develop treatment plans, coordinate follow-up care, and document care in CPRS.
Coordinate care for patients diagnosed with hepatitis B and hepatitis C, including evaluation, treatment planning, follow-up, and documentation under the collaborating physician’s supervision.
Coordinate, manage, and direct motility and pH services, including reviewing consult requests, scheduling, determining patient plans, follow-up, and CPRS documentation.
Evaluate patients for other health care needs and request consultations as indicated.
Coordinate transplant programs and assist staff physicians with plans to provide transplant services to eligible patients approved by the VA.
Read and interpret capsule endoscopy results under the collaborating physician’s direction and make recommendations for treatment plans and follow-up care.
Teach, counsel, and assist patients and families with health maintenance for current medical problems and preventive health behaviors, especially those related to gastrointestinal health.
Support clinical access initiatives to improve clinic flow and reduce waiting times.
Perform other duties as assigned.