Physician Associate, Ortho Access, Sports Med and North Liberty Campus

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Orthopedic Access Advanced Practice Provider (APP) will independently evaluate and manage patients with a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, with collaborative support from subspecialty orthopedic teams. The clinic’s primary objective is to enhance timely access to orthopedic care. Patients with acute injuries will generally be directed to the Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic. The APP will independently manage non-surgical cases at the Prairie Meadows Drive location and coordinate referral to the appropriate surgical team when surgical intervention is indicated. The role may include in-office procedures such as joint injections, depending on the APP’s experience and clinical assessment. Some cross-coverage may also be expected in the North Liberty Campus Orthopedic Injury Walk-In Clinic, where the APP sees musculoskeletal injuries and pain occurring within the prior seven days. This may occasionally involve splinting and casting, for which training is provided. The position is based at the Orthopedics Prairie Meadows Drive location, with cross-coverage at the Main Campus North Liberty Hospital. The schedule includes an evening shift every Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The successful candidate should be organized, motivated, and efficient. The University of Iowa Health Care North Liberty Campus opened in spring 2025. The 469,000-square-foot facility houses UI Health Care’s Orthopedics service line and provides outpatient, inpatient, and surgical care, along with imaging, laboratory services, physical therapy, a retail pharmacy, an emergency department, and support services.

Requirements

Comply with registration and licensure requirements specified by the Iowa Board of Physician Associate Examiners.
Graduate from an accredited PA educational program and/or hold certification by the NCCPA, as applicable to the Iowa licensure requirements.
At least 2 years of patient care experience, which may be obtained through clinical rotations or clinical practice.
At least 2 years of demonstrated experience and/or knowledge of orthopedic patient care.
Experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Timely and prompt documentation.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree is highly desired.
Experience working in an orthopedic outpatient clinic is highly desired.
Relevant orthopedic experience in an emergency department or urgent care setting is considered.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and manage a variety of orthopedic conditions in the Ortho Access Clinic.
Order diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and prescribe, dispense, or deliver medications under a collaborative practice agreement.
Follow up with patients regarding diagnostic tests and laboratory results.
Provide longitudinal follow-up when surgical or subspecialty consultation is not needed or desired.
Consult and collaborate with other care team members and orthopedic subspecialty teams to facilitate care.
Apply clinical judgment to the patient’s overall clinical picture and influence adoption of best practices.
Complete patient medical records, reports, and forms for treatment documentation and billing.
Improve quality of care through chart reviews and participation on performance improvement committees.
Escalate care appropriately for surgical conditions and coordinate referral to the appropriate surgical team.
Triage, evaluate, and manage orthopedic injuries, including acute back pain, sprains and strains, tendon and ligament injuries, suspected fractures, and joint pain in the Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic.
Order appropriate imaging, including X-rays, CT, or MRI, when indicated.
Provide initial injury management, including use of durable medical equipment such as wrist splints, slings, and boots, and perform splinting or casting when needed.
Educate patients about their injuries and facilitate follow-up with orthopedic subspecialty surgeons and providers as needed.
Coordinate with North Liberty Campus Emergency Room staff to transfer patients who are more appropriately managed in that setting.
Potentially perform in-office procedures such as joint injections, depending on experience and clinical assessment.
Provide cross-coverage in the Orthopedic Injury Walk-In Clinic as needed.