Physician Assistant - Surgical Service

The Surgical Physician Assistant (PA) is a credentialed medical provider who functions as an essential member of the surgical care team. The PA provides preoperative intraoperative and postoperative patient care under an approved Scope of Practice. The PA exercises clinical judgement within the parameters of VA policy and collaborates with the supervising surgeon as needed.

The Surgical Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible and duties include performing histories and physicals, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, formulating treatment plans, assisting in surgery, and managing perioperative care. The Physician Assistant exercises clinical judgement with the parameters of VA policy and collaborates with the supervising surgeon as needed, to include other duties but is not limited to: Obtaining complete medical histories and performing comprehensive physical examinations. Establishing provisional diagnoses and developing treatment plans for surgical patients. Ordering, interpreting, and integrating results of diagnostic studies including laboratory tests, X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and other imaging. Assisting surgeons during operative procedures, including first assist, retraction, exposure, hemostasis, wound closure, and harvesting grafts as appropriate. Performing minor procedures such as suturing, incision and drainage, wound debridement, local anesthesia infiltration, and removal of drains, staples, and sutures when authorized. Writing orders for diagnostic studies, medications, treatments, and consults consistent with the PA's Scope of Practice and prescribing authority. Completing pre-operative assessments, admission histories and physicals, intraoperative documentation (when permitted), progress notes, pain management, and patient/family education. Obtaining informed consent for procedures the PA is authorized to perform or actively participate in. Identifying emergent situations and initiating appropriate interventions until higher-level care is available. Participating in patient triage, care coordination, and transitions of care. Additional duties may include administrative responsibilities, participation in quality improvement initiatives, teaching residents or trainees and involvement in emergency preparedness activities. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized Contract Buy Out Program: This position may be eligible for the Physician / Provider Contract Buy Out Program (CBOP), which authorizes VHA to buy out service contracts (Locum agreements, loan repayments, sign-on bonus contracts, Physician-owned practices) in exchange for employment at certain rural or highly rural facilities for a period of obligated service (minimum 4 years). For additional information and eligibility requirements, contact the VHA Contract Buy Out Program Manager at vacontractbuyoutprog@va.gov.