Description
As a member of the Cardiothoracic Surgery team, the Physician Assistant (PA) is an expert in the perioperative management of patients undergoing cardiothoracic procedures and participates in the medical management of this population across the spectrum of care. The PA will act as first, second, or third assistant in cardiac and/or thoracic surgeries under the supervision of an approved supervising physician. The incumbent will provide care and guidance to inpatients and will attend outpatient clinics. The PA will perform endoscopic vein harvesting procedures, placing drains, placing catheters, closing major and minor incisions, recording post-op orders and progress notes and assisting in the transport and care of patients from the operating room to the recovery room or intensive care unit., Additional responsibilities include research and program development, professional practice development, training and education.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
California Licensed Physician Assistant (PA)
Valid Physician Assistant license to practice under the Physician Assistant Act in the state of California
National certification (NCCAP) as a Physician Assistant
Controlled Substances Education Course certificate of successful completion.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
American Heart Association (AHA)
American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
3 years of experience as first assist in cardiac surgery with endoscopic vein and radial harvesting
Endoscopic vein harvesting experience required
Demonstrated ability for positive interaction with medical/nursing staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team
Advanced knowledge of medical billing procedures and policies and ability to document medical records appropriately
Skills to perform CPR and respond to emergencies using ACLS & PALS protocols as needed.
Ability to assist in operations, performing tasks under direct supervision of the attending surgeon
Ability to use medical terminology in the evaluation of conditions in order to obtain an accurate history and perform an appropriate physical exam
In-depth knowledge of UCDMC processes, policies and procedures
Organizational skills to work on several projects simultaneously and to effectively respond to crises using strategic thinking and planning skills. Ability to multi-task, work accurately and quickly under pressure, handle large workloads, set priorities and organize work independently and for others
Ability to exercise discretion and ensure confidentiality
Ability to interpret the significance of laboratory and radiological tests.
Ability to gather data, possession of computer skills, knowledge of research methods
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must write legibly
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment
Judgment skills to effectively meet the needs of patients
Self-direction and organizational skills to function in an independent role
Analytical skills to effectively research and participate in the decision-making process regarding clinical issues
Tact and diplomacy skills to interact with a broad spectrum of employees, resource people, and administrators
Ability to provide after hours on-call coverage including night call, weekend and holiday call.
Preferred Qualifications:
Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery and successful completion of the Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery Specialty Exam preferred
3 or more years as a first assist in cardiac surgery with endoscopic vein harvesting
Key Responsibilities:
75% - Surgical/Floor/Clinical Practice -
10% - Communication and Collaboration
10% - Leadership/Problem Solving/Critical Thinking
5% - Professional Development/Education
