Cardiothoracic Surgery, Physician Assistant - Cardiothoracic Surgery - UToledo Health

Job Description

Position Summary

The Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) is an essential member of a cardiothoracic surgery team, collaborating with surgeons to care for patients with complex cardiac and thoracic conditions. The PA provides care across the full surgical continuum, including pre-operative evaluation, intraoperative first assisting, and post-operative management in the ICU and inpatient setting. 

This role involves participation in high-acuity procedures such as CABG, valve, aortic, and minimally invasive thoracic surgeries, along with daily responsibilities including rounding, procedures, documentation, and discharge planning. The position supports advanced clinical practice in a fast-paced, team-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive pre-operative evaluations, including medical histories, physical examinations, and interpretation of diagnostic tests (X-rays, laboratory studies, ECGs).
• Educate patients and families regarding procedures, risks, expected outcomes, and pre- and post-operative care.
• Prepare patients for surgery, including medication management and coordination of necessary supplies.
• First assist in cardiac and thoracic surgeries, including CABG, valve, aortic, and VATS procedures.
• Perform endoscopic vein and radial artery harvesting.
• Assist with the placement and removal of chest tubes, catheters, and arterial lines.
• Provide post-operative care in the ICU and inpatient units, including wound care and medication management.
• Collaborate with surgeons, nurses, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate patient care.
• Maintain accurate medical records; manage admissions; schedule surgeries; and coordinate discharges and follow-up care.
• Uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, compassion, and patient-centered care.

Essential Job Functions

• Rotating schedule of 34 workdays per week.
• Participation in a shared call rotation.
• Current practice includes:
  • 2 Cardiothoracic Surgeons
  • 2 Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
• Work in a high-acuity clinical environment requiring advanced clinical skills and close collaboration with surgeons.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Masters degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Physician Assistant in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Certifications & Licensure

• National certification as a Physician Assistant (NCCPA).
• Eligibility for licensure with the Ohio State Medical Board.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Certificate to Prescribe and DEA registration.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverage
• Retirement Benefits, Including a Pension Plan with Employer Contributions
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, Sick Leave, and Paid Maternity/Parental Leave
• University of Toledo Tuition Fee Waiver Program
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Coverage
• UTP Participation in an Alternative to FICA, Reducing Employee Payroll Taxes

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts
• Fast-paced environment with frequent interaction with patients, staff, residents, students, and physicians
• Prolonged periods of walking and standing
• Occasional lifting of patients (may exceed 200 pounds with assistance)
• Ability to carry items weighing up to 30 pounds
• Requires corrected vision and hearing within normal ranges and strong manual dexterity
• Regular use of office and clinical equipment, including computers, phones, copiers, and fax machines
• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, toxic substances, and medicinal preparations common in a clinical environment
• Ability to remain effective and professional in high-stress situations

About Toledo, Ohio:

The city of Toledo is located in NW Ohio near the western point of Lake Erie and along the Maumee River. Being the 4th largest city in Ohio, Toledo continues to grow as it is home to over 200,000 residents. There is much to see and do as it is home to 19 large metro parks with over 120 miles to bike, walk, and hike along the trails. Downtown Toledo is the hub for entertainment, as you can visit the Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Zoo, and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra! The city also partakes in numerous sports activities, from minor league baseball, golfing clubs, and hockey, which can all be found within a few miles of each other. Toledo continues to be one of the most affordable places to live in the region. There are many different living options, from lofts downtown to comfortable suburbs and villas. Toledo holds many high-quality schools and universities open for parents and students.

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the people so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, height, weight, familial or marital status, or genetics. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug-Free Workplace