Physician Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Under the direction, supervision, and responsibility of a physician, and in accordance with established policies, the PA evaluates patients’ health status through diagnostic procedures and tests. Physician assistants (PAs) take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and X-rays, make diagnoses, and prescribe medications.  They attend to the patient’s needs with the utmost patience, care, compassion, and understanding.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Obtains and records client's health history; performs comprehensive physical and neurological assessment (including physiological, functional, and psychosocial needs) as part of a comprehensive integrated care physical examination. 
• Participate in the exam and treatment of patients; evaluate medical histories and order/analyze lab tests and x-rays. 
• Diagnoses treat and plans appropriate health care for clients under the supervision and review of the Medical Director. Refers patients to specialists and/or outside diagnostic service providers or agencies as required. 
• Prescribes medications under the supervision of the Medical Director within the scope of practice and area of specialty. 
• Orders or performs laboratory procedures and interprets lab test results. 
• Provides case management services for patients, including completion of required forms and disability applications within the prescribed timeframe of the practice. 
• Provides patient education for all medical conditions seen at the practice. 
• Establishes and maintains client’s electronic medical records and other necessary records, within the timeframe as required by the practice. 
• Provide education to patients & families.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times
• Minimal on-call duties and rounds. 
• Carry out physical exams and record the health history of patients.
• Give basic healthcare treatment.  
• Write prescriptions and order medical tests. 
• Help the physician in deciding on the right treatment option for the patients. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.   

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Work Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years experience as a Physician Assistant in a Primary Care Setting, preferably with a year in a Community Health Center or a Public Health Agency.  

License/Registration/Certification:

• Current, unrestricted license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the State of Texas.
• DEA license.

Education:

• Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program. 
• A Bachelor's degree is required; a Master's degree is strongly preferred.

Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practice of medicine and allied health services.   
• A comprehensive understanding of clinical and/or surgical procedures, patient care procedures,       medical protocols, and testing procedures.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Psychology, Pharmacology,        Clinical Medicine, Radiology, Microbiology, and Pathology.
• The analytical ability is necessary to evaluate and determine the health status of patients and implement proper care plans.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to interview, teach, and counsel patients; instruct health care personnel on procedures and treatment.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate patient history, physical examination findings, and laboratory values,    and make the preliminary diagnosis of patients for review by the physician.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.  
• Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with patients.
• Ability to exercise judgment in unusual or stressful situations. 
• Meet the travel requirements of the position, if any.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

  PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.