PA-Orthopedic Trauma Program-2

Physician Assistant

Under the directions of the Chair of Orthopedic Services and the Executive Director of APCs, the Physician Assistant will evaluate, diagnose and treat patients following written guidelines approved by the Department of Orthopedics.

Receiving general direction from the Medical Director - Surgical Services, Chairman - Orthopedic Services, Executive Director - APC's, Lead Orthopedic Physician Assistant and Executive Director Musculoskeletal Service Line. The position will assess, diagnose and treat health problems of patients who suffer from a range of musculoskeletal conditions from time of admission to discharge. Patients include but are not limited to: adult and pediatric inpatient trauma, joint replacement, Fragile Fracture Program patients and General Orthopedic patients. As a highly skilled clinician, the incumbent will participate with other members of the Orthopedic and Hospital Medicine Care Team in the Emergency Department, Orthopedic Inpatient Unit(s) and serve as first assist in the Operating Room.

The duties and responsibilities of the Orthopedic Physician Assistant involved in in-patient care will include, but are not limited to:

• Obtains a detailed and accurate medical history and performs a comprehensive physical exam for patients admitted for elective, non-elective and trauma orthopedic procedures.
• Implementation of all Orthopedic Surgery care plans including writing orders, transfer orders, wound care, dressing changes, application of casts/splints, and fracture reductions.
• Collaborates with hospitalist team on co-managed patients
• Discharge orders and planning, writes discharge orders, dictate formal discharge summary, prescription writing, VNA care plan, etc.
• Obtain, review and interpret radiology and laboratory studies and implement appropriate care plan based on the results in accordance with attending physician instructions.
• Orders necessary diagnostic tests, consultations and procedures as indicated or requested by the attending physician.
• Performs or assists in routine and complex procedures, as necessary.
• Serves as first or second assist in the Operating Room, as necessary.
• Identifies and manages chronic medical conditions and provides continuous care to hospitalized inpatients. Proactively manage patient to prevent complications.
• Has familiarity with current guidelines regarding the assessment of the risk of a perioperative cardiovascular event for pre-operative patients (such as RCRI, and ACS-NSQIP) and pre-operative medical optimization.
• Writes orders and prescribes medications in accordance with current practice guidelines.
• Writes complete and comprehensive notes on all patients using appropriate electronic systems consistent with Hospital policy.
• Facilitates timely care, including scheduling of procedures, for patients in the Geriatric Fracture Program.
• Actively participates in the South Shore Health System readmission reduction efforts.
• Collaborates with the patient care team (physicians, nurses, PT/OT, case management) to develop and facilitate care plan.
• Provides urgent evaluation to patients with changes in clinical status.
• Safe and effective operation of fluoroscopy equipment; certification within 1 year of hire date.

The scope of prescriptive practice will conform to the Massachusetts State Controlled Substance Act, all Department of Public Health, and Massachusetts Board of Registration for Physician Assistants, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and other applicable statutes and regulations.

The Orthopedic Physician Assistant may prescribe the following classes of medications: Class II-Class V.

The prescriptive practice of the Orthopedic Physician Assistant will be reviewed by the supervising physician in an ongoing format, at least quarterly.

General Activity - Frequent Standing/Walking Required, No Driving

Motion - Frequent Activity Required-pushing, pulling, lifting, bending

Motor Skills - Use of hands required, Use of feet required

Weight/Force - Light lifting required (<25lbs)