Cardiovascular Surgery Physician Assistant

Cardiovascular Surgery Physician Assistant Opportunity | $195/Hour | Fountain Valley, CA Location: Fountain Valley, CA Pay Rate: $195.00 per hour Assignment Type: Full-Time Locum Tenens Contract Length: ASAP – August 2026 (Potential Extension) Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Call Requirement: Yes | Home Call About the Opportunity We are seeking an experienced Cardiovascular Surgery Physician Assistant for a locum tenens opportunity in Fountain Valley, CA. This position offers a highly operative role working alongside an established cardiac surgery team in a busy cardiovascular surgery program performing approximately 250 open-heart procedures annually. The ideal candidate will have extensive first assist experience in cardiac surgery and be proficient in endoscopic vein harvesting. This opportunity is primarily OR-focused with limited clinic and ICU/floor responsibilities. Why Candidates Choose This Opportunity • Competitive compensation of $195 per hour • High-volume cardiac surgery program • Predominantly operative role with approximately 80% OR time • Opportunity to work alongside experienced cardiovascular surgeons • Home call with minimal callback volume • Consistent weekday schedule • Potential for assignment extension beyond the initial contract period • Clear expectations regarding schedule, responsibilities, and clinical requirements Position Overview As a Cardiovascular Surgery Physician Assistant, you will provide first assist support during cardiac surgical procedures, assist with perioperative patient management, and support the cardiovascular surgery service across the operating room, clinic, and inpatient settings. This role requires strong technical surgical skills, excellent clinical judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary cardiac surgery team. Responsibilities • First assist during cardiovascular surgical procedures • Perform endoscopic vein harvesting using Getinge equipment • Assist with CABG, AVR, MVR, and TAVR procedures • Support perioperative patient management and care coordination • Assist with occasional ECMO cases • Perform IABP removals as needed • Manage chest tube removals • Participate in clinic evaluations and follow-up visits • Collaborate closely with surgeons, nursing staff, and healthcare team members • Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation • Participate in assigned call coverage Requirements • Active Physician Assistant license required • Board Certified Physician Assistant required • Current ACLS and BLS certifications required • Extensive Cardiovascular Surgery Physician Assistant experience required • First assist experience in cardiac surgery required • Endoscopic vein harvesting experience required • Ability to obtain California licensure and privileges if not currently active Required Clinical Skills • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) • Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) • Mitral Valve Replacement/Repair (MVR) • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) • Endoscopic vein harvesting • IABP removal • Chest tube removal • Perioperative patient management • Cardiac surgery first assist responsibilities • Surgical documentation and care coordination Schedule & Assignment Details • Monday-Friday schedule • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM shifts • 80% OR, 10% Clinic, 10% ICU/Floor responsibilities • Average of 1-2 surgical cases per day • Home call coverage required • Weekday call rotation approximately 1:3 • Weekend call rotation approximately 1:7 depending on provider roster • Minimal callback volume • Assignment runs ASAP through August 2026 with potential extension Practice Details • Approximately 250 open-heart procedures annually • CABG cases represent approximately 60% of surgical volume • AVR, MVR, and TAVR procedures regularly performed • Occasional ECMO exposure • Limited thoracic surgery responsibilities • No vascular surgery responsibilities • No transplant or VAD cases • Surgeons present for all OR cases • Independent practice in clinic setting What Candidates Can Expect We believe transparency matters. Candidates can expect clear communication regarding assignment expectations, scheduling, workflow, credentialing requirements, call responsibilities, and clinical expectations so they can confidently determine whether this opportunity aligns with their experience and career goals. Apply Today If you are an experienced Cardiovascular Surgery Physician Assistant seeking a highly compensated locum opportunity with significant operative exposure and a collaborative cardiac surgery team, apply today to learn more. Employment Type: Full Time Salary: $195 Hourly Bonus/Commission: No