Physician Assistant (Orthopedics)

Orthopedic Physician Assistant

The Orthopedic Physician Assistant (PA) provides advanced clinical care, patient education, and support throughout the continuum of orthopedic surgical and non-surgical treatment. Working in collaboration with the surgeons and the multidisciplinary team, the PA delivers comprehensive preoperative and postoperative careincluding fracture management, joint care, and rehabilitation planningwith a focus on safety, quality outcomes, and exceptional patient experience. The PA serves as both a clinical provider and a key liaison between patients, staff, and leadershippromoting a unified, patient-centered environment aligned with the organization's mission and standards of excellence.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct pre-operative evaluations and assessments for orthopedic surgery candidates
• Take initial patient histories and perform physical and musculoskeletal examinations
• Initiate, document, and communicate the plan of care and follow up to ensure complete screening and preparation of patients
• Write orders for medications, laboratory work, and diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
• Interpret laboratory, imaging, and other diagnostic test results
• Provide comprehensive education and counseling to patients regarding surgical and non-surgical treatment options, pre-operative preparation, and post-operative care
• Educate patients on medication, activity restrictions, and post-operative instructions
• Collaborate with the surgical team to develop individualized treatment plans for patients
• Confer with attending physicians, nursing staff, and/or other care providers to ensure optimum quality of patient care
• First assist in the operating room for orthopedic surgical procedures as needed
• Perform fracture reductions, joint aspirations, and injections (e.g., corticosteroid, viscosupplementation) under physician supervision
• Apply, adjust, and remove casts, splints, and braces
• Perform post-operative follow-up visits and monitor patients' progress, including wound and incision checks
• Note discharge summaries, prescriptions, and any referrals on patient charts
• Inform patients of the necessary post-discharge care instructions, including weight-bearing status and rehabilitation timelines
• Assist in the management of post-operative complications and provide support to patients as needed
• Perform comprehensive patient assessments, including medical history, physical examination, and documentation in the EMR
• Assist in preoperative consultationseducating patients about surgical options, expectations, risks, and postoperative recovery
• Manage postoperative care, including wound assessments, dressing changes, and pain control
• Prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests in accordance with state and institutional regulations
• Evaluate and manage postoperative complications under the guidance of the attending surgeon
• Coordinate referrals to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and durable medical equipment (DME) as appropriate
• Collaborate with surgeons, medical assistants, RNs, and front office staff to ensure continuity and quality of care
• Maintain detailed and accurate clinical documentation in compliance with professional and regulatory standards
• Participate in quality assurance initiatives, patient safety programs, and workflow improvement efforts
• Serve as a clinical resource for staff and assist with training on postoperative protocols and patient communication
• Support the operational leader in maintaining high standards of professionalism, respect, and teamwork across the department
• Perform related duties as required

Marginal or Additional Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent
• Patient-centered communication and empathy
• Surgical and procedural precision
• Team collaboration and leadership
• Clinical accountability and ethical practice
• Adaptability and composure under pressure
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Education, Licensure or Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree, required
• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program (Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant ARC-PA), required
• Current NCCPA Certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), required
• Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice, required
• Current BLS certification, required

Work Experience or Related Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in orthopedic surgery or a related field is preferred
• Experience with casting, splinting, and joint injections is preferred
• Prior experience first-assisting in the operating room is preferred

Specialized Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience with EHR/Billing, with a preference for candidates with experience in AdvancedMD
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to be proactive and self-directed utilizing good time management, decision-making, and organization skills is required. Incumbents must be able to prioritize multiple tasks
• Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment