Surgical Physician Assistant - Trauma General Surgery

Surgical Physician Assistant – Trauma General Surgery

The PA Surgical Specialty–Operative is a licensed, certified, non-physician healthcare provider who actively renders direct patient care and possesses delegated prescriptive authority, is credentialed and privileged, and whose service is billed as an independent billing provider, as recognized by Medicare and Medicaid within the healthcare systems, and in accordance with the appropriate board. The Advanced Practice Provider provides medical care based upon the scope of practice as delineated by the supervising physician.

This position specializes in Trauma and General Surgery and provides comprehensive surgical care to adult patients across inpatient, emergency department, operative, and outpatient settings. The Physician Assistant will collaborate closely with trauma surgeons, general surgeons, nursing staff, and interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, evidence-based patient care throughout all phases of surgical treatment and recovery.

Essential Functions Of The Role

• Assesses the physical and mental condition of patients by performing and obtaining comprehensive or problem-focused physical examinations and medical histories.
• Orders, collects, interprets, and evaluates laboratory and diagnostic tests to assess patient conditions and healthcare needs.
• Prescribes, recommends, and/or employs medical drug therapies or other forms of related therapeutic treatments and procedures in accordance with approved policies, with attention to efficacy, safety, and cost.
• Formulates and implements comprehensive, outcomes-based patient treatment plans based on patient assessments, evidence-based medicine, standards of care, and professional practice guidelines in collaboration with physicians and interdisciplinary care teams.
• Evaluates patient response to healthcare provided and modifies treatment plans as appropriate.
• Provides trauma and acute care surgical management for patients in inpatient units, emergency departments, operating rooms, and clinic settings.
• Performs invasive bedside and operative procedures within the scope of practice and delegated privileges, including wound management, suturing, drain removal, line placement assistance, and other trauma/general surgery procedures.
• Participates in all phases of perioperative patient management including pre-operative evaluations, intraoperative first assist responsibilities, and post-operative follow-up care.
• Rounds independently and collaboratively with supervising physicians on trauma and general surgery patients.
• Assists in emergency surgical consultations and evaluates trauma activations as appropriate.
• Counsels patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, post-operative care, nutrition, and health promotion.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and complete medical documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Initiates consultation and referral when patient conditions exceed scope of practice and/or expertise.
• Collaborates effectively with physicians, nurses, case management, rehabilitation services, and ancillary departments to ensure coordinated patient care and optimal outcomes.
• May be required to perform patient care duties beyond regular schedule based on department coverage and trauma call needs.

Key Success Factors

• Knowledge of trauma and general surgery principles, including diagnosis, treatment, surgical interventions, and post-operative management.
• Knowledge of information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive healthcare measures.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills in fast-paced acute care environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative team-based care skills.
• Skill in the use of computers and electronic medical record software applications.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive outcomes-based patient treatment plans.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate laboratory and diagnostic testing.
• Ability to counsel patients and families concerning medical conditions, treatment plans, and recovery expectations.
• Ability to function effectively in high-acuity and rapidly changing clinical situations.
• Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the State of Texas.
• Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire or transfer.
• Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification preferred.

Benefits

Our competitive benefits package includes the following:

• Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
• 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
• Tuition Reimbursement
• PTO accrual beginning Day 1

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.

Experience

• Prior experience in trauma surgery, acute care surgery, emergency medicine, general surgery, or surgical first assist preferred.
• New graduates with strong surgical rotations may be considered.

Certification/License/Registration

• Physician Assistant (PA) License in the State of Texas
• NCCPA Certification Required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 30 days of hire or transfer
• Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) preferred