Physician Assistant Per Diem, Cardiac Surgery Hybrid Operative/Inpatient

Cardiovascular Institute And Division Of Cardiac Surgery At Uci Health

The Cardiovascular Institute and Division of Cardiac Surgery at UCI Health are seeking an experienced and motivated PER DIEM physician assistant (Surgical PA). As one of the leading programs at UCI-Health, our cardiac surgery division is experiencing significant growth in both volume and complexity. UCI Health is the only hospital in Orange County performing durable LVADs and caring for complex ECMO patients.

Your Role on the Team

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, independent, and thrive in a collaborative, mentorship-driven environment. Key responsibilities include:

• Performing endoscopic vein harvesting with experience or interest in endoscopic radial artery harvest.
• First assisting in cardiac surgeries, including gaining experience in large vessel exposure, femoral artery and vein access, sternotomy procedures, and ECMO cannulation.
• Advancing surgical skills under the guidance of dedicated cardiac surgeons committed to PA skill development.
• Working closely with attending cardiac surgeons, ICU physicians, and cardiac nurse practitioners who oversee patient care on the floors.
• Assisting in acute-care procedures such as ECMO management and performing surgical interventions in the ICU and on the floor.

This position reports to cardiac surgery leadership, including the Division Chief and Co-Directors of the Cardiovascular Institute, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and best practices. Surgical PAs in this role will work 12-hour shifts, balancing time in the operating room and other hospital areas where acute and procedural support is needed. The per diem position also includes participation in the call rotation, with call requirements determined by service needs.

We look forward to partnering with outstanding candidates who share our vision and commitment to advancing surgical excellence in cardiac care at UCI Health.