Physician Assistant (Orthopedic)

Orthopedic Physician Assistant

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The Orthopedic Physician Assistant (PA) functions as an integral member of the Orthopedic Surgery Section, providing comprehensive outpatient musculoskeletal care in collaboration with the orthopedic surgeons. The PA evaluates, diagnoses, and manages patients with orthopedic conditions within approved clinical privileges and participates in the efficient operation of the orthopedic clinic. The PA may also perform administrative and other duties as assigned to support the mission of the Orthopedic Section and Department of Surgery.

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and manage patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions in the outpatient orthopedic clinic.
• Obtain comprehensive medical histories and perform focused musculoskeletal physical examinations.
• Develop assessment and treatment plans in collaboration with supervising orthopedic surgeons.
• Order, interpret, and document appropriate laboratory studies, diagnostic imaging, and other diagnostic tests.
• Perform office-based procedures within approved clinical privileges, including joint aspirations and injections, splinting and casting, wound care, suture and staple removal, and other approved musculoskeletal procedures.
• Provide preoperative evaluations and routine postoperative follow-up in the outpatient setting.
• Prescribe medications, orthotics, braces, and other treatment modalities consistent with approved clinical privileges and VA policy.
• Coordinate patient care with Primary Care, Rehabilitation Services, Prosthetics, Radiology, and other specialty services.
• Document patient encounters accurately and timely in the electronic health record.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Participate in section, service, and interdisciplinary meetings as assigned.
• Assist with development and implementation of clinical workflows, standard operating procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in peer review, performance improvement, accreditation activities, and other administrative functions as assigned.

Education:

• Participate in the education of residents, medical students, physician assistant students, nursing staff, and other learners as appropriate.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Maintain current licensure, certification, and clinical privileges.
• Practice within the scope of approved privileges and applicable VA policies.
• Demonstrate professionalism consistent with VA ICARE values.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all privacy and information security requirements.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position and the operational needs of the Orthopedic Section and Department of Surgery.

Work Schedule: Intermittent. Specific work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required