Physician Assistant (Surgery)

Physician Assistant

The PA is responsible for prescribing medical treatment and providing personal care services to the veteran population. Care is based on Veterans Health Administration, and national standards and outcomes research. Duties include documenting observations, assessments, and changes in patient's condition, collaborating with medical management team members to facilitate positive patient care outcomes, and providing a full range of physician assistant care to patients with a variety of physical problems.

Duties include but not limited to:

Clinical Duties:

1. Management of surgical inpatients; including patients on the ward, transitional care units, and intensive care units (including documentation of care in the medical record).

a. The Surgical PA will notify the Chief resident (or Fellow) of any change in a patient's medical status or when alterations to treatment are needed.

2. Evaluate surgical consults in the hospital or emergency department.

3. Provide surgical coverage on-call.

a. Perform simple surgical procedures such as wound vac changes, surgical wound debridement, wound care, triage surgical problems, perform compartment pressure assessment, and assist in the operating room.

4. Provide surgical coverage as part of the code team.

5. Additional duties as assigned.

Emergency Duties:

1. Treatment of respiratory failure.

2. Treatment of life-threatening traumatic injuries

3. Additional duties as assigned.

Miscellaneous Duties:

1. Instruction of medical and allied health students assigned to Night/Weekend Section, as necessary.

2. Administrative duties such a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), peer review, serving on various committees and may be directed by service chief or Chief of Staff.

3. Clinical research, if approved by Service Chief.

4. In-service seminars to hospital staff members.

5. Assisting in the maintenance of a surgical waiting list, contacting future patients and referring physician.

6. Additional duties as assigned.