Physician Assistant Surgical -- Thoracic Surgery

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Thoracic Surgery Team as a Physician Assistant

Our organization is looking for a talented and committed Physician Assistant (PA) to become part of our exceptional Thoracic Surgery team. This full-time role encompasses responsibilities in inpatient care and multidisciplinary collaboration, providing a unique chance to thrive in a high-acuity surgical environment while also engaging in comprehensive hospital-based medical care.

Thoracic Surgery & ICU Responsibilities:

• Deliver thorough care for patients with thoracic conditions, from initial evaluations to surgical interventions and postoperative critical care.
• Assist in diagnosing and managing thoracic diseases, including lung cancer, esophageal issues, pleural disorders, and mediastinal masses.
• Perform or assist in various thoracic surgical procedures, such as thoracotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and other minimally invasive techniques.
• Oversee critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), including those recovering from thoracic surgery and those needing advanced life support.
• Conduct preoperative assessments and risk evaluations, contributing to multidisciplinary planning and obtaining informed consent from patients.
• Monitor and manage ICU patients requiring ventilation, addressing hemodynamic instability, fluid imbalances, and sedation in accordance with ICU protocols.
• Carry out bedside procedures, including chest tube insertions, central and arterial line placements, endotracheal intubations, and thoracentesis.
• Interpret imaging and diagnostic results (e.g., chest X-rays, CT scans, ABGs, laboratory tests) to inform both surgical and ICU care.
• Actively engage in daily ICU rounds, surgical case discussions, and thoracic oncology multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Coordinate postoperative care, vigilantly monitoring for complications such as bleeding, infections, respiratory distress, or arrhythmias, and responding promptly as necessary.
• Educate patients and their families about surgical procedures, ICU care plans, recovery expectations, and discharge instructions.
• Ensure compliance with infection control protocols, ICU safety standards, and institutional guidelines for patient care.

General Inpatient Medical Management:

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and physical examinations.
• Order and interpret laboratory and imaging tests, adjusting treatment plans as needed.
• Prescribe medications and therapies in line with current clinical guidelines.
• Participate in the care of patients on inpatient consult services, including those admitted under Surgery, Medicine, Trauma, Pediatrics, and Ob/Gyn.
• Support emergency and inpatient assessments, triage decisions, and follow-up care.
• Provide education to patients and families regarding procedures, recovery expectations, and health management strategies.

Clinical Leadership & Support:

• Act as a clinical resource and team leader during shifts to ensure efficient workflow and uphold high standards of care.
• Guarantee accurate documentation, coding, and billing practices.
• Maintain an inventory of medical supplies, prepare patients for procedures, and ensure a safe and organized clinical environment.

Work Schedule:

• Provide 24/7 in-house coverage for the Cardiac Surgery Service utilizing 24-hour shifts.
• Flexibility for 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts based on clinical needs.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Graduate from an accredited PA program with current NCCPA certification.
• Possess an active state PA license and prescriptive authority.
• At least 2 years of experience in a surgical or hospital-based acute care setting (CT Surgery experience is highly preferred).
• Proficient in ICU management and invasive bedside procedures.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical care.
• Excellent clinical judgment, teamwork, and communication abilities.

We offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:

• A competitive base salary ranging from $124,693 to $145,475, depending on academic rank, with additional incentive bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Retirement plan plus a 403(b).
• Annual CME allowance and dedicated CME time.
• Occurrence-based malpractice coverage.
• Employee wellness programs and mental health support.

Our organization serves as a cornerstone of medicine, research, and medical education in New York's Capital Region, employing over 10,000 individuals. We provide excellent career opportunities across various roles in both patient care and administration, valuing all our staff members.

We are committed to offering:

• Outstanding health care coverage with no copay at our providers.
• A wide range of services and programs to support emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Located in the historic capital city, our organization provides a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient care and is home to the region's largest hospital, the only Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma centers, and the only children's hospital. Our downtown campus also offers opportunities at a medical college.

We are part of a health system serving over three million people across 25 counties.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and CV.

Our organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences, including women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and underrepresented minorities.