Physician Assistant

Location: Creve Coeur, Missouri, with 2–3 days per month in Cape Girardeau, Missouri Position Type: Full-time, on-site Company Description OrthoMissouri is committed to providing high-quality orthopedic care, with a strong emphasis on caring for injured workers. Our practice is known for transparent, timely communication with patients, employers, referring providers, nurse case managers, and other members of the care team. OrthoMissouri provides specialized orthopedic treatment, independent medical evaluations (IMEs), and second opinions to support accurate diagnoses and evidence-based treatment plans. We foster a collaborative, patient-centered clinical environment where team members can make a meaningful impact on patient recovery, return to function, and workplace health. Position Summary OrthoMissouri is seeking a full-time Physician Assistant to work directly with Dr. Van Krueger in a busy orthopedic surgical practice focused on shoulder, elbow, knee, and orthopedic trauma conditions. The position is based primarily in Creve Coeur, Missouri, with approximately 2–3 days per month in Cape Girardeau. The Physician Assistant will participate in all aspects of surgical and nonsurgical patient care, including first assisting in the operating room, supporting clinic operations, coordinating perioperative care, and assisting with the preparation of IMEs and second-opinion evaluations. After appropriate training and demonstration of competency, the Physician Assistant may have opportunities to conduct independent patient visits within the scope of the collaborative practice arrangement. ResponsibilitiesOperating Room Serve as first assistant during orthopedic surgical procedures. Assist with patient positioning, preparation, exposure, retraction, and wound closure. Apply postoperative dressings, braces, and other orthopedic devices. Develop proficiency in arthroscopic techniques and surgical workflow. Clinical Care Obtain patient histories and perform focused musculoskeletal examinations. Assist with the evaluation and treatment of shoulder, elbow, knee, and orthopedic trauma conditions. Order and interpret appropriate imaging studies and laboratory tests. Develop evidence-based treatment plans in collaboration with Dr. Krueger. Provide preoperative education and counseling. Manage routine postoperative care, including wound checks, suture or staple removal, dressing changes, and brace application or adjustment. Educate patients regarding diagnoses, procedures, rehabilitation expectations, activity restrictions, and return-to-work plans. Coordinate physical therapy, diagnostic testing, referrals, and follow-up care. Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed documentation in the electronic health record. IMEs and Second Opinions Assist with the preparation of independent medical evaluations and second-opinion consultations. Review and organize medical records, imaging reports, treatment histories, and other relevant documentation. Prepare concise clinical summaries and timelines for physician review. Care Coordination and Team Support Work closely with Dr. Krueger, his medical assistant, and the referral coordinator. Communicate clearly and promptly with patients, referring providers, employers, adjusters, nurse case managers, therapists, and other members of the care team. Help ensure that orders, authorizations, referrals, and follow-up plans are completed efficiently. Support a responsive, organized, and patient-centered practice environment. Maintain a team-first attitude and assist wherever needed to support patients, colleagues, and practice operations. Required Qualifications Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program. Current or eligible Missouri Physician Assistant license. Current NCCPA certification as a Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C). At least one year of operative orthopedic surgery experience. Proficiency in surgical wound closure and orthopedic brace application. Willingness to learn arthroscopic skills and procedure-specific surgical techniques. Strong patient communication, education, and counseling skills. Ability to explain diagnoses, procedures, postoperative expectations, and return-to-work plans clearly and compassionately. Strong organizational, time-management, and documentation skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical and surgical environment. Experience using electronic health records and standard clinical technology. Willingness and ability to travel to Cape Girardeau approximately 2–3 days per month. A collaborative, team-oriented attitude and willingness to step in and help wherever reasonably needed. Preferred Qualifications Experience in sports medicine, arthroscopy, shoulder surgery, knee surgery, or orthopedic trauma. Familiarity with workers’ compensation and occupational injury documentation. Experience reviewing medical records or assisting with IMEs and second-opinion evaluations. Experience providing postoperative care and independently managing appropriate follow-up visits. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, clinically motivated, and eager to become an integral part of a growing orthopedic practice. This individual should enjoy working in both the operating room and clinic, communicate well with patients and colleagues, and take ownership of patient follow-up and care coordination. #J-18808-Ljbffr OrthoMissouri