Cardiac Surgery First Assist

• Pay: $115,000 – $190,000 per year
• Schedule: Full Time, Day/Evening
• Location: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
• MedStar Job ID: 168977

The incumbent of this role works as a first or second assistant during open-heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. The primary focus of this position is the cardiac surgery operating room. The PA/APP will work closely with cardiac surgeons and experienced APPs while developing skills in first assisting, conduit harvesting, surgical exposure, and perioperative care.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews relevant patient history, diagnostic studies, and imaging in preparation for surgery.
• Participates in a structured orientation and competency-development program.
• Assists in the cardiac surgery operating room. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Assisting cardiac surgeons during open and/or minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures.
• Serving as a first or second assistant based on experience and demonstrated competency.
• Participating in procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement, aortic surgery, mechanical circulatory support, and other cardiac surgical procedures.
• Developing skills in endoscopic and open saphenous vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting.
• Working collaboratively with surgeons, APPs, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, and other members of the cardiac surgery team.

Education

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program.
• RN First Assistant (RNFA) program required for Nurse Practitioners.

Experience

• Previous operating room, cardiac surgery, cardiovascular, or related clinical experience preferred but not required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Physician Assistant: Current or eligible for Physician Assistant licensure in the District of Columbia.
• Nurse Practitioner: Current or eligible for Nurse Practitioner licensure in the District of Columbia and completion of an RN First Assistant program.

Compensation

Total compensation for this position is a combination of base salary, a first-assist adjuster, and an off-shift adjuster.