Surgical Physician Assistant

Position Summary

Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Associates (CTSA) is seeking a personable, motivated Surgical Physician Assistant to join our cardiothoracic surgery team in Colorado Springs. This role provides meaningful involvement in operative care, inpatient management, and the care of patients in step-down and intensive care settings.

About CTSA

CTSA is the largest cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery provider within the Common Spirit Health system. The practice has locations in Denver and Colorado Springs and includes six cardiothoracic surgeons, one dedicated thoracic surgeon and, when fully staffed, eight advanced practice providers supporting care across both locations.

CTSA is focused on excellent patient care, a supportive team culture, professional development, and sustainable work-life balance.

Position Highlights

• Annual salary range of $125,000 to $200,000, based on relevant experience, qualifications, and internal considerations
• Approximately 1:3 call rotation with dedicated ICU coverage and physician support
• Significant first-assist and perioperative responsibilities
• Opportunity to support open and minimally invasive cardiac and thoracic procedures
• Minimal office-based clinic responsibilities
• Collaborative surgical team and advanced practice provider structure

Key Responsibilities

• First assist in cardiac surgical cases and selected thoracic procedures, including open and minimally invasive approaches such as video-assisted thoracoscopic and robotic procedures.
• Perform conduit harvesting, including endoscopic and open vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting, based on training, demonstrated competency, and clinical need.
• Provide daily care for cardiothoracic surgical patients in intensive care, step-down, and inpatient settings.
• Complete patient assessments, progress notes, consultation notes, order entry, discharge documentation, and care coordination.
• Participate in daily rounds and collaborate with surgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses, and ancillary teams to support safe and timely care.
• Evaluate and respond to changes in patient condition and escalate concerns to the supervising physician when appropriate.
• Participate in the shared call schedule with surgeon support and dedicated ICU coverage.
• Provide limited postoperative follow-up care in the office setting as assigned.
• Support quality, safety, documentation, and patient-experience expectations of the practice and hospital.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current NCCPA certification
• Active Colorado Physician Assistant license, or ability to obtain before employment
• DEA registration, or ability to obtain
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications, or ability to meet practice and hospital requirements
• Ability to participate in the call rotation and meet credentialing and privileging requirements
• Strong communication, clinical judgment, teamwork, and documentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Cardiothoracic or cardiovascular surgery experience
• Endoscopic vein harvesting experience
• Surgical first-assist experience
• Experience managing critically ill or postoperative surgical patients
• Experience in cardiac, thoracic, vascular, intensive care, or another high-acuity surgical setting

Cardiothoracic operative experience is preferred. CTSA may consider a strong surgical candidate who demonstrates the clinical foundation, judgment, and commitment needed to develop within the specialty.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range: $125,000 to $200,000
• Employer sponsored healthcare premiums, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Continuing medical education reimbursement
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off

Actual compensation will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, scope of responsibility, and internal considerations. Benefits and compensation terms are subject to the applicable plan documents and employment terms.

Join Our Team

If you are looking for a hands-on surgical role with meaningful operative exposure, inpatient responsibility, and a collaborative team environment, we encourage you to apply.