Physician Assistant Surgical Oncology

Surgical Oncology Physician Assistant

Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute | Brigham and Women's Hospital

Join the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute as a Surgical Oncology Physician Assistant and help deliver exceptional, patient-centered cancer care across the full surgical journey. This ambulatory role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of surgery, oncology, multidisciplinary collaboration, and clinical research while supporting patients treated within the Division of Surgical Oncology.

About the Role

The Surgical Oncology PA provides high-level preoperative, postoperative, and outpatient care under the direction of supervising physicians. The PA serves as a key clinical bridge between the Division of Surgical Oncology and other Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute subspecialties, including Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Pathology. This role also contributes to ongoing clinical research activities within Surgical Oncology and the Cancer Institute.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Practice in a highly collaborative surgical oncology environment caring for patients with melanoma/cutaneous cancer, GI cancers, sarcoma, and other complex surgical oncology needs.

Work closely with attending surgeons and multidisciplinary oncology teams to support smooth transitions of care across multimodality treatment plans.

Participate in weekly tumor board discussions as an active contributor to patient care planning.

Gain exposure to both ambulatory clinical care and OR/ambulatory treatment room first-assist responsibilities.

Contribute to clinical research through collaboration with study coordinators and the surgical oncology team.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care and Clinical Assessment

Perform new patient consultations and routine surveillance follow-up assessments independently, including history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation.

Serve as a primary clinical point of contact for surgical oncology patients, including those with melanoma/cutaneous cancer, GI cancers, and sarcoma.

Write orders and interpret lab values and radiologic studies with physician support as needed.

Facilitate referrals of surgical patients to Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute oncology providers in consultation with referring providers.

Procedures, Wound Care, and Surgical Support

Assess and manage acute incisions and chronic wounds, including sharp debridement, dressing applications, suturing, and removal of drains, sutures, and staples.

Recommend wound management options, perform follow-up visits, and communicate patient status to attending surgeons.

Obtain tissue samples in the clinic setting, primarily through punch or core biopsy, under the direction of the attending surgeon.

First assist in surgical oncology cases in the operating room and ambulatory treatment room.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Research

Partner with providers across Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Pathology, and other subspecialties to support coordinated, patient-centered care.

Participate in weekly tumor board as an active contributor to patients' plans of care.

Assist study coordinators with ongoing surgical oncology research, including research histories and physicals, data collection, tissue specimen collection, and wound care according to study guidelines.

Perform other duties as assigned to meet evolving departmental, divisional, and clinical needs.

Schedule and Location

This role is primarily based at Brigham and Women's Hospital, with coverage at one additional community site expected. While schedules are planned in advance whenever possible and are generally predictable, candidates should expect some variation based on the clinical needs of the department, division, and clinics. Backup coverage may be required as part of the role.

Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program; Master's degree required.

Current or eligible Massachusetts Physician Assistant license required.

Experience as a licensed Physician Assistant preferred; candidates with surgical, oncology, ambulatory, wound care, or first-assist experience are encouraged to apply.

Strong clinical assessment, communication, documentation, and care coordination skills.

Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary academic medical environment.

Benefits and Professional Growth

Mass General Brigham offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off; tuition reimbursement; retirement plan options; commuter benefits; access to childcare resources and emergency backup care; and employee perks and discounts. Advanced Practice Providers at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute also benefit from structured onboarding, mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative environment that supports growth across clinical, academic, and leadership pathways.