#132445 (PA) Sr. Physician Assistant - Orthopaedic Surgery

DESCRIPTION

The Physician Assistant works in coordination with medical staff and performs comprehensive and problem focused history and physical exams, interprets and correlates laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and correlates subjective and objective data to formulate a differential diagnosis and establish a working diagnosis. The Physician Assistant formulates treatment plans for musculoskeletal problems within scope of practice. Implements therapeutic intervention for specific conditions when appropriate. Exercises judgment on problems requiring consultation, referral, or evaluation by the collaborating orthopedic surgeon or other health care professionals. Physician Assistant may be assigned as needed to assist in surgery as assigned and delegated by the surgeon. The Physician Assistant orders, prescribes, dispenses, and administers medication, orthoses, braces, injections, and other Orthopaedic devices.

The position provides patient education and triage, and facilitates medical documentation and coding, completion of patient forms, and other non-patient facing responsibilities as part of the clinical practice. Administration time to complete non-patient-facing responsibilities will be provided at the discretion of the department. The Physician Assistant works in a dynamic environment with a multidisciplinary care team, including social workers, financial representatives, medical assistants, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and physical/occupational therapists. Position may evaluate, screen, and counsel patients on health maintenance and promote utilization of community resources. The position may assist in the design, conduct, and/or participate in research studies, manage databases, and perform quality assurance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a graduate from a physician assistant program approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

• California Physician Assistant (PA) license.

• Current PA Certification from NCCPA.

• BLS/CPR certification at time of hire with commitment to get BART within 6 months of hire date.

• Two (2) or more years of relevant clinical experience as a licensed Physician Assistant (PA). Relevant experience may include orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, ED/trauma, etc. If insufficient applicant pool, department may consider candidates with at least two (2) years of relevant clinical work experience (e.g. Athletic Trainer, EMT, Ortho MA, Ortho Tech, or PT assistant).

• Theoretical background in anatomy, physiology, general medicine, pulmonary, emergency and critical care medicine, management of common diseases, concepts of medicine and surgery, therapeutics, including pharmacology, counseling techniques and interpersonal dynamics.

• Demonstrated experience in performing initial history, and physical examination, identify major medical problems, and formulate appropriate plans of action.

• Demonstrated experience and ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner. Knowledge necessary for instructing house staff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of acute and chronic care.

• Strong writing skills to prepare clear medical reports, laboratory data and progress notes, as well as policies, procedures and protocols for patient care management.

• Ability to perform various medical procedures, for diagnostic studies and therapeutic modalities. Detail, specific knowledge of methods associated with the prevention, evaluation, care and treatment of acute and chronic Orthopaedic conditions.

• Proven knowledge of common diagnostic tests, exams, and procedures used in clinics. Must understand purpose, required supplies and/or equipment, how to perform procedure accurately, infection control, an accurate documentation of medical chart.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology, specializing in Orthopaedic Surgery.

• Ability to properly counsel patients and families, particularly in delicate or death and dying situations. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other health care personnel. Ability to maintain good working relationships and communications with physicians in-charge, laboratory personnel, and members of the health care team.

• Ability to write orders regarding execution of patient plans of treatment.

• Ability to assess the status and progress of patients and report this effectively to the physician in-charge and other medical care personnel associated with the patient.

• Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for the patients care and well-being and the skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings accurately and completely.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet strict guidelines and deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility in order to work effectively with staff, patients, and community agencies in person and on the phone.

• Knowledge of medical ethics and law practices, pertaining to medical and medical socioeconomics.

• Knowledge to code patient care visits and care accurately, and within governmental and UC guidelines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Orthopaedic surgery experience.

• Musculoskeletal experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Will be required to travel and provide care at multiple clinical sites as scheduled for the Department.

• Overtime, weekend, and/or evening schedule may be required intermittently.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must be able to obtain UCSD Medical Staff privileges and maintain during employment. Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two years gained through school or work experience.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of Californias Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of Californias Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.