Physician Assistant

Full Job Description

Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Physician Assistant (PA) to join our cranio/maxillofacial and head and neck microvascular surgery team. The PA will work closely with the supervising surgeon in plastic and cranio/maxillofacial surgery and microvascular head and neck reconstruction. This role involves perioperative patient care, surgical assistance, patient education, and coordination of multidisciplinary care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Position Title: Physician Assistant (PA) – Plastic, Cranio/Maxillofacial, and Head and Neck Microvascular Surgery

Supervising Surgeon: Ravi Garg, MD

Location: Scripps Mercy Hospital, Scripps Prebys Cancer Center, Ambulatory Surgery Center, other Scripps locations as needed, SENTA clinic

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri: 7am-4pm, or 8am-5pm depending on the day.

If an OR day goes long, the PA may be asked to stay later to help finish the surgery

Call 1 weekend every 3 weeks (to be coordinated with supervising physician). Friday 5pm to Monday 8am: patient rounds, answer patient calls/questions, assist with urgent or emergency surgery

Key ResponsibilitiesSurgical Assistance:

• Assist in microvascular surgeries, including tissue transfers, free flaps, and reconstructive procedures.
• Assist in plastic and cranio/maxillofacial surgeries.
• Handle delicate and complex surgical instruments and provide precise assistance during microsurgical operations.
• Prepare the operating room by working with OR staff, including setting up microscopes and specialized instruments required for procedures.
• Monitor patient vitals during surgery and provide intraoperative support as needed.

Pre- and Post-Operative Care:

• Perform pre-operative assessments, including obtaining patient histories, conducting physical exams, and ordering diagnostic tests.
• Develop and implement pre- and post-operative care plans in collaboration with the surgical team.
• Enter preoperative updated H&P, obtain patient consent, enter postoperative orders, and communicate with postoperative intensivist and hospitalist teams regarding plan of care.
• Perform daily inpatient rounds and enter surgical progress notes.
• Manage wound care, dressing changes, and monitor flap viability post-surgery.
• Provide education and support to patients and families regarding procedures, recovery, and care instructions.

Clinical Duties:

• Conduct outpatient clinics for follow-up visits, suture removal, dressing changes, and monitoring of surgical outcomes.
• See new patient consults in the clinic and staff with supervising surgeon.
• Order and interpret lab tests, imaging, and other diagnostic tools to assist in patient management.
• Coordinate virtual planning sessions for surgery.
• Facilitate communications/letters to referring providers.
• Assist with documentation for surgical preauthorization.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including head and neck surgeons, oral surgeons, orthodontists, dermatologists, neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, oncologists, and rehabilitation specialists, to optimize patient outcomes.
• Document patient clinic encounters and telephone encounters, and maintain accurate records in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Help triage referrals that come into the clinic as well as referrals for trauma patients from the ER. Discuss referrals with supervising physician.
• Help coordinate/navigate patient care for multidisciplinary cancer clinics.
• Work with supervising physician on projects to facilitate growth of the Advanced Head and Neck, Cranial/Orbital/Maxillofacial Surgery program.

Patient Education and Support:

• Provide detailed education to patients and families on procedures, expected outcomes, and post-operative care.
• Provide education to patient and families after surgery regarding trach care, G tube care, wound care, dressing changes, nutritional restrictions and activity restrictions.
• Support patients by facilitating communications/paperwork for time off.
• Counsel patients on risk factors, lifestyle modifications, and rehabilitation options.
• Serve as a point of contact for patient concerns, questions, and follow-up care coordination.

On-Call and Emergency Support:

• Participate in weekend call, from Friday 5pm to Monday 8am, every third weekend. Coordinate call weekends with supervising physician. During call, answer patient phone calls, round on patients and write notes, see any urgent referrals, and participate in any urgent or emergency surgeries.

Professional Development and Training:

• Participate in continuing education and specialized training to remain current on advances in microvascular surgery and techniques.
• Contribute to the education of medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals and trainees in plastic and cranio/maxillofacial and microsurgical procedures and care protocols.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Active PA license in the state of California.
• Experience in plastic, reconstructive, or microvascular surgery is preferred, although a new graduate will be considered if there is an eagerness to learn and spend time independently reading and practicing surgical skills.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proficiency in surgical techniques, particularly in microvascular or reconstructive procedures.
• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent manual dexterity and ability to handle intricate surgical instruments.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with a patient-centered approach.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Flexibility in attending to responsibilities in the clinic, operating room and inpatient settings.

Work Environment:

• Primarily in hospital settings, including operating rooms, inpatient units, and outpatient clinics.
• Exposure to high-stress situations during complex and delicate surgeries.
• Possible evening, weekend, or on-call hours based on surgical case load and patient needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $140,000.00 – $160,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Surgery

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Commute:

• San Diego, CA (Required)

Work Location: In person