Orthopedic Physician Assistant

Job Summary

The Orthopedic Physician Assistant (OPA) will provide comprehensive medical care in both clinic and operating room settings. This role includes diagnosing and treating patients, assisting in surgical procedures, and collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient

Essential Clinical Functions

Conduct patient assessments, including medical histories and physical exams and diagnostic testing.

Educate patients on health maintenance and disease prevention.

Educate patients on the surgical procedure, risk, benefits, and preoperative care instructions.

Educate patients and family on the surgical recovery process.

Regularly review and update care plans to ensure the best outcomes for patients.

Ensure patient understanding of pre-surgical protocols, including fasting, mediation adjustments.

Prescribe medications and treatment plans based on patient assessments.

Obtain informed consent from patients.

Assist surgeons during procedures, including suturing and tissue handling.

Maintain a sterile environment and adhere to surgical protocols.

Collaborate with surgical team members to develop and implement care plans.

Coordinate with a surgical team to ensure necessary preoperative test*(e.g., labs, imaging) are completed.

Perform post-op assessments and monitor assessment.

Perform follow-up evaluations, assessing healing, surgical site conditions, and overall recovery.

• Remove sutures, drains, or staples as appropriate and provide wound care management.
• Educate patients on post-surgical care, including activity restrictions, pain management, and signs of complications observed during the post-op period.
• Communicate with the surgical team about any concerns or complications observed during the post-op period.
• Manage post-op pain and complications.
• Coordinate care with specialists as needed and manage patient referrals for specialized services.
• Ensure adherence to hospital policies, safety regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Work closely with the multidisciplinary team to coordinate care.
• Stay current with medical advancements, surgical techniques, and best practice.

Administrative Functions

• Oversees the overall program management to include, but not limited to, report generation and review, tracking its progress, monitoring, and improving its processes, and ensuring the highest quality of care and patient experience.
• Assist in the development of surgical practices and guidelines.
• Participates in data collection and analysis of clinical outcomes of care and customer satisfaction standards.
• Act as the main contact between the hospital and outside care providers.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Education/Certifications

Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program.

Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

New Jersey State licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant.

Previous experience in surgical settings is preferred.

Physical Demands Analysis:

Exposed to unpleasant odors, body waste, and communicable diseases. Encounters stress, emergencies, and death. On feet most of the day, lifts patients and moves heavy equipment. Interacts with family, visitors, health team members and other hospital personnel