Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA-C)

Full Job Description

About Us

San Diego Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons is a leading cardiothoracic surgery practice dedicated to providing exceptional patient-centered care. Our team offers comprehensive surgical treatment for cardiac, thoracic, and vascular conditions while fostering a collaborative culture focused on clinical excellence, innovation, and professional growth.

Apply today to join a dynamic cardiothoracic surgery team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients throughout our community.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA-C) to join our dynamic healthcare team. In this vital role, you will collaborate closely with cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional patient care before, during, and after complex cardiac and thoracic procedures. Your expertise will help ensure seamless surgical workflows, accurate assessments, and optimal recovery outcomes for patients undergoing advanced cardiac and thoracic surgeries. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment dedicated to cutting-edge cardiovascular care.

Duties

• Assist in preoperative patient assessments, including physical examinations, vital signs, and medical history review.
• Support cardiothoracic surgeons during operative procedures by preparing surgical instruments, suturing, and managing sterile techniques.
• First assist in a variety of cardiothoracic surgical procedures, including: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), Valve repair and replacement surgeries, Aortic procedures, Thoracic surgeries, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures, LVAD, ECMO, and heart transplantation
• Assist with surgical exposure, cannulation, closure, and hemostasis
• Conduct postoperative evaluations focusing on acute pain management, wound care, and discharge planning.
• Manage critical care patients in the ICU or step-down units, including monitoring ventilator settings and interpreting diagnostic tests like cardiac catheterization results.
• Document clinical findings accurately in Epic electronic health records (EHR) systems while adhering to HIPAA regulations.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals across specialties—such as infectious disease care, hospice & palliative medicine, and emergency medicine—to coordinate comprehensive patient treatment plans.

Skills

• Extensive experience with Epic EMR/EHR systems for efficient documentation and data management.
• Perform endoscopic vein harvesting (required)
• Proficiency in advanced clinical procedures such as suturing, injection administration, and physical examinations.
• Critical care experience in ICU or Level I/II trauma centers with skills in airway management, ventilator use, and acute pain control.
• Knowledge of CPT coding and ICD coding (ICD-9/10) for accurate medical billing and documentation.
• Ability to perform diagnostic evaluations including interpretation of radiology reports and diagnostic tests related to cardiac catheterization.
• Strong client communication skills with the ability to educate patients on medical treatments, medication adherence, and health coaching strategies.
• Familiarity with hospital medicine protocols including discharge planning, post-acute care coordination, and hospice & palliative medicine practices.

Schedule & Call Expectations

• Four 10-hour shifts per week
• Shared weekday call rotation (1:4)
• Shared weekend call rotation (1:4)
• Call responsibilities include hospital consultations, postoperative patient management, and urgent surgical coverage as needed

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current NCCPA certification
• Active California Physician Assistant license or eligibility for licensure
• Current DEA registration and BLS/ACLS certification
• Prior cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac surgery, surgical critical care, or cardiovascular experience preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and clinical decision-making skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Endoscopic vein and radial artery harvesting experience
• Experience managing cardiothoracic surgery patients in ICU and inpatient settings
• Familiarity with electronic medical records and hospital-based workflows

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• CME allowance and paid CME time
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Professional liability coverage
• Collaborative and supportive surgical team environment

Join us in delivering innovative cardiovascular care! We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment that values your expertise while supporting your professional growth across diverse specialties such as emergency medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, occupational health, and more. This paid position ensures you gain invaluable experience while making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives every day!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $150,000.00 – $220,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person