(PA) Sr. Physician Asst, Ortho Surgery - Spine - 136989

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine is a diverse patient, research, education, and academia focused, high-performing Department with a commitment to quality, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Orthopaedic Surgery provides treatment for disorders of the musculoskeletal system, offering comprehensive and innovative services. The Department offers a full spectrum of musculoskeletal clinical care, specializing in foot and ankle, hand and microvascular surgery, joint reconstruction, physical medicine and rehabilitation, spine, sports medicine, orthopaedic oncology, and trauma. Research expertise includes advancements in muscle metabolism and physiology, neuromuscular bioengineering, intervertebral disc, and musculoskeletal physiology and epidemiology. The Department supports an ACGME accredited residency program and fellowship in hand and microvascular surgery, as well as fellowship programs in joint reconstruction, spine, and trauma.

Sr. 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. Position formulates treatment plans for musculoskeletal problems within scope of practice. Implement 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. Sr. Physician Assistant assists in surgery as assigned and delegated by the surgeon. Orders, prescribes, dispenses, and administers medication, orthoses, braces, injections, and other Orthopaedic devices.

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

• 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 PA experience in musculoskeletal care or orthopaedic surgery. Spine specialty experience is preferred.

• 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.

• Detailed, specific knowledge of methods associated with the prevention, evaluation, care, and treatment of acute and chronic Orthopaedic conditions.

• Skill in telephone interviewing and triaging of patients to effectively retrieve accurate information.

• Demonstrate experience in performing initial history and physical examination, identifying major medical problems, and formulating appropriate plans of action.

• Strong knowledge of established protocols and ability to establish new protocols as needed.

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

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

• Skills necessary to function as a first assistant in operative procedures, and knowledge of operating room standards and techniques.

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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 write orders regarding the execution of patients' plans of treatment.

• Demonstrate 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 aspects of acute and chronic care.

• Ability to be trained in the use of specialized medical equipment.

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

• Ability to code patient care accurately and within UC and governmental guidelines.

• Knowledge and experience in the orthopaedic surgery subspecialty of the spine service.

• Outpatient experience.

• Experience working with large healthcare providers.

• Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two years, gained through school or work experience.

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

• Must be able to obtain UC San Diego Medical Staff privileges and maintain during employment.

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

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