Inpatient Physician Assistant

Overview

The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for assisting the Program Attending physicians in the medical management of hematologic (including BMT) and solid tumor oncology patients, as well as patients receiving elective chemotherapy. Inpatient PAs will be expected to collaborate and cross- train with all of the inpatient teams. The PA works closely with the physician and nursing staff to develop and coordinate a plan of care designed to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of patients and their families. Professional collaboration between inpatient and the ambulatory setting is expected by all PAs.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is honored to be one of the organizations to receive the American Academy of PAs’ (AAPA) Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management (CHLM) 2020-2021 Employer of Excellence Award. The EOE Awards, the first and only PA-specific award program for organizations, is designed to showcase employers that have implemented practices that create positive work environments for PAs and encourage collaborative provider teams.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s Degree and successful completion of an AAPA/NCCPA accredited Physician Assistant Studies program are required. Must be NCCPA Certified and licensed to practice as a Physician Assistant in Massachusetts. Must maintain current DEA and Massachusetts Controlled Substance Licenses and complete 100 hours of CME according to national and state regulations during each 2 year period of employment.

PA I: No professional experience required.

PA II: 2 years of qualifying professional Physician Assistant experience

PA III: 5 years of qualifying professional Physician Assistant experience

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Physician Assistant I

• Manages all aspects of patient care in collaboration with his/her supervising MD and care team
• Examines patients to obtain information about their physical condition
• Orders and interprets diagnostic test results to obtain pertinent medical information
• Obtains, compiles, and records patient medical data which may include admission and discharge notes, daily progress notes and results of examinations
• Prescribes therapy or medications and performs procedures according to DFCI privileges
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all members of the care team and all DF/BW staff.
• Participates in quality improvement projects and patient safety initiatives
• Practices in an efficient manner without compromising high level of patient care
• Works well with and coordinates care amongst attendings, consulting teams, nurses, social worker and other healthcare professionals promoting excellence in patient care
• Adheres to documentation of notes based on standard practice of program
• Participates in precepting of students after training completed. May begin earlier or later based on Chief PA or supervising MD recommendation. (Inpatient Chief PAs must approve inpatient PA preceptors. Proctoring may be recommended for PAs who are unable to participate in the PA student preceptor program.)

Physician Assistant II

In addition to the duties and responsibilities of the PA I, the PA II also:

• Works well and coordinates care amongst attendings, consulting teams, nurses, ESAs, business specialists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals promoting excellence in patient care
• Responds appropriately to difficult situations, personalities, and is able maintain composure and work with all members of healthcare team
• Acts as a role model to less experienced PAs
• Displays flexibility and a willingness to adapt to the needs of the program as a whole

Physician Assistant III

In addition to the duties and responsibilities of the PA II, the PAI II also:

• Acts as a role model and clinical leader to less experienced PAs
• Assists DFCI PA leadership in achieving program management goals

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Expert knowledge of general medicine and preferable exposure to hematology/oncology and/or inpatient medicine. Ability to incorporate knowledge of general internal medicine and medical complications unique to oncology patients in day to day management of patients will be required.
• Must be professional, quality driven, and have the proven ability to work well within a cohesive group of peers. Exercises the highest level of professional judgment and will exercise independent originality in solving problems. Strong communication skills and sound judgment.
• Possesses the maturity and confidence to work closely with clinicians, therapists, and team members across the organization. Ability to build working relationships amongst his/her peers and other team members working with inpatient oncology patients.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing clinical education and training and exhibits expert knowledge of inpatient oncology and general medicine.
• Able to accept instruction and guidance and assume graded responsibility in complex teamwork, while demonstrating an understanding of procedures, policies and documentation required to facilitate PA compliance with hospital standards of care .
• Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively with all members of the care team and all DF/BW staff.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

PATIENT CONTACT:

Provides direct care to adult patients

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in an in-patient hospital unit (BWH) and office settings with possible exposure to infectious diseases through airborne transmission or contact with blood or body fluids.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Qualifications

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

EEOC Poster