ENT PA

Description

An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Physician Assistant is a healthcare professional who works alongside ENT physicians to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions related to the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Below is a general job description for this role:

Job Summary:

The ENT Physician Assistant (PA) assists in the diagnosis and management of patients with ear, nose, and throat conditions. This role includes conducting patient assessments, performing clinical examinations, diagnosing conditions, developing treatment plans, and providing direct patient care. The ENT PA may assist in surgical procedures, manage follow-up care, and educate patients on their health conditions and treatment options.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient Evaluation and History:
  • Conduct initial patient assessments, including gathering medical histories and performing physical examinations.
  • Take detailed patient histories and document symptoms, prior treatments, and health concerns.
  • Order and interpret diagnostic tests (e.g., audiograms, imaging studies, lab tests) as required.
• Diagnosis  and Treatment:
  • Diagnose and treat common ENT conditions, such as ear infections, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, tonsillitis, sleep apnea, and voice disorders.
  • Develop treatment plans under the supervision of the ENT physician, including prescribing medications and recommending non-invasive procedures.
  • Provide pre-operative and post-operative care, including assisting in patient recovery and ensuring proper follow-up.
• Clinical  Procedures:
  • Perform minor office-based procedures such as ear cleaning, foreign body removal, nasal endoscopy, allergy testing, and laryngeal exams.
  • Assist in surgical procedures, including pre-operative preparation, intraoperative assistance, and post-operative care.
• Patient Education:
  • Educate patients about their diagnoses and treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medication usage, and follow-up care.
  • Provide counseling on managing chronic conditions such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and snoring.
• Collaboration  and Communication:
  • Work closely with otolaryngologists, nurses, audiologists, speech therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records using Electronic Health Records (EHR).
  • Communicate effectively with patients and family members regarding treatment plans       and progress.

Work Environment:

• ENT Physician Assistants typically work in ENT clinics, private practices, hospitals, or outpatient settings.
• The work schedule may vary, with some evening or weekend shifts depending on the clinic's needs.
• On-call duties might be required for emergency care or surgery.

Requirements

 Skills and Qualifications:

• Education  and Certification:
  • Master's degree in physician assistant studies from an accredited program.
  • National certification as a Physician Assistant (PA-C).
  • State licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant.
  • Additional  training in ENT procedures and specialties may be preferred or required.
  • Must be certified in and maintain Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) via   American Heart Association approved classes or RQI
• Clinical  Skills:
  • Strong understanding of ENT anatomy, conditions, and treatments.
  • Proficiency in taking patient histories, performing physical exams, and interpreting   diagnostic tests.
  • Ability  to perform minor clinical procedures and assist in surgeries.
  • Knowledge of common medications used in ENT care, including antibiotics, antihistamines, and corticosteroids.
• Communication:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate complex medical information in an understandable manner to       patients and families.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team environment.
• Physical  Requirements:
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical setting.
  • Physical stamina to assist in surgical procedures and manage patient care tasks.