Physican Assistant- General Surgery

Under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician, provides patient care for FPI practices. Performs professional duties and technical procedures of the particular area of specialty to provide health care services, such as, operative procedures, suturing, and injections. Makes initial diagnosis and order appropriate tests and treatment. Assists in surgery where applicable; and other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from a Physician Assistant Training Program approved by the Board of Physician Quality Assurance is required
• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) required
• Licensure by Maryland State Board of Physicians as a Physician’s Assistant is required
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification is required
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned uni

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Regularly visits pre- and post-operative patients, independently or with attending physician and/or students, to monitor patient progress in accordance with Medical System policies and procedures and generally accepted professional practice and JCAHO standards.
2. Rounds on inpatients to monitor patient progress in accordance with policies and procedures; relays any problems or concerns to physician. Writes progress notes in patient charts indicating patient status and treatment or procedures performed.
3. Orders laboratory tests, x-rays and special tests and dressing changes.
4. Reviews patient records to determine health status.
5. Notifies attending physician on call, house physician on call or supervising physician (or surgeon) regarding any unusual or unexpected events or problems requiring direct physician consultation.
6. Writes orders, including those of narcotics, stimulants and depressant drugs as necessary.
7. Assists in the preoperative planning and documentation in keeping with protocols. Duties include obtaining necessary clinical photography, measurement and construction of frame prior to surgery. Collects bone measurement data and records for future reference and research purposes.
8. Interviews patients for health history and performs physical examinations. Obtains thorough medical histories to include allergies, past medical conditions, current meds review of systems, family history, social history, present illness and performing complete physical examinations of patients according to established procedures and schedules.

9. Answer patient calls promptly; researches, investigates and resolves patient problems to the satisfaction of the patient and the physician. Alerts the appropriate medical personnel regarding patient problems as needed.
10. May take call during non-routine working hours to assist attending physicians in urgent and emergency procedures.
11. Performs clinical procedures such as the application of dressings and bandages, casting and splinting, removal and adjustment of frames, suturing, and administration of medications. Performs these tasks independently, using universal precautions and following prescribed protocols of the hospital.
12. First and second assistance during surgery requires: prepping and draping patients, placing foley catheter, giving pre and post operative health care instruction to the patient, and transporting the patient from the O.R. to the PACU.
13. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs. Provides the care needed as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures.
14. Collects data for prospective studies and manipulates via computer for various reporting or research purposes.
15. Performs in-service training for medical paramedical personnel locally, nationally and internationally. Assists in supervising students; designs, directs, instructs and evaluates the activities of physician assistant students.
16. Performs related duties as required.