(PA) Sr. Physician Assistant - Neurosurgery - 137909

Under the general supervision of the APP Supervisor for the Department of Neurological Surgery, the Sr. Physician Assistant provides patient care in Neurosurgery and utilizes operational knowledge and expertise to deliver primary and/or specialized health care services to patients with brain tumors, cerebrovascular, general, peripheral nerve, and spine conditions. Evaluates healthcare treatments for surgery patients, coordinating with established surgical services. Participates in ongoing research and quality assurance studies. Functions as liaison to physicians, mid-levels, physical and occupational therapists. The position requires specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities in neurosurgery and wound care. Performs other duties as assigned.

Duties include previewing clinics to ensure appropriate preliminary imaging is completed/obtained for each scheduled patient (30-50 patients/wk per APP), responding to patient calls and In-Basket items, conducting peer-to-peers to get authorization, and also covering In-Basket and clinics for fellow APPs when out of office to maintain overall clinical operations. Additionally, the Sr. PA will author encounter notes, perform patient history and physical examinations, develop care plans, submit orders as appropriate, and prepare an after-visit summary (AVS).

This APP will support a minimum of two faculty, primarily at McGrath Outpatient Pavilion (MOP), Via Tazon (VTC), and our Koman Outpatient Pavilion (KOP) practice locations; however, it may need to cover other sites to maintain departmental operational efficiency as determined by the APP Supervisor.

• 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 and ACLS certifications at time of hire, with commitment to get ART within six months of hire date.

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience as a licensed Physician Assistant in Neurosurgery.

• 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.

• Ability to perform initial history and physical examination, identify major medical problems, and formulate appropriate plans of action.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data in a meaningful manner.

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

• Ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner.

• Knowledge of operating room standards and techniques.

• Knowledge necessary for instructing house staff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.

• Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for the patient's care and well-being.

• 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 perform various medical procedures, for diagnostic studies and therapeutic modalities.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology.

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

• 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 necessary for instructing house staff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.

• Ability to write orders regarding execution of inpatient, outpatient plans of treatment.

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

• Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for the patients care and well-being and the skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings wholly and accurately.

• Skill at providing clear written, verbal, and telephone communication with a wide variety of people.

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

• Knowledge of clinical and ancillary services within the UCSD Medical Center.

* Work location - All sites within the UCSD Health System, including satellite locations. Must have access to reliable transportation.

* Position may require on-call, overnight, evening, and weekend hours.

* Must be willing to work flexible, variable hours with the ability to change schedule on short notice.

* May require occasional evening and weekend hours beyond the normal workday.

* Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

* Employment is subject to pre-employment physical for those who work in clinical settings and/or with patients.