Physician Assistant - Surgical, Thoracic Surgery

Primary Responsibilities:

Thoracic Surgery & ICU Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive care for patients with thoracic conditions, from initial assessment through surgery and postoperative critical care. 

• Assist in the diagnosis and surgical management of thoracic diseases including lung cancer, esophageal pathology, pleural disease, and mediastinal masses. 

• Perform or assist in thoracic surgical procedures such as thoracotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and other minimally invasive techniques. 

• Manage critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), including postoperative thoracic surgery patients and those requiring advanced life support. 

• Conduct preoperative evaluations and risk assessments, contribute to multidisciplinary planning and informed patient consent. 

• Monitor and manage ICU patients that are ventilated, have hemodynamic instability, fluid imbalance, and sedation within ICU protocols. 

• Perform bedside procedures including chest tube insertion, central and arterial line placement, endotracheal intubation, and thoracentesis. 

• Interpret imaging and diagnostic data (e.g., chest X-rays, CT scans, ABGs, labs) to guide both surgical and ICU care. 

• Actively participate in daily ICU rounds, surgical case discussions, and thoracic oncology multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings. 

• Coordinate postoperative care, monitor for complications such as bleeding, infection, respiratory distress, or arrhythmias, and intervene promptly when needed. 

• Educate patients and families regarding surgical procedures, ICU care plans, recovery expectations, and discharge instructions. 

• Ensure adherence to infection control protocols, ICU safety standards, and institutional guidelines for patient care. 

General Inpatient Medical Management:

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and physical exams. 

• Order and interpret laboratory and imaging tests; develop and adjust treatment plans accordingly. 

• Prescribe medications and therapies based on current clinical guidelines. 

• Participate in the care of patients on inpatient consult services, including those admitted under Surgery, Medicine, Trauma, Pediatrics, and Ob/Gyn. 

• Support emergency and inpatient assessments, triage decisions, and follow-ups. 

• Educate patients and families about procedures, recovery expectations, and health management strategies. 

Clinical Leadership & Support: 

• Serve as a clinical resource and team leader during shifts to ensure efficient workflow and high standards of care. 

• Ensure accurate documentation, coding, and billing practices. 

• Maintain inventory of medical supplies, prepare patients for procedures, and ensure a safe, organized clinical environment. 

Work Schedule:

• 24/7 in-house coverage of Cardiac Surgery Service utilizing 24-hour shifts. 

• Flexibility for 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts based on clinical demand. 

Required Skills and Qualifications: 

• Graduate of an accredited PA program with current NCCPA certification. 

• Active state PA license and prescriptive authority. 

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a surgical or hospital-based acute care setting (CT Surgery experience strongly preferred). 

• Skilled in ICU management and invasive bedside procedures. 

• Strong knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical care. 

• Excellent clinical judgment, teamwork, and communication skills. 

Physical Demands:

• Standing - Constantly  

• Walking - Constantly  

• Sitting - Rarely  

• Lifting - Frequently  

• Carrying - Frequently  

• Pushing - Occasionally  

• Pulling - Occasionally  

• Climbing - Occasionally  

• Balancing - Occasionally  

• Stooping - Frequently  

• Kneeling - Frequently  

• Crouching - Frequently  

• Crawling - Occasionally  

• Reaching - Frequently  

• Handling - Frequently  

• Grasping - Frequently  

• Feeling - Constantly  

• Talking - Constantly  

• Hearing - Constantly  

• Repetitive Motions - Constantly  

• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly  

Working Conditions:

• Extreme cold - Rarely 

• Extreme heat - Rarely 

• Humidity - Rarely 

• Wet - Rarely 

• Noise - Constantly 

• Hazards - Frequently 

• Temperature Change - Rarely 

• Atmospheric Conditions - Rarely 

• Vibration - Rarely 

Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical Center! 
 
Albany Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer. 
 
This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Medical Center, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that: Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Medical Center policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.