Orthopedic Physician Assistant

JOB SUMMARY: 

As a provider, the Orthopedic Physician Assistant (PA) will conduct comprehensive history and physical examinations, interpret and correlate diagnostic data, formulate diagnoses, and implement treatment plans within their scope of practice. The PA will provide hospital-based care under the supervision of an orthopedic surgeon, including evaluation and treatment of patients in the emergency department, daily inpatient rounds, admissions, discharges, preoperative and postoperative care, and participation in on-call shifts as scheduled. The PA may also assist in surgical procedures as delegated by the supervising orthopedic surgeon. The role requires sound clinical judgment and an ability to manage patient care independently, while recognizing situations requiring physician oversight

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Directly responsible to the Director of Outpatient Clinics, and supervising Orthopedic Surgeon
2. Works closely with Chief Medical Officer
3. Works closely with Orthopedic Surgeon(s), clinic staff, and hospital leadership

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS:

Works in both clinic and hospital settings. May be exposed to blood, body fluids, or tissues, and to patients in various stages of infectious conditions

Samples of Duties:

The information listed below is meant to serve as samples of job duties and responsibilities for positions in this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed. 

• Perform comprehensive physical examinations and obtain detailed patient histories
• Analyze subjective and objective data to establish diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans
• Provide hospital-based care including:
  • Inpatient rounds
  • Admission and discharge of patients
  • Preoperative evaluations and postoperative management
  • Evaluate and treat patients in the emergency department as directed by the supervising Orthopedic Surgeon
  • On-call coverage as scheduled
• Perform a variety of orthopedic procedures, including but not limited to:
  • Digital nerve blocks
  • Wound closure and management
  • Aspiration of joints and bursae
  • Closed reduction of fractures and dislocations
  • Joint and bursa injections
  • Application of braces, casts, and splints
• Assist in surgical procedures, including first assist, tissue closure, appliance application, and other delegated tasks
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record
• Consult with supervising physician or specialist when clinically appropriate

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• NIHD Mission, Vision, and Values
• NIHD policies, including Compliance Program, Code of Conduct, and patient confidentiality standards
• Principles and practices of orthopedic care in both clinic and operating room settings
• Documentation standards and medical billing/coding practices

Skills/Abilities to:

• Perform thorough history and physical examinations and document findings accurately
• Independently order and interpret diagnostic tests within scope
• Recognize clinical situations requiring consultation or referral
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with colleagues, patients, and the public
• Exhibit maturity, integrity, and sound judgment in a clinical setting

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience: 

• Minimum 1 year experience in Orthopedic Medicine including clinic and surgical assisting experience

Education:

• Graduate of accredited PA program

Certification: 

• Current CA PA license
• Current BLS certification

Preferred:

Experience:

• Additional experience in hospital-based orthopedic care or surgical assisting

Education: 

• Advanced coursework or certification in orthopedic or surgical subspecialties