The Physician Assistant (PA) works in coordination with medical staff and performs comprehensive and problem focused history and physical exams, interprets and correlates laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and correlates subjective and objective data to formulate a differential diagnosis and establish a working diagnosis. Position conducts hospital rounds, discharge planning, and consultative evaluations. Incumbent works closely with the physician and nursing staff to develop and coordinate a plan of care designed to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of patients and their families. Obtains, compiles, and records patient medical data which may include admission and discharge notes, daily progress notes and results of examination. Implements therapeutic intervention for specific conditions when appropriate. Exercises judgment on problems requiring consultation, referral, or evaluation by the collaborating orthopedic surgeon or other health care professionals. Orders, prescribes, dispenses, and administers medication, orthoses, braces, injections, and other Orthopaedic devices. May perform minor procedures within scope of practice such as wound closure and management and incision and drainage.

Position provides patient education and triage, and facilitates medical documentation and coding, patient forms, and other non-patient facing responsibilities as part of the clinical practice. Physician Assistant works in a dynamic environment with a multidisciplinary care team, including social workers, financial representatives, medical assistants, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physical/occupational therapists. Position may evaluate, screen, and counsel patients on health maintenance and promote utilization of community resources and design, conduct, and/or participate in research studies, manage databases, and perform quality assurance.

• 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.

• Two (2) or more years of experience as a licensed Physician Assistant with inpatient post-surgical management of Orthopaedic patients. Hospital-based ICU, surgical ICU, recovery room, step down unit, and or ED consult experience as an APP.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology, specializing in hospital medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery.

• 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.

• Detailed, specific knowledge of methods associated with the prevention, evaluation, care, and treatment of acute and chronic Orthopaedic conditions.

• Skill in telephone interviewing and triaging of patients to effectively retrieve accurate information.

• Demonstrate experience in performing initial history, and physical examination, identify major medical problems, and formulate appropriate plans of action.

• Strong knowledge of established protocols and ability to establish new protocols as needed. Knowledge of applicable research protocols and the ability to manage all aspects of each protocol.

• Proven knowledge of common diagnostic tests, exams, and procedures used in clinic. Must understand purpose, required supplies and/or equipment, how to perform procedure accurately, infection control, an accurate documentation of medical chart.

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

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility in order to work effectively with staff, patients, and community agencies in person and on the phone.

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

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

• Strong 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 write orders regarding execution of patients plans of treatment.

• Demonstrate experience and ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner. Knowledge necessary for instructing house staff, medical students, physicians, nurses and other medical personnel in aspects of acute and chronic care.

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

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet strict guidelines and deadlines.

• Ability to code patient care accurately and within UC and governmental guidelines.

• Experience in total joint replacement, spine surgery, or general surgery.

• May be required to travel and provide care at multiple clinical sites as scheduled for the Department.

• Must be able to obtain UC San Diego Medical Staff privileges and maintain during employment. Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two years gained through school or work experience.

• Overtime, and/or evening schedule may be required intermittently.

• Monday-Friday, 10-hour shifts. No nights, weekends, on-call or holidays.