(PA) Sr. Physician Assistant - Orthopaedic Surgery

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 9 / 19 / 2025 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants : Apply by 10 / 1 / 2025. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine is a diverse patient, research, education, and academia focused, high-performing Department with a commitment to quality, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Orthopaedic Surgery provides treatment for disorders of the musculoskeletal system, offering comprehensive and innovative services. The Department offers a full spectrum of musculoskeletal clinical care, specializing in foot and ankle, hand and microvascular surgery, joint reconstruction, physical medicine and rehabilitation, spine, sports medicine, orthopaedic oncology, and trauma. Research expertise includes advancements in muscle metabolism and physiology, neuromuscular bioengineering, intervertebral disc, and musculoskeletal physiology and epidemiology. The Department supports an ACGME accredited residency program and fellowship in hand and microvascular surgery, as well as fellowship programs in joint reconstruction, spine, and trauma.

Under the direction of the supervising physician, the Physician Assistant (PA) provides direct care of Orthopaedic Surgery patients in the inpatient and emergent care settings. The PA exercises flexibility and adaptability to manage a broad range of medical and surgical conditions. Because the spectrum of orthopaedic surgery encompasses many clinical pathways and systems, the Physician Assistant must be knowledgeable about a wide range of pathophysiology as well as how any traumatic injuries sustained should be prioritized.

The Physician Assistant 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. The position involves conducting hospital rounds, discharge planning, and consultative evaluations. The PA 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 the scope of practice, such as wound closure and management, and incision and drainage.

The PA 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. The 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, design, conduct, and / or participate in research studies, manage databases, perform quality assurance, and conduct medical management.

While not required, a cover letter is highly recommended when applying to this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a graduate from a physician assistant program approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Current State of California Physician Assistant (PA) license.

Current Physician Assistant 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 recent PA experience in PACU, ICU, or other relevant high-acuity inpatient medical management experience.

Knowledge and experience with medical management of inpatients.

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.

Demonstrated experience in performing initial history and physical examination, identifying major medical problems, and formulating appropriate plans of action.

Demonstrated experience and knowledge of operating room standards and techniques.

Demonstrated 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 all aspects of acute and chronic care. Demonstrated experience and knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for patient care and well-being.

Ability to perform various medical procedures, for diagnostic studies and therapeutic modalities. Detail, specific knowledge of methods associated with the prevention, evaluation, care, and treatment of acute and chronic Orthopaedic conditions.

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

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 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.

Working knowledge of medical terminology, specializing in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Ability to write orders regarding the execution of patient plans of treatment.

Ability to assess the 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 patient's care and well-being, and the skill in recording nursing / medical assessment findings wholly and accurately.

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

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

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

Knowledge to code patient care visits and care accurately, and within governmental and UC guidelines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Orthopaedic surgery experience.

Knowledge and experience in inpatient care within orthopaedic surgery.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position is scheduled for four 10-hour shifts per week.

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

Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Must be able to obtain UCSD 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.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range : $160,922 - $211,974 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent : $77.07 - $101.52

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).