Physician Assistant – Cardiac Surgery Cardiothoracic
Tufts Medicine
Job Profile Summary
A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. A senior level role that requires advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Typically responsible for : managing projects / processes, working independently with limited supervision, coaching and reviewing the work of lower level professionals, resolving difficult and sometimes complex problems. These roles focus on providing high-quality patient care and promoting wellness. APCs work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat a variety of acute and chronic conditions. In addition, this role focuses on care under the supervision of licensed physicians including conducting comprehensive patient assessments, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions, injuries, and illnesses, developing and implementing treatment plans in collaboration with supervising physicians, prescribing medications and performing procedures, educating patients and families on treatment options, health maintenance, and preventive care and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
Job Overview
The Physician Assistant – Cardiac Surgery position is responsible, within the legal limitations, for assisting the physician staff of the Department in the provision of medical services to patients. The position performs complete, detailed and accurate initial evaluations including medical histories, reviews patient records to develop comprehensive medical status reports, and order laboratory, radiological and diagnostic studies appropriate for complaint, age, race, gender, and physical condition of the patient. Assumes responsibility to coordinate treatment plans, monitors progress, refers patient as necessary to appropriate sources for care under the direction of the supervising physician. The position understands the philosophy, objectives, policies and procedures of Nursing Service and provides for their implementation. Works cooperatively within department and other services to create a system of quality health care.
Job Description
This position requires an experienced Physician Assistant (PA) who will primarily work in the Cardiac Surgery Operating Rooms. The individual in this role must be fully competent in specialized procedures specific to cardiac surgery, including endoscopic vein harvest and radial artery harvest / recovery, which require credentialing and expertise specific to Cardiac Surgery OR PAs. The PA will serve as a first assist in all aspects of elective and emergent cardiac surgery. Responsibilities include supporting complex aortic surgeries, heart transplant procedures, and redo cardiac surgeries, as well as other high‑acuity operative cases. The role requires advanced surgical proficiency, strong clinical judgment, and the ability to work independently within a fast‑paced, highly specialized operating room environment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Successful completion of a Physician’s Assistant program.
- Physician’s Assistance Licensure within the first three months following the receipt of a complete application for medical staff membership and privilege.
- Physician’s Assistant Certification.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Preferred Qualifications
State and federal controlled substances registration.Duties and Responsibilities
Manages a broad spectrum of patients and performs a wide range of clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.In collaboration with the healthcare team, assesses the health status of patients by obtaining complete and thorough medical histories and performing physical examinations, laboratory and diagnostic studies. Diagnose health and developmental problems and care for patients suffering from acute and chronic diseases.Assesses patient / family psychosocial needs, educational needs, learning readiness, and barriers to learning during admission process.Examines patients, records, and discriminates between normal and abnormal findings to recognize early stages of a serious physical or emotional problem. Consult with physician concerning patient evaluation and condition.Develops an effective, comprehensive plan of care individualized to the age and needs of each patient using established standards of care, knowledge of disease entities, and human growth and development and emotional, social and spiritual needs and following hospital standards.Communicates professionally with patient / family, other practitioners, physicians, and co‑workers.Sets priorities and modifies patient care in response to changing situations. Demonstrates judgment in consulting MD regarding all patient encounters. May triage and refer to appropriate source when primary care patients present with new symptoms.Orders appropriate labs and radiological testing based on assessment of needs.Maintains required records, reports and statistics. Maintains accurate patient records, charts and documentation for administrative purposes.Demonstrates appropriateness of prescribing habits (i.e. agents, volume, and refill).Encourages preventative medicine through patient education and counseling. Recognizes that patient and family teaching are an integral part of the role and follows through on teaching that has been initiated with appropriate documentation.Interpret patient needs to other clinical personnel participating in the care through direct communication and input into care plans.Works collaboratively with physician to manage care of patients in a cost‑effective manner. Utilize appropriate resources across the system including nursing interventions. Utilize organizational skills to complete assigned work effectively and on time.May orient and train new Physician Assistants, coordinate staff schedules, assist with performance evaluations, and provide guidance on effective team building.May participate in rounds with residents, completes daily patient management assignments and assists with patient care and disposition. Handles medical emergencies during regular working hours on the inpatient service.Skills & Abilities
Ability to assess the needs of patients of all different age groups and to provide care appropriately.Effective Interpersonal skills needed for interacting with physicians, staff, patients and their families, and so forth.Excellent analytical skills needed for evaluating patients and coordinating treatment plans.Possess the maturity, self‑confidence, and ability to follow complex patient management plans as directed by the attending physician.Dictates formal discharge, transfer, and death summaries for Surgical ICU patients for the attending physician’s review and signature.Participates in the education of students and residents assigned to the surgical services.Performs clinical data collection and analysis, and participates in clinical research supervised by the Director of Maintain a collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment.This position reports administratively to the Senior Physician Assistant of the Department of Surgery and the Administrative Manager of the Department.This position reports clinically to the Director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit.Works closely with Surgical ICU patients and their families.Works as a member of the surgical team including attending surgeons, physicians, residents, nurses, and ancillary personnel.Participates as an integral member of the Surgical ICU multidisciplinary team.Physical Requirements
Lifting and turning patients of 30-35 lbs.Prolonged standing and walking.Occasional twisting, bending, reaching, pushing / pulling, sitting, kneeling, and squatting.Exposure to infectious disease and possible carcinogenic chemicals and blood‑borne pathogens.Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulations for performing procedures and computer keyboard.Requires ability to see computer screen, reports, and perform assistance in procedures with accuracy.Requires ability to hear instructions from physician.Physical Requirements
Ability to work within the semi‑restricted and restricted environment of the Operating Room and other Perioperative support areas.Stands under hot surgical lights for prolonged periods of time.Possibility of muscle strain from lifting patients and heavy equipment, shocks and burns from cautery units and autoclaves. Possibility of cuts from sharp instruments.Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, blood and bodily fluids, extreme noise levels, radiation, lasers, drastic fluctuations in ambient temperature, etc.Ability to wear a protective lead apron for extended periods of time and exposure to radioactivity, harmful anesthesia gases and septic infections.Requires frequent lifting and positioning of patients, materials, equipment, power tools, instruments, etc.Frequent contacts with patients, physicians and nursing staff in Operating Room.Skills & Abilities
Expert knowledge of aseptic technique and infection prevention practices.Expert knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology and pharmacology to ensure that optimal patient care is provided.Advanced knowledge of computers, surgical equipment and department infrastructure.Possess the ability to care for critically ill adult and pediatric patients with a broad range of medical and surgical problems.Expert knowledge of surgical subspecialty equipment, supplies and instrumentation.Advanced knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span.Qualified in all basic and advanced cardiac life support standards as set by the American Heart Association.Possess the maturity, self‑confidence, and ability to follow complex patient management plans as directed by the attending physician.Pay Range
$141,440.00 - $176,800.00
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Health Care Provider
Industries
Hospitals and Health Care
At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day. The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals. Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth—one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.
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