Under general supervision of the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, incumbent functions as a provider of patient care in the fields of Cardiothoracic Surgery/Intensive Care Units. Provides full clinical support in the management of inpatient and outpatient procedures. Plans, implements and evaluates healthcare treatments for cardiac and thoracic surgery patients. Provides patient care on specific surgical in- and out-patient services. Functions as surgical assistant in the operating room, in the clinics, and on the wards, all in coordination with established surgical services. Direct supervision will occur by assigned attending surgeons or chief residents. The position requires a strong emphasis on the complete care of the cardiothoracic surgical patient, from pre- to peri- to post-op settings. Participates in ongoing research and/or quality assurance studies. Functions as liaison to counselors, social workers, research nurses.

• 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.

• Minimum one (1) year of recent related experience as a Physician Assistant.

• Special knowledge, skills and abilities in the fields of cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery and wound care.

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

• 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.

• Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for patients care and well-being, and ability to write orders regarding execution of inpatient, outpatient plans of treatment.

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

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

• Ability to maintain good working relationships and communications with physicians in-charge, laboratory personnel, and members of the health care team.

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other health care personnel, and skill at providing clear written, verbal and telephone communication with a wide variety of people.

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

• 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 analyze and interpret data in a meaningful manner.

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

• Ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology.

• Ability to perform various medical procedures, for diagnostic studies and therapeutic modalities.

• Two (2+) or more years of Cardiothoracic Surgery experience as a licensed Physician Assistant.
• Knowledge necessary for instructing housestaff, medical students, physicians, nurses and other medical personnel in all aspects of acute and chronic care.
• Skill to operate appropriate medical equipment, i.e., Swan-Ganz catheters, central venous pressure monitors, electrocardiography machines, cardiac defibrillator, transducer systems, digital read-out equipment, and medical computer systems.

• Must be willing to work flexible, variable hours with the ability to change schedule on short notice.
• Some weekend work may be required. Overtime required as needed.
• 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.