Cardiothoracic Surgical Physician Assistant at Westchester Medical Center – Valhalla, New York

Distinguishing Features of the Class: Under supervision of attending physician(s) and in accordance with New York State laws and Hospital Board regulations, an incumbent in this class provides medical and surgical care in the division of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Westchester Medical Center. General responsibilities include examining patients, formulating diagnoses and developing a treatment plan for patients, performing technical, clinical and surgical procedures, documenting patient progress and surgical care. In addition, an incumbent in this classification will perform saphenous vein harvests, place and remove chest tubes and catheters, intubate and extubate patients and place and remove central lines and arterial lines. A registered Physician Assistant may write prescriptions and medical orders, however, if employed at Westchester Medical Center, prescriptions must be counter-signed by an attending physician within 24 hours. Does related work as required.

Examples of Work: (Illustrative Only)

• Assists surgeons in the operating room, performing technical clinical procedures such as surgical insertion of catheters, placement and removal of chest tubes, placing central lines, etc.;
• Performs history and physical examinations, and requests and analyzes laboratory data to assess patient's needs and prepare the best medical treatment plan in accordance with accepted medical practices;
• Documents patient progress and care to communicate information to other health care providers and ensure an accurate record of activity in compliance with established regulations;
• Interprets wave form and evaluates chest x-rays;
• Evaluates post-operative patients after discharge and provides patients with medical assistance and counseling under attending physician(s) supervision;
• Writes orders for diagnostic studies, fluids and medications, under the supervision of the attending physician(s), and submits orders for countersignature by attending physician within 24 hours;
• Keeps abreast of advancements in the surgical care field, attends case conferences and seminars, conducts rounds and continues education;
• Assists surgeon in the operating room and performs saphenous vein harvest and closing of chest and skin;
• Removes invasive lines, including LA lines and pacing wires placed perioperatively;
• May lecture to residents and medical students as part of formal training and precepts junior staff in this surgical setting;

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attributes: Thorough knowledge of clinical surgical practices and procedures for cardiothoracic patients; good knowledge of medical therapeutic practices; good knowledge of hematologic system, anti coagulation and management of post-operative hemostasis, hemodynamics and management of ion cardiac output; skill in specialized surgical techniques; ability to make accurate medical diagnoses; ability to communicate well and relate to patients; ability to work well with physicians and other health care providers; ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments; ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the position; manual dexterity; sound professional judgment; integrity; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience: Must possess a valid license and current registration issued by the New York State Education Department as a Physician Assistant or as a Specialist Assistant, and three years of experience as a licensed Physician Assistant where the primary function of the position was providing medical care to patients, two years of which must have been in a cardiothoracic surgical setting.