Physician Assistant, Ophthalmology at University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, Texas

JOB SUMMARY

To provide patient care assistance in a clinic setting in one or more specialized areas, under the supervision of a primary care physician.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
• No experience required

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required:

• Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Licensed Physician Assistant by the Texas Physician Assistant Board/Texas Medical Board (TPAB/TMB)

Current students who have not yet completed their physician assistant program or recent graduates who have not yet obtained their NCCPA certification or TPAB/TMB physician assistant license are eligible to apply for this position. However, official employment is contingent upon the successful completion of an accredited physician assistant program, NCCPA certification and TPAB/TMB physician assistant licensure.

Job Duties:
Oculoplastic surgery involves the reconstruction and cosmetic enhancement of the eyelids, orbit (eye socket), and lacrimal (tear duct) system. Clinical duties include:

1. Patient Assessment:
   Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, including medical history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests specific to oculoplastic conditions.
2. Preoperative Care:
   Participate in preoperative evaluations and preparations for oculoplastic surgery patients.
   Order and interpret relevant diagnostic tests and imaging studies.
3. Surgical Assistance:
   Assist in various oculoplastic surgical procedures, including eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), ptosis repair, brow lifts, and reconstructive surgery.
   Participate in tasks such as suturing, tissue manipulation, and hemostasis during surgery.
4. Postoperative Care:
   Manage postoperative care for oculoplastic surgery patients, including wound care, monitoring complications, and prescribing appropriate medications.
   Provide patient education on postoperative instructions and potential side effects.
5. Ocular Surface Procedures:
   Perform procedures related to the ocular surface, such as punctal plug insertion and management of eyelid lesions (chalazion I&D).
6. Cosmetic/Functional Injectables:
   Administer injectables such as botulinum toxin (Botox) for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.
   Administer injectables such as cosmetic dermal filler (Restylane, Juvederm)
7. Emergency Care:
   Evaluate and manage urgent or emergent oculoplastic conditions, such as orbital fractures or infections.
8. Collaboration and Communication:
   Collaborate with the oculoplastic surgeon(s), technicians, and other healthcare professionals.
   Communicate effectively with patients and their families, addressing their concerns and providing information about treatment plans.
9. Visual Field, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Imaging Interpretation:
   Interpret results from imaging studies, such as OCT, for the diagnosis and management of oculoplastic conditions.
10. Documentation:
    Maintain accurate and detailed medical records, documenting patient assessments, treatment plans, and outcomes.
    Ensure compliance with regulatory and institutional documentation standards.
11. Continuing Education:
    Stay informed about advancements in oculoplastic surgery and related medical fields through ongoing education, conferences, and literature reviews.
    Participate in training and educational activities to enhance skills and knowledge.

Salary Range:
Commensurate with experience.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.