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 Physician Assistant formulates treatment plans for musculoskeletal problems within scope of practice. 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. Physician Assistant may be assigned as needed to assist in surgery as assigned and delegated by the surgeon. The Physician Assistant orders, prescribes, dispenses, and administers medication, orthoses, braces, injections, and other Orthopaedic devices.

The position provides patient education and triage, and facilitates medical documentation and coding, completion of patient forms, and other non-patient facing responsibilities as part of the clinical practice. Administration time to complete non-patient-facing responsibilities will be provided at the discretion of the department. The Physician Assistant works in a dynamic environment with a multidisciplinary care team, including social workers, financial representatives, medical assistants, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and physical/occupational therapists. Position may evaluate, screen, and counsel patients on health maintenance and promote utilization of community resources. The position may assist in the design, conduct, and/or participate in research studies, manage databases, and perform quality assurance.

• 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/CPR certification at time of hire with commitment to get BART within 6 months of hire date.

• Two (2) or more years of relevant clinical experience as a licensed Physician Assistant (PA). Relevant experience may include orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, ED/trauma, etc. If insufficient applicant pool, department may consider candidates with at least two (2) years of relevant clinical work experience (e.g. Athletic Trainer, EMT, Ortho MA, Ortho Tech, or PT assistant).

• 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, identify major medical problems, and formulate appropriate plans of action.

• 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.

• 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 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, an accurate documentation of medical chart.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology, specializing in Orthopaedic Surgery.

• Ability to properly counsel patients and families, particularly in delicate or death and dying situations. 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.

• Ability to write orders regarding 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 patients care and well-being and the skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings accurately and completely.

• 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 to work 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.

• Orthopaedic surgery experience.

• Musculoskeletal experience.

• Will be required to travel and provide care at multiple clinical sites as scheduled for the Department.

• 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.