Physician Assistant - Surgery
Summary Birmingham VA Health Care System is recruiting for a Physician Assistant, Assistant Clinical Operations Manager in Surgical Service.
The Physician Assistant works with their respective team(s) assisting in the management of surgical patients.
They will be responsible for providing and coordinating comprehensive care for assigned patients including assessments, ordering appropriate laboratory and x-ray studies, consulting and referring to physicians and other health care members as appropriate.
Responsibilities Major Duties &
Responsibilities:
The Surgical Physician Assistant will practice medicine as a member of a team with their Supervising Surgeon.
Working as a member of the health care team they will promote and maintain health by providing the following medical services:
Obtaining medical histories and performing physical examinations.
Providing and coordinating medical care for assigned patients in any care setting, including establishing diagnoses, formulating and implementing care plans, and providing follow-up care.
Evaluating outpatients to determine the need for further health care.
Ordering diagnostic studies and other special tests, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT) scans, etc.
Carrying out health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education activities.
Ordering or obtaining laboratory specimens.
Ordering ancillary services, such as, pharmacy, social services, physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies, prosthetic services, etc.
Ordering VA specialty service consults and initiating requests for non-VA medical care and consults in accordance with VHA and local facility policy and procedures.
Ordering patient care supplies.
Writing orders for or prescribing medications.
Admitting and discharging patients in consultation with, and on behalf of, the collaborating physician, obtaining admission history and performing physical examinations, conducting patient rounds, documenting progress notes and summaries in the patient record, and writing patient orders on assigned patients.
The PA may be delegated the responsibility of documenting operative notes if present for the procedure, but the operative surgeon must review and co-sign the note.
They may also be delegated the task of documenting the discharge summary, but the collaborating physician must write a discharge note, or co-sign the discharge summary written by the PA in accordance with The Joint Commission standards that are applicable.
Other patient record entries by PAs, including medical histories, physical examinations, progress notes, service consults, Compensation and Pension evaluations, and patient orders do not require physician co-signature unless specifically required by Federal law, VA policy, or the standards of applicable external accrediting bodies.
Obtaining and documenting informed consent for treatments and procedures for which the PA is responsible.
Providing education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs.
Work Schedule:
Full-time, Monday - Friday 8am-4:
30pm Telework:
Not Available Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment All qualified candidates encouraged to apply.
Open to U.
S.
Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for details.
Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Physician Assistant Basic Requirements Citizenship.
Citizen of the United States in accordance with section 7402(c) to title 38, United States Code (U.
S.
C.
).
Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.
S.
C.
7407(a).
Education.
Graduate of a training program which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations.
Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following:
Master's degree in any discipline; OR Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant.
Certification.
Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
Licensure.
Physician Assistants must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
Physician Assistants must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State.
Physical Requirements.
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
English Language Proficiency.
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.
S.
C.
7403(f).
Grade Determinations:
Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) Experience and Education.
None beyond the basic requirements.
This is the entry level for Physician Assistants.
AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level Physician Assistant.
This practice may include, but is not limited to:
Ability to utilize the principles of Physician Assistant practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care.
Ability to perform patient history and physical.
Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient.
Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.
Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) Experience and Education.
The Physician Assistant at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below.
Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving.
Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by:
Two years of successful practice as a PA.
OR Successful completion of a Physician Assistant post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.
S.
Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency.
OR A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
Physician Assistants at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II:
Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems.
Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions.
Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care.
Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care.
Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively.
Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) Experience and Education.
Physician Assistants at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system.
They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes.
They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning Physician Assistants, and may provide training for health care students.
Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by:
Three years of successful practice as a PA.
OR Successful completion of a Physician Assistant post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.
S.
Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA.
OR A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
Physician Assistants at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-III:
Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care.
Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE).
Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials.
Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel.
Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes.
Ability to participate clinically in the development of the Physician Assistant patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records.
References:
VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard.
This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
The full performance level of this vacancy is Grade 3.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Grade 1 to Grade 3.
Physical Requirements:
Standing, walking, lifting light loads, assisting patients with positioning and transfers.
Must be able to use a computer to input orders, review reports etc.
Must be able to communicate directions and patient orders.
Light lifting (under 15lbs), light carrying (under 15lbs), use of fingers, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other, hearing (aid permitted), emotional stability, mental stability, working closely with others, working alone, and working with biohazardous materials.
Education Please submit your transcripts with your application.
Note:
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.
You can verify your education here:
http:
//ope.
ed.
gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit:
http:
//www.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html.
Additional Information This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.
01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.
e.
, medical, religious or pregnancy).
VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.
If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.
The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Recommended Skills Assessments Clinical Practices Clinical Works Decision Making Finance Hardworking And Dedicated Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
The Physician Assistant works with their respective team(s) assisting in the management of surgical patients.
They will be responsible for providing and coordinating comprehensive care for assigned patients including assessments, ordering appropriate laboratory and x-ray studies, consulting and referring to physicians and other health care members as appropriate.
Responsibilities Major Duties &
Responsibilities:
The Surgical Physician Assistant will practice medicine as a member of a team with their Supervising Surgeon.
Working as a member of the health care team they will promote and maintain health by providing the following medical services:
Obtaining medical histories and performing physical examinations.
Providing and coordinating medical care for assigned patients in any care setting, including establishing diagnoses, formulating and implementing care plans, and providing follow-up care.
Evaluating outpatients to determine the need for further health care.
Ordering diagnostic studies and other special tests, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT) scans, etc.
Carrying out health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education activities.
Ordering or obtaining laboratory specimens.
Ordering ancillary services, such as, pharmacy, social services, physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies, prosthetic services, etc.
Ordering VA specialty service consults and initiating requests for non-VA medical care and consults in accordance with VHA and local facility policy and procedures.
Ordering patient care supplies.
Writing orders for or prescribing medications.
Admitting and discharging patients in consultation with, and on behalf of, the collaborating physician, obtaining admission history and performing physical examinations, conducting patient rounds, documenting progress notes and summaries in the patient record, and writing patient orders on assigned patients.
The PA may be delegated the responsibility of documenting operative notes if present for the procedure, but the operative surgeon must review and co-sign the note.
They may also be delegated the task of documenting the discharge summary, but the collaborating physician must write a discharge note, or co-sign the discharge summary written by the PA in accordance with The Joint Commission standards that are applicable.
Other patient record entries by PAs, including medical histories, physical examinations, progress notes, service consults, Compensation and Pension evaluations, and patient orders do not require physician co-signature unless specifically required by Federal law, VA policy, or the standards of applicable external accrediting bodies.
Obtaining and documenting informed consent for treatments and procedures for which the PA is responsible.
Providing education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs.
Work Schedule:
Full-time, Monday - Friday 8am-4:
30pm Telework:
Not Available Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment All qualified candidates encouraged to apply.
Open to U.
S.
Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for details.
Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Physician Assistant Basic Requirements Citizenship.
Citizen of the United States in accordance with section 7402(c) to title 38, United States Code (U.
S.
C.
).
Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.
S.
C.
7407(a).
Education.
Graduate of a training program which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations.
Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following:
Master's degree in any discipline; OR Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant.
Certification.
Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
Licensure.
Physician Assistants must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
Physician Assistants must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State.
Physical Requirements.
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
English Language Proficiency.
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.
S.
C.
7403(f).
Grade Determinations:
Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) Experience and Education.
None beyond the basic requirements.
This is the entry level for Physician Assistants.
AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level Physician Assistant.
This practice may include, but is not limited to:
Ability to utilize the principles of Physician Assistant practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care.
Ability to perform patient history and physical.
Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient.
Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.
Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) Experience and Education.
The Physician Assistant at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below.
Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving.
Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by:
Two years of successful practice as a PA.
OR Successful completion of a Physician Assistant post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.
S.
Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency.
OR A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
Physician Assistants at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II:
Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems.
Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions.
Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care.
Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care.
Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively.
Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) Experience and Education.
Physician Assistants at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system.
They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes.
They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning Physician Assistants, and may provide training for health care students.
Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by:
Three years of successful practice as a PA.
OR Successful completion of a Physician Assistant post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.
S.
Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA.
OR A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
Physician Assistants at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-III:
Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care.
Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE).
Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials.
Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel.
Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes.
Ability to participate clinically in the development of the Physician Assistant patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records.
References:
VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard.
This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
The full performance level of this vacancy is Grade 3.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Grade 1 to Grade 3.
Physical Requirements:
Standing, walking, lifting light loads, assisting patients with positioning and transfers.
Must be able to use a computer to input orders, review reports etc.
Must be able to communicate directions and patient orders.
Light lifting (under 15lbs), light carrying (under 15lbs), use of fingers, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other, hearing (aid permitted), emotional stability, mental stability, working closely with others, working alone, and working with biohazardous materials.
Education Please submit your transcripts with your application.
Note:
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.
You can verify your education here:
http:
//ope.
ed.
gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit:
http:
//www.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html.
Additional Information This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.
01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.
e.
, medical, religious or pregnancy).
VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.
If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.
The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Recommended Skills Assessments Clinical Practices Clinical Works Decision Making Finance Hardworking And Dedicated Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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