(PA) Physician Assistant - Trauma Surgery - 135451

The Department of Surgery is one of the largest departments in the School of Medicine and is comprised of 103 faculty members, 18 physicians employed on MSP agreements, 31 doctors employed by the VA or other facilities, 104 accredited and non-accredited trainees and 161 career staff. Activities are organized in 7 subspecialty divisions. Department activities span 5 major institutions including three medical centers and cover all aspects of the teaching, research, clinical and service missions of the University. Annual expenditures total over $58M, including $5M in federal and private sponsored awards. The department generates net collections of $26M and is a significant revenue generator for the Medical Center.

Incumbent functions as provider of patient care in the fields of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, and General Surgery. Provide clinical support in management of inpatients and outpatients. Plan, implement and evaluate health care treatments for critically ill and injured patients. Assist in General Surgery and Trauma Clinics. May assume such other duties for other trauma/critical care as assigned by Trauma Director. Develop and provide patient education. Participates in research and/or quality assurance studies. Function as liaison with trauma coordinator, financial counselors, social workers, and research nurses. The position requires special skills and knowledge in the fields of trauma, critical care, and general surgery.

• Current State of California Physician Assistant (PA) license.

• Current Physician Assistant Certification from NCCPA.

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

• Recent experience gained through training and/or work experience in one or more of the following areas: trauma, ED, acute care surgery, surgical critical care.

• 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 inpatient, outpatient plans of treatment.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology.

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

• 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 serve a large volume of patients rapidly and effectively on a walk-in or appointment basis, within set time limits.

• Skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings accurately and completely.

• Skill at providing clear written, verbal and telephone communication with a wide variety of people.

• Ability to serve a large volume of patients rapidly and effectively on a walk-in or appointment basis, within set time limits.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data in a meaningful manner.

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

• 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.

• Ability to perform initial history, and physical examination, identify major medical problems, and formulate appropriate plans of action.

• Ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner. Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for the patients care and well-being.

• Skill to communicate in a helpful, nonjudgmental, effective and informative manner, in person or by telephone. Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, diplomacy, in order to interact effectively with all levels of professional staff and patients. Ability to work as a team member.

• Skill to operate appropriate medical equipment, i.e., central venous pressure monitors, electrocardiograph machines, cardiac defibrillators, transducer systems, digital read-out equipment, basic ventilator management, and medical computer systems.

• Knowledge necessary for instructing housestaff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in aspects of general surgery, trauma, and critical care.

• Knowledge of clinical and ancillary services within the UCSD Medical Center.

• Writing skills to prepare clear medical reports, laboratory data and progress notes, as well as policies, procedures and protocols for patient care management. Skill in participating in research or quality assurance studies.

• Two (2) or more years of experience in trauma, surgical critical care, and/or acute care surgery is required to be considered at the Sr. Physician Assistant level.

• Knowledge of clinical and ancillary services within the UCSD Medical Center.

• 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.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Practice consistent with ANA Standards of Practice and Professional Performance.

• Some weekend work will be required. Overtime is required as needed.