(PA) Physician Assistant, Interventional Radiology - 139581

Under the direction of the Chief of Vascular and Interventional (IR) Radiology, the Interventional Physician Assistant (PA) serves as a designated expert for assessing more complex VIR cases and performing difficult procedures that require advanced skills and knowledge, including lumbar punctures, PICC line placement, vascular access placement, insertion, changing, and removal of gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy tubes and T-fasteners, paracentesis, and thoracentesis, and image guided biopsies, HSG, chest tube placement, image guided drain placement, drain evaluations, and pleurX drain placements.

The Sr. PA may be asked to assist the VIR physician with more complex VIR procedures. In the outpatient vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) clinic, the PA will see patients independently or in conjunction with attending MDs for new patient consultations and clinical follow-up visits. Duties would include, but are not limited to, writing notes, entering electronic orders, and scheduling procedures. In addition, maintain appropriate forms and develop relevant protocols for the clinic. Schedules and conducts clinical consultations for interventional procedures, obtains and interprets medical histories, performs initial and periodic physical exams, assesses test results and other measurements, prescribes medications and supportive therapies, and provides or mediates patient follow-up.

The Sr. Physician Assistant performs daily rounds on hospitalized patients who have had IR procedures; assesses catheters and drains that maybe in place; assesses laboratory findings including blood tests, non-invasive peripheral vascular studies, ultrasounds, MRI, CT scans and X-rays; reviews physical examination findings, laboratory and imaging findings and makes plans for procedures with the interventional radiologists; organizes and orders follow-up imaging and laboratory studies and clinic visits on patients who have had procedures and require continuity of care; communicates clinical findings to interventional radiologists, nurses and interventional radiology technologists; communicates plans for procedures with the interventional nurses and technical staff; plans, implements, and evaluates health care treatments. Provides initial triage and delegation of VIR referrals and clinical inquiries from patients, families, and providers. Liaisons and coordinates care with referring teams, bills appropriately for VIR encounters.

The Senior Physician Assistant uses critical thinking to individualize patient care, manage illness, promote well-being, and support rehabilitative and disease-prevention lifestyle choices. Identifies and solves complex clinical IR problems, collaborates with other UCSD and community health care providers, prepares cases for the relevant VIR attending and consulting physicians, and trains staff and study coordinators to meet clinical standard of practice. Prepares and maintains files in anticipation of internal, TJC, sponsor, or FDA audits. Recruits and schedules clinical trial subjects, collects study data, establishes and maintains research protocols, and coordinates all follow-up procedures. The PA oversees regulatory compliance and quality assurance for industry studies and serves as the primary resource for clinic staff. Plans and presents in-services to staff and/or community groups.

• 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.

• Current ART certification, or BLS/CPR and ACLS certifications at time of hire, with commitment to get ART within six (6) months of hire date.

• Obtain a California Fluoroscopy Operator Permit within six months of employment.

• DEA and NPI number within the first year of hire.

• One (1) year of Physician Assistant experience required; experience in interventional radiology or in procedural, critical care, emergency room, operating room, inpatient, and/or outpatient settings preferred.

• Strong knowledge of diseases that are potentially treated by interventional radiology procedures and how to manage them, including knowledge of medical treatment, surgical treatment, and interventional radiology therapies, their benefits, and complications.

• Experience in performing more complex interventional procedures, including PICC line placement, vascular access removal, paracentesis, and thoracentesis.

• Experience in treating patients in the field of vascular and interventional radiology.

• Ability to extract pertinent information from data in order to diagnose an individual's medical disorder.

• Strong knowledge of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and Guidelines.

• Experience in assessment of diagnostic tests and appropriate follow-up treatment.

• Experience assessing interventional radiology complications and abnormal lab and diagnostic radiology results.

• Knowledge of the Experimental Bill of Rights to ensure effective advocacy for participants.

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

• Experience in evaluating diagnostic worksheets, taking telephone or direct consults, and facilitating scheduling of patients.

• Demonstrated experience in performing initial history and physical examination, identifying major medical problems, and formulating appropriate plans of action.

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

• Experience in communicating effectively with patients and other health care personnel, and maintaining confidentiality.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain good working relationships and communications with physicians in charge, laboratory personnel, and members of the health care team.

• Knowledge of all types of modalities necessary for the patient's care and well-being, and the skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings accurately and completely.

• Demonstrated experience and ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner. Knowledge necessary for instructing housestaff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.

• Demonstrated ability to teach and supervise others to conduct physical exams, including assessment of findings.

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

• Experience in maintaining databases and using word processing programs, including but not limited to MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with PCIS, EPIC.

• Proven knowledge of common diagnostic tests, exams, procedures used in adult medicine, including purpose, supplies, and/or equipment needed, how to perform tests, exams, and/or procedures accurately, infection control mechanisms, and recording in medical records.

• Interventional Radiology PA experience.

• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish and English.

• Accredited PA Specialty Certification.

• Knowledge of clinical and ancillary services within the UC San Diego Health System.

• 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.
• Must be able to work various hours, days, shifts, and locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs. Coverage may be required on Saturday and Sunday.