(PA) Sr. Physician Assistant - Neurosurgery - 139590

UC San Diego Department of Neurosurgery is among the leading neurosurgical centers in the country. The Department offers challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of state-of-the-art clinical services, advanced educational programs, and cutting-edge research. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under the direction of the Chair of Neurosurgery and APP Supervisor, the incumbent functions as a patient care provider in the inpatient unit at Palomar Medical Center, supporting our Neurosurgeons covering this location. May include covering the ICU, IMU, medical/surgical, and the operating room, as well as cross-covering our primary UCSD sites.

The Senior Physician Assistant (SPA) covers consults from the ED, plans, implements and evaluates healthcare treatments for neurosurgical patients in the inpatient setting. Direct supervision will occur by assigned physicians. Responsible for discharge summaries and transitions of care. In accordance with standardized procedures, the incumbent will perform certain clinical duties customarily carried out by physicians. The provider may further need to provide outpatient back-up or cross-coverage support.

• 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 and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get ART within six months of hire date.

• Minimum of one (1) year of work experience as a licensed Physician Assistant. Experience must include inpatient, acute care neurosurgical or surgical experience.

• 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.

• Skills necessary to function as a first assistant in operative procedures, and knowledge of operating room standards and techniques.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data in a meaningful manner. Ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner.

• Knowledge of operating room standards and techniques.

• Knowledge necessary for instructing house staff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.

• 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.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology.

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

• 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 the execution of inpatient and outpatient plans of treatment.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• Three (3+) or more years of Inpatient neurosurgical experience.

• Experience with neurosurgical procedures including lumbar puncture, placement and removal of intracranial pressure monitoring devices, interrogation, adjustment and access of ventriculoperitoneal shunts.

• EPIC EMR experience.

• Experience at a trauma receiving hospital.

• Work location - Palomar Medical Center.
• Must be willing to work flexible, variable hours with the ability to change schedule on short notice. Position may require the ability to work evenings/nights.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• 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.