Physician Assistant - Cardiothoracic Surgery (PA-C)

Our client is seeking an experienced Physician Assistant, Cardiothoracic Surgery (PA-C) to join a highly skilled surgical team supporting a busy open-heart surgery program. This role is ideal for a PA with recent cardiothoracic surgery experience who is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care across the perioperative continuum.

The Physician Assistant will work collaboratively with cardiothoracic surgeons and the multidisciplinary care team to provide comprehensive inpatient and surgical care. Responsibilities include first assisting in the operating room, managing pre- and post-operative patients, performing clinical assessments, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and participating in critical decision-making to optimize patient outcomes.

This position also provides opportunities to serve as a clinical leader and mentor to other Physician Assistants while supporting quality patient care and departmental excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• First assist in cardiothoracic surgical procedures, including open-heart surgeries.
• Perform comprehensive patient evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment planning.
• Manage pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative patient care.
• Order, interpret, and evaluate laboratory tests, diagnostic studies, and imaging.
• Prescribe medications and therapeutic interventions within scope of practice.
• Perform procedures and therapeutic interventions as appropriate.
• Collaborate closely with surgeons, physicians, nurses, and the multidisciplinary care team.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Provide clinical leadership, mentorship, and support to fellow Physician Assistants.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and maintain compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program required.

Experience

• Recent operating room experience required.
• Recent experience as a Cardiothoracic Surgery First Assist required.
• Vessel harvesting experience preferred.
• Previous Epic EMR experience preferred.
• Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Licensure & Certifications

• Current New York State Physician Assistant license and registration.
• Current NCCPA certification.
• Current unrestricted DEA registration.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications.
• Current NYS Infection Control Certification.