Job Summary
The Physician Assistant (PA) Specialized Surgery Operative is a licensed, certified healthcare provider. They provide direct patient care and have prescriptive authority. They are credentialed, privileged, and billed as an independent provider by Medicare and Medicaid. The Advanced Practice Provider offers medical care based on the supervising physician's scope of practice. The PA Specialized Surgery Operative cares for adult and pediatric patients in neurosurgery and spine surgery.
Essential Functions of the Role
- Assess patients' physical and mental condition through detailed exams and medical histories. Monitor patients' health and create strategies to prevent hospitalization or shorten hospital stays.
- Order, collect, interpret, and evaluate laboratory and other diagnostic tests to assess patient problems and health care needs.
- Prescribe or recommend medical drug therapies or related treatments. Perform procedures within their practice scope, training, and policies. Focus on efficacy, safety, and cost. Recommend interventions to change behavior linked to health risks.
- Create and carry out detailed patient treatment plans based on patient assessments, evidence-based medicine, and standards of care. Follow professional practice guidelines and involve collaboration with physicians and other team members when needed.
- Evaluate patient's response to health care provided and effectiveness of care.
- Counsel patients and families regarding medical processes or procedures, management of the health illness/condition, medication, nutrition, and health promotion.
- Counsel patients about drug regimens and possible side effects. Discuss interactions with food supplements, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies.
- Maintain appropriate records detailing the patient's treatment plans and outcomes. Initiate timely consultation and referral when the problem exceeds scope of practice or expertise.
- Provide consultation level services for conditions/problems related to the Provider's specialty, scope, level of experience, and training.
- First assist or second assist in the operating room or procedural setting. They have met all required training with the necessary proficiency.
- See patients in various settings, including new and follow-up visits in the clinic, inpatient rounding, and emergency department evaluations. Provide pre-operative and post-operative care.
- Perform invasive surgical or advanced technological procedures specific to the APP's specialty. Procedures depend on the APP's proficiency level.
Key Success Factors
- Knowledge of information and techniques is needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health‑care measures.
- Knowledge of values, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Critical thinking and complex problem‑solving skills.
- Skill in the use of computers and related software applications.
- Ability to develop and implement comprehensive outcomes‑based patient treatment plans.
- Ability to counsel patients concerning medical and psychological/psychiatric conditions, treatment plans, and behavior modification.
- Ability to interpret and evaluate laboratory and other diagnostic tests.
- Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the state of Texas.
- Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire or transfer.
- Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited PA program.
- Less than 1 year of experience.
- Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant in Texas.
- Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
- Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire or transfer.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar‑for‑dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1