Surgery - Thoracic Physician Assistant

Med Ninjas is seeking an experienced Physician Assistant specializing in Cardiothoracic Surgery for PRN locum coverage in Lexington, Kentucky . The selected PA must be proficient in first assisting with CABG, AVR, MVR, thoracotomy, and lung resection cases , as well as vein harvesting, chest-tube placement, telemetry, and ICU care.

Assignment Snapshot Specialty Cardiothoracic Surgery Provider Type Physician Assistant Assignment Type Locum Tenens / PRN Location Lexington, Kentucky Setting Inpatient, Operating Room, Telemetry, and ICU Providers Needed 1 Primary Need Weekend and vacation coverage Weekday Schedule 7:00 AM 7:00 PM, with 7:00 PM 7:00 AM night call Weekend Schedule 7:00 AM 7:00 AM, 24-hour coverage Call Frequency 1 2 call days per week Weekend Call Approximately one weekend per month Surgical Volume Approximately 1 2 surgeries daily EMR Epic Board Status Board certification required License Kentucky preferred; candidates willing to obtain may be reviewed Credentialing Approximately days Temporary Privileges Not available Coverage Schedule

The primary need is for weekend and vacation coverage.

Weekday Coverage

• Day shift: 7:00 AM 7:00 PM
• Night call: 7:00 PM 7:00 AM

Weekend Coverage

• 24-hour shifts
• Weekend coverage generally begins at 7:00 AM Friday and concludes at 7:00 AM Monday
• Weekend responsibilities include inpatient rounding, procedures, and surgical coverage

Currently Listed Coverage Dates

• November , 2026
• December , 2026
• January 29, 2027
• February , 2027
• April 3 11, 2027
• May , 2027
• Additional dates to be determined

Candidates should clearly identify which dates and coverage blocks they can commit to.

Clinical Responsibilities

• First assist during CABG procedures
• First assist during aortic valve replacement procedures
• First assist during mitral valve replacement procedures
• First assist during thoracotomy and lung resection procedures
• Perform surgical vein harvesting
• Perform chest-tube placement
• Provide postoperative cardiothoracic surgical care
• Complete inpatient rounding
• Support telemetry and ICU patient management
• Provide weekday night-call coverage
• Provide weekend inpatient, procedural, and surgical coverage
• Support cardiothoracic surgeons across the operating room and inpatient units

Required Experience

Candidates must be independently proficient in cardiothoracic surgical procedures, particularly:

• CABG first assisting
• AVR first assisting
• MVR first assisting
• Thoracotomy and lung resection first assisting
• Vein harvesting
• Chest-tube placement
• Cardiothoracic postoperative management
• Telemetry and ICU care

Candidates unable to perform the required procedures will not be considered.

Candidate Requirements

• Certified Physician Assistant
• Board certification required
• Cardiothoracic surgery experience required
• Kentucky license highly preferred
• Candidates willing to obtain a Kentucky license may be reviewed
• ACLS required
• BLS required
• Active DEA required
• Clean malpractice history preferred
• Must provide confirmed availability
• Must be eligible for credentialing at the Lexington hospital
• Must be comfortable providing call, weekend, OR, ICU, and inpatient coverage

Practice Environment

• Hospital-based cardiothoracic surgery service
• Operating room, telemetry, and ICU responsibilities
• Epic EMR
• Approximately 1 2 surgeries per day
• PRN coverage supporting an established cardiothoracic surgery team
• Current need is related to a staffing vacancy and vacation coverage

Credentialing

• Estimated credentialing timeframe: days
• Temporary privileges are not available
• The selected PA must complete credentialing at the assigned hospital before beginning coverage

Because of the credentialing timeframe, candidates available for later 2026 and 2027 coverage blocks may be the most practical matches.

Travel Considerations

Local and drive-in candidates are preferred.

Preferred lodging options identified by the client include:

• The Campbell House using the hospital s discounted rate
• Tru by Hilton University Medical
• Candlewood Suites Lexington Medical District

Any anticipated travel exception should be disclosed before presentation, along with the candidate s city of origin.

Compensation

Competitive compensation is available for:

• Regular clinical hours
• Night call
• 24-hour call
• Callback hours
• Holiday coverage, when applicable

Specific provider compensation and travel arrangements will be discussed directly with a Med Ninjas recruiter.

Apply

If you are a certified Physician Assistant with current cardiothoracic surgery experience and proficiency in CABG, AVR, MVR, thoracotomy, lung resection, vein harvesting, and chest-tube placement , apply with:

• Current CV
• Kentucky license status
• Board-certification details
• ACLS, BLS, and DEA status
• Confirmed coverage dates
• Preferred contact number

A Med Ninjas recruiter will contact qualified applicants to discuss compensation, travel, credentialing, and available coverage blocks.

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