Physician Associate in Emergency Medicine and Psychological Medicine

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in the United Kingdom seeks a motivated Physician Associate for a dual role in Emergency Medicine and Psychiatric Medicine. This role offers the unique opportunity to enhance clinical skills in both acute and mental health settings. Candidates should have a PG Dip/MSc in Physician Associate Studies and at least 2 years of clinical experience. The position provides mentoring and professional guidance, covering a seven-day service with flexible scheduling.

Benefits

Monthly mentoring from experienced PA leads

Additional teaching and learning opportunities

Ongoing professional guidance

Qualifications

• Must have 2 years of clinical experience.
• Experience in acute care setting.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive clinical assessments of patients presenting to the ED.
• Perform mental health assessments in both ED and ward settings.
• Participate in departmental teaching, audits, clinical governance, and service improvement.

Skills

Good basic and wide-ranging knowledge of clinical medicine

Ability to make good clinical notes

Good communication skills

Computer skills

Ability to teach and enthuse other medical staff

Education

PG Dip/MSc/MPAS in Physician Associate Studies

Current certification with the NCCPA (if US trained)

BLS/ALS or similar life support courses

Job description

Physician Associate in Emergency Medicine and Psychological Medicine

SESPA is delighted to support this innovative role within the Trust, offering a unique opportunity for a Physician Associate (PA) to work across both Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry. This joint position provides the chance to develop a broad range of clinical skills while contributing to truly integrated patient care. You'll gain valuable experience in acute and mental health settings, working closely with multidisciplinary teams in both specialties.

As part of SESPA's support, you'll receive:

• Monthly mentoring from experienced PA leads
• Additional teaching and learning opportunities tailored to your development
• Ongoing professional guidance to help you thrive in this exciting dual role

If you're a motivated and compassionate PA looking to expand your skills and make a real difference this could be the role for you!

Main duties of the job

Emergency Medicine (50%)

• Undertake comprehensive clinical assessments of patients presenting to the ED, including history-taking, physical examination, ordering and interpreting investigations.
• Develop differential diagnoses and initial treatment plans in collaboration with senior clinicians.
• Assist with resuscitation and management of acutely unwell patients.
• Participate in departmental teaching, audits, clinical governance and service improvement.
• Maintain accurate documentation and liaise with other specialties to ensure safe, coordinated care.

Psychiatric Medicine Service (50%)

• Perform mental health assessments in both ED and ward settings, under the supervision of Psychiatric Consultants or Specialty Doctors.
• Support early identification, diagnosis and initial management of mental health conditions including acute psychosis, mood disorders, and substance misuse.
• Assist in risk assessments and mental health act considerations in collaboration with liaison psychiatry and crisis teams.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary team discussions and discharge planning.
• Help develop and improve pathways for integrated mental and physical health care, particularly for frequent attenders and patients with medically unexplained symptoms.

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Job responsibilities

Please see job description for more information

The PA rota will cover a seven-day service from 08:00 to 00:00, with flexible scheduling between EM and Psychiatry to ensure adequate supervision and service coverage. The postholder must maintain professional registration and engage with ongoing CPD as per GMC guidance.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• PG Dip/MSc/MPAS in Physician Associate Studies from a UK training programme or Current and valid certification with the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA) if US trained
• BLS/ALS or similar life support courses

Experience

• Must have 2 years of clinical experience - a pre-requisite to working in any MH role as a PA.
• Experience in acute care setting

Ability and Knowledge

• Good basic and wide-ranging knowledge of clinical medicine
• Ability to make good clinical notes
• Good communication skills
• Computer skills
• Ability to teach and enthuse other medical staff. Ability to undertake audit

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.