Cardiac Surgery PA — ICU Lead & OR First/Second Assistant

Albany Med Health System; Ballston Lake (NY); On-site; USD 139,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary range $138,963

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous paid time off and holiday

Albany Med retirement plan + 403(b)

Annual CME allowance

Occurrence-based malpractice coverage

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

Albany Medical Center is seeking a Physician Assistant to join our Cardiothoracic Surgery team. The role involves ICU care for critically ill cardiac surgery patients, assisting in procedures, and managing perioperative care within a high-acuity environment.

The PA will lead care coordination, perform invasive bedside procedures, and collaborate with surgeons, intensivists, and anesthesiologists to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited PA program with current NCCPA certification.
• Active state PA license and prescriptive authority.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a surgical or hospital-based acute care setting (CT Surgery experience strongly preferred).
• Skilled in ICU management and invasive bedside procedures.
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical care.
• Excellent clinical judgment, teamwork, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide care to critically ill patients in the Cardiothoracic ICU, including those on ECMO, Impella, IABP, and CRRT.
• Serve as first and second assist in cardiothoracic surgical procedures, including endoscopic vein harvesting and endoscopic radial artery harvesting.
• Perform bedside procedures such as thoracentesis, central/arterial line placement, chest tube insertion/removal, and temporary pacing wire removal.
• Manage preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care, including consults and discharge planning.
• Conduct daily rounds, write progress notes, and lead care coordination efforts.
• Collaborate closely with cardiothoracic surgeons, intensivists, anesthesiologists, and clinical teams to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and physical exams; order and interpret labs/imaging; develop and adjust treatment plans.
• Prescribe medications and therapies based on current clinical guidelines.
• Participate in inpatient consult services across Surgery, Medicine, Trauma, Pediatrics, and Ob/Gyn.
• Support emergency and inpatient assessments, triage decisions, and follow-ups.
• Educate patients and families about procedures, recovery, and health management strategies.
• Serve as a clinical resource and team leader during shifts; ensure accurate documentation, coding, and billing; maintain inventory and prepare patients for procedures.

Job description

Albany Medical Center is seeking a Physician Assistant to join our Cardiothoracic Surgery team. The role involves ICU care for critically ill cardiac surgery patients, assisting in procedures, and managing perioperative care within a high-acuity environment.

The PA will lead care coordination, perform invasive bedside procedures, and collaborate with surgeons, intensivists, and anesthesiologists to achieve optimal patient outcomes.