Cardiovascular Surgery Physician Assistant

MedStar Health; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 115,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health in Washington, DC seeks a Cardiovascular Surgery Physician Assistant to support in the operating room during open-heart and vascular procedures, serving as a first or second assistant as skill allows. You will review histories, participate in orientation, and work closely with cardiac surgeons and APPs to ensure optimal patient care and smooth OR flow.

Prior cardiac OR experience is preferred but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited PA or ACNP program.
• RNFA program completion for Nurse Practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Review patient history, studies and imaging to prepare for procedures.
• Assist in open-heart and vascular surgeries as first or second assistant.
• Collaborate with anesthesiologists, perfusionists and OR team to ensure patient care.

Skills

Cardiac surgery

Education

PA or ACNP program

RNFA program for NP

Job description

About the Job

The Cardiovascular Surgery Physician Assistant plays a vital role in the operating room, supporting the surgical team during open-heart and vascular procedures. The focus is on enhancing skills in cardiac surgery as a first or second assistant, collaborating closely with seasoned cardiac surgeons and advanced practice providers (APPs).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review patient history, diagnostic studies, and imaging to prepare for surgical procedures.
• Engage in a structured orientation and competency development program.
• Assist in a range of surgical procedures, which includes:
  • Supporting cardiac surgeons during both open and minimally invasive surgeries.
  • Acting as a first or second assistant based on expertise and training.
  • Participating in key procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement, and aortic surgeries.
  • Gaining proficiency in both endoscopic and open techniques for saphenous vein and radial artery harvesting.
  • Collaborating with anesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, and other surgery team members to ensure optimal patient care.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program.
• Completion of an RN First Assistant (RNFA) program for Nurse Practitioners.

Experience:

• Prior operating room experience, particularly in cardiac surgery or cardiovascular care, is preferred but not mandatory.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Current or eligible for Physician Assistant licensure.
• For Nurse Practitioners: Current or eligible for Nurse Practitioner licensure and completion of an RN First Assistant program.

Compensation:

The total compensation package for this position includes a base salary, a first-assist adjustment, and compensation for off-shift work.

This position has a hiring range of:

USD $115,000.00 - USD $190,000.00 /Yr.