Congenital Cardiac Surgery Physician Assistant

HCA Healthcare, Inc.; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, behavioral health, dental, &

401(k) with employer match

Paid malpractice

CME allowance

Wellness resources

Job summary

Methodist Healthcare System is seeking a Physician Assistant to join the Congenital Heart Surgery Program in San Antonio, TX. You will serve as a surgical first assistant and provide inpatient and outpatient care within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities include daily rounds, pre/post-operative planning, family education, and collaboration with surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, and ICU staff to ensure continuous, high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current NCCPA certification.
• Eligible for Texas Physician Assistant licensure.
• Current BLS and ACLS certification.
• Ability to obtain pediatric-specific certifications as required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first assist in congenital heart surgical procedures.
• Conduct daily rounds on congenital heart surgery patients.
• Manage pre-operative planning and post-operative care with the surgical team.
• Coordinate care with surgeons, pediatric cardiology, intensivists, and nursing staff.
• Educate patients and families about procedures, recovery, and follow-up care.

Skills

Pediatric care

Surgical support

Communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Graduate of accredited PA program

Tools

NCCPA certification

Texas PA license

BLS

ACLS

Job description

Description

Specialization:

Congenital Cardiac Surgery

Job Summary:

Methodist Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Physician Assistant (PA-C) to join our growing Congenital Heart Surgery Program in San Antonio, Texas.

This advanced practice provider will play an integral role within a multidisciplinary congenital heart team, supporting the care of pediatric and adult congenital heart patients with complex congenital heart conditions across the inpatient, operative, and outpatient settings. The Physician Assistant will work closely with congenital heart surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, intensivists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide exceptional patient care throughout the surgical continuum.

Surgical First Assist

• Serve as first assist in congenital heart surgical procedures.
• Assist with pre-operative patient preparation and post-operative surgical management.
• Participate in surgical planning and intraoperative support.
• Perform procedures within scope of practice and clinical privileges.

Inpatient Care

• Conduct daily rounds on congenital heart surgery patients.
• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and develop treatment plans in collaboration with the surgical team.
• Manage post-operative care, including monitoring, diagnostics, and coordination of multidisciplinary services.
• Facilitate patient discharges, follow-up care, and care transitions.

Outpatient Clinical Activities

• Evaluate and manage patients in the congenital heart surgery clinic setting.
• Participate in pre-operative consultations and post-operative follow-up visits.
• Provide patient and family education regarding surgical procedures, recovery, and ongoing care needs.
• Collaborate with referring physicians and pediatric cardiology providers to ensure continuity of care.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with surgeons, cardiologists, intensivists, nursing staff, and ancillary personnel.
• Participate in multidisciplinary conferences, case reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support program growth and contribute to clinical excellence within the congenital heart service line.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current NCCPA certification.
• Eligible for Texas Physician Assistant licensure.
• Current BLS and ACLS certification.
• Ability to obtain pediatric-specific certifications as required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred

• Previous experience in congenital cardiothoracic surgery with a preference given to candidates with three or more years of dedicated operating room experience.Candidates with experience in complex acquired heart surgery will also be considered.
• Experience serving as a surgical first assist in neonatal and infant heart surgery.
• Familiarity with managing complex pediatric patients in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Incentive/BenefitsPackage:

• Competitive compensation package.
• Comprehensive medical, behavioral health, prescription drugs, dental, and vision.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid malpractice.
• CME allowance.
• Wellness resources, including free counseling.
• Time off, including disability coverage.
• Access to advanced clinical resources and a robust network of pediatric specialists.

About Methodist Healthcare & Methodist Children’s Hospital:

• Methodist Congenital Heart Institute (MCHI) serves as a destination center for complex congenital heart disease and a hub for pediatric cardiac innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• The team comprises two congenital heart surgeons and two advanced practice providers who perform the full spectrum of surgical care including neonatal and infant heart surgery, as well as adult congenital heart care.The only center in San Antonio with a freestanding dedicated pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit.
• The Heart Institute is part of an international multicenter consortium under HCA Healthcare with congenital heart programs located in Las Vegas, NV Denver, CO, Dallas, TX and London, United Kingdom.
• Methodist Children’s Hospital is one of the largest and most comprehensive pediatric hospitals in the region, offering a full spectrum of subspecialties.
• Features a 78-bed regional NICU, a child-friendly emergency department, and a top-tier pediatric blood and marrow transplant program.
• Part of the Methodist Healthcare System, a leading provider in South Texas serving San Antonio and 26 surrounding counties with over 50 years of trusted care.
• Jointly owned by Methodist Healthcare Ministries and HCA Healthcare, blending faith-based compassion with nationally recognized clinical excellence.

San Antonio, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, adding over 24,000 new residents in the past year and experiencing job growth that outpaces both state and national averages. With a low unemployment rate of 3.8% and expanding opportunities in healthcare, education, and technology, the city offers a dynamic and stable environment for professionals. San Antonio blends rich cultural heritage with modern amenities, featuring the iconic River Walk, historic missions, renowned museums, and a vibrant culinary scene. Its affordable housing, excellent schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods make it an ideal place to live and work. With a warm climate, diverse population, and welcoming community, San Antonio offers the perfect balance of big-city energy and small-town charm.