Experienced Surgical Physician Assistant

Vsi; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

VSI is a premier Center of Excellence for spinal health care in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, seeking an experienced Surgical Physician Assistant with 2–5 years of OR experience to join our elite team of spine surgeons and PAs.

In this role, you will be the first assist in complex spinal procedures, collaborate with nationally recognized surgeons, and manage patients from evaluation through recovery in a high-acuity, patient-centered environment that values innovation and exceptional

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• NCCPA certification.
• Active Virginia Physician Assistant license or eligibility.
• 2–5 years of Physician Assistant experience with significant operating room and first assist responsibilities required.

Responsibilities

• First-assist responsibilities in complex spinal procedures, including discectomy, disc replacement, spinal fusion, instrumentation, detailed anatomic dissection, and wound closure
• Participate in technologically advanced spine surgery incorporating robotics, augmented reality, and AI-driven planning and execution
• Perform comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning for spine patients in the office
• Interpret advanced diagnostic studies including MRI, CT, X-ray, laboratory results, and other imaging
• Educate patients regarding diagnoses, treatment options, surgical procedures, and recovery expectations
• Manage postoperative care, including follow-up visits, medication management, and care coordination
• Collaborate closely with surgeons and multidisciplinary specialists to develop individualized treatment plans
• Participate in clinical initiatives focused on quality improvement, innovation, and exceptional patient outcomes

Skills

Surgical first assist

Spine surgery experience

OR teamwork

Clinical decision-making

Excellent communication

Education

Physician Assistant program graduate

NCCPA certification

Virginia license or eligibility

Job description

VSI is the premier Center of Excellence for spinal health care in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. We are seeking an experienced Surgical Physician Assistant with 2–5 years of operating room experience to join our highly specialized team of spine surgeons and ten elite Physician Assistants.

This is an opportunity for an accomplished PA who enjoys complex surgery, thrives in a collaborative environment, and wants to practice at the highest level of their profession. You'll work alongside nationally recognized spine surgeons while caring for patients across the full continuum of care—from initial evaluation through surgery and postoperative recovery.

For more than 30 years, VSI has delivered exceptional spine care, improving the lives of over 100,000 patients through an unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and patient-centered outcomes. Our concierge, out-of-network practice prioritizes quality, precision, and individualized care over patient volume.

Why VSI

Elite Surgical Practice: Complex spinal pathology, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and hands-on operative experience utilizing advanced spinal technologies, including robotics, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence

Collaborative Culture: Work alongside experienced surgeons and fellow PAs in a highly supportive environment built on mutual respect, accountability, and shared clinical excellence.

Continuous Professional Growth: Benefit from ongoing education, collaboration, academic opportunities, and exposure to complex pathology that continually expands your clinical expertise.

Concierge-Level Care: Deep patient relationships, thoughtful decision-making, and the time to do things the right way

The Role

As an Experienced Surgical Physician Assistant, you will serve as a key member of the surgical team, managing patients throughout their spine care journey. This position combines a busy surgical practice with outpatient clinical responsibilities and requires strong clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, and a passion for exceptional patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• First-assist responsibilities in complex spinal procedures, including discectomy, disc replacement, spinal fusion, instrumentation, detailed anatomic dissection, and wound closure
• Participate in technologically advanced spine surgery incorporating robotics, augmented reality, and AI-driven planning and execution
• Perform comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning for spine patients in the office
• Interpret advanced diagnostic studies including MRI, CT, X-ray, laboratory results, and other imaging
• Educate patients regarding diagnoses, treatment options, surgical procedures, and recovery expectations
• Manage postoperative care, including follow-up visits, medication management, and care coordination
• Collaborate closely with surgeons and multidisciplinary specialists to develop individualized treatment plans
• Participate in clinical initiatives focused on quality improvement, innovation, and exceptional patient outcomes

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program
• NCCPA certification
• Active Virginia Physician Assistant license (or eligibility)
• 2–5 years of Physician Assistant experience with significant operating room and first assist responsibilities required
• Ability to thrive in a high-acuity environment with strong clinical standards and team-based support
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and clinical decision-making skills
• A genuine commitment to excellence in patient care

This role is ideal for a Physician Assistant who:

• Has built a strong surgical foundation and is ready for a more advanced clinical role
• Enjoys challenging surgical cases and continuous clinical growth
• Values collaboration, accountability, and excellence
• Wants to be part of a nationally recognized spine practice that embraces innovation
• Takes pride in delivering exceptional outcomes and creating an outstanding patient experience

We are intentional about the people we bring onto our team and invest heavily in those who join us. If you are an experienced Surgical Physician Assistant looking to elevate your career while working alongside some of the region's leading spine surgeons, we'd love to hear from you.