Lead Physician Assistant - Surgical Services

Catholic Health; West Islip (NY); On-site; USD 100,578 - 134,109; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Health is seeking a Lead Surgical Physician Assistant to oversee and support a team of PAs in a dynamic surgical program in West Islip, New York. This role combines clinical practice with leadership, offering mentorship and the opportunity to shape care delivery throughout the surgical process. Candidates should possess a Master's degree, current PA license, NCCPA certification, and 3-5 years of surgical experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $73.01 to $97.35 per hour.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current New York State PA license.
• NCCPA certification required.
• BLS and ACLS by AHA.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of surgical PA experience preferred.
• Prior leadership, supervisory, or precepting experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support a team of PAs in a surgical program.
• Perform comprehensive pre-operative patient evaluations.
• Assist in a wide range of surgical procedures.
• Manage post-surgical recovery and discharge planning.
• Collaborate with leadership on clinical protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical Evaluation

Surgical Assistance

Patient Education

Quality Improvement

Education

Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program

Current New York State PA license

NCCPA certification

BLS and ACLS certification

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lead Surgical Physician Assistant (PA) to oversee and support a team of PAs within a dynamic surgical program at a leading hospital in New York. This role combines advanced clinical practice with leadership responsibilities, offering the opportunity to shape care delivery, mentor staff, and drive excellence across surgical services.

The Lead PA will partner closely with surgeons, administrative leadership, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality, efficient, and patient-centered surgical care across the continuum—from pre‑operative assessment through post‑operative recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Leadership & Oversight: Serve as a clinical leader and resource for Surgical PAs across multiple specialties; provide guidance, mentorship, and support to PA staff, including onboarding and ongoing development; assist in staffing coordination, scheduling, and workflow optimization.
• Pre‑operative Care: Perform comprehensive patient evaluations, including history, physical exams, and risk assessments; order and interpret diagnostic studies and prepare patients for surgery; educate patients and families on procedures and expectations.
• Intra‑operative Care: First or second assist in a wide range of surgical procedures; perform advanced surgical tasks including suturing, retraction, hemostasis, and specimen handling.
• Post‑operative Care: Manage post‑surgical recovery, including pain control, wound care, and complication management; coordinate discharge planning and follow-up care.
• Program Development & Quality: Collaborate with leadership to improve clinical protocols, efficiency, and patient outcomes; support quality initiatives, performance improvement efforts, and best practice implementation.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with surgeons, nurses, residents, and administrative teams; serve as a liaison between PA staff and leadership.
• Documentation & Compliance: Ensure accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR); maintain compliance with institutional, state, and regulatory standards.
• On‑Call Responsibilities: Participate in call coverage as required and support team coverage needs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current New York State PA license.
• NCCPA certification required.
• BLS and ACLS by AHA.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of surgical PA experience preferred.
• Prior leadership, supervisory, or precepting experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated clinical excellence and strong decision‑making skills.

Salary Range

USD $73.01 - USD $97.35 /Hr.