Lead Physician Assistant - Surgical Services

Catholic Health Services; West Islip (NY); On-site; USD 101,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Health Services seeks an experienced Lead Surgical Physician Assistant to oversee a team of PAs within a dynamic New York surgical program. This leadership role combines advanced clinical practice with staff mentorship and care delivery optimization.

The Lead PA partners with surgeons, administrative leadership, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality, efficient, and patient-centered care from pre-operative assessment through post-operative recovery, including program

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Physician Assistant program (clinical training).
• Current New York State PA license.
• NCCPA certification.
• BLS and ACLS certifications (AHA).
• 3 years of surgical PA experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and supervision for Surgical PAs across multiple specialties.
• Mentor PA staff and support onboarding and ongoing development.
• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, and workflow optimization.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Mentorship

Education

Masters degree in Physician Assistant studies

New York State PA license

NCCPA certification

BLS and ACLS (AHA)

Job description

Job Details

Lead Surgical Physician Assistant (PA)

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.