PA-Orthopedic Trauma Program-2

South Shore Health System; Weymouth (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

South Shore Health System in Weymouth is seeking a skilled Physician Assistant to join the Orthopedic Services team. The role involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with various musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring high standards of surgical and medical care.

The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree and have experience in Acute Medicine or Orthopedics. Additional skills include the ability to manage complex care and collaborate effectively with a team.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree and completion of an accredited Advanced Physician Assistant training program.
• Acute Medicine and/or Orthopedic experience preferred.
• Required: PA – Physician Assistant license.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
• Implement orthopedic surgery care plans and collaborate with hospitalist teams.
• Manage discharge orders and write notes using electronic systems.
• Participate in readmission reduction efforts and provide urgent evaluations.

Skills

ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Knowledge of disease processes

Professional judgment

Ability to care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Completion of an accredited Advanced Physician Assistant training program

Job description

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Under the directions of the Chair of Orthopedic Services and the Executive Director of APCs, the Physician Assistant will evaluate, diagnose and treat patients following written guidelines approved by the Department of Orthopedics.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Core Purpose

Receiving general direction from the Medical Director – Surgical Services, Chairman – Orthopedic Services, Executive Director – APC’s, Lead Orthopedic Physician Assistant and Executive Director – Musculoskeletal Service Line. The position will assess, diagnose and treat health problems of patients who suffer from a range of musculoskeletal conditions from time of admission to discharge. Patients include adult and pediatric inpatient trauma, joint replacement, Fragile Fracture Program patients and General Orthopedic patients.

Contacts and Competencies

Category C – Competency requires knowledge of disease processes or diagnosis. Patient contact is Yes. Age of patient(s) include neonates, infants, children, adults, geriatrics.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum Education – Preferred: Bachelor’s degree, completion of an accredited Advanced Physician Assistant training program approved by the AMA, recertification as required.
• Minimum Work Experience – Acute Medicine and/or Orthopedic experience preferred.
• Required Licenses/Registrations – PA – Physician Assistant.
• Required Classes/Skills – ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
• Required Additional Knowledge and Abilities – Broad knowledge of the medical environment, surgical practices and performance goals of the orthopedic services; professional judgment under the direction of a licensed physician; ability to care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions who may also have medical problems; maturity and self‑confidence; state and federally controlled substances registration.

Working Conditions

Position Hours: Monday through Friday with potential for rotating weekend days. Additional weekend and holiday coverage as determined based on department needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are those tasks, duties and responsibilities that comprise the means of accomplishing the job’s purpose and objectives.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Obtains detailed medical history and performs comprehensive physical exam for patients admitted for elective, non‑elective and trauma orthopedic procedures.
• Implements orthopedic surgery care plans including writing orders, transfer orders, wound care, dressing changes, application of casts/splints and fracture reductions.
• Collaborates with hospitalist team on co‑managed patients.
• Discharge orders and planning: writes discharge orders, dictates formal discharge summary, prescription writing, VNA care plan.
• Obtains, reviews and interprets radiology and laboratory studies and implements care plan based on results in accordance with attending physician instructions.
• Orders diagnostic tests, consultations and procedures as indicated.
• Performs or assists in routine and complex procedures as necessary.
• Serves as first or second assist in the operating room as necessary.
• Identifies and manages chronic medical conditions and provides continuous care to hospitalized inpatients.
• Pre‑operative medical optimization and perioperative cardiovascular event risk assessment.
• Writes orders and prescribes medications in accordance with current practice guidelines.
• Writes complete and comprehensive notes on all patients using appropriate electronic systems.
• Facilitates timely care, including scheduling of procedures, for patients in the Geriatric Fracture Program.
• Participates in readmission reduction efforts and collaborates with the patient care team to develop care plans.
• Provides urgent evaluation to patients with changes in clinical status.
• Safe and effective operation of fluoroscopy equipment; certification within one year of hire date.

Delegation of Supervising Physician Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of work performed by the Orthopedic Physician Assistant is the responsibility of the supervising physician or designee who must be another MD.
• MD may delegate only duties that fall within the scope of practice of the supervising physician.
• Orthopedic Physician Assistant will follow all state and national mandates and guidelines as they pertain to emergency management of patients.

Scope of Prescriptive Practice

Conforms to Massachusetts State Controlled Substance Act, Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Board of Registration for Physician Assistants, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and other applicable statutes and regulations.

• Prescriptive practice reviewed by supervising physician in ongoing format at least quarterly.
• May prescribe Class II – Class V medications.

Other Responsibilities

• Monthly Orthopedic Staff Meeting and Joint/ Geriatric Fracture Program Team Meetings.
• Continuing education activities to maintain or enhance knowledge and skills.
• Ensures patient billing is submitted accurately and consistent with hospital policy.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Frequent standing/walking required, no driving. Frequent activity required – pushing, pulling, lifting, bending. Use of hands required; use of feet required. Light lifting (<25 lbs) required.