Physician Assistant - Breast Surgical Oncology

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

Hybrid

USD 117,500 - 176,500

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Paid time off

Tuition benefits

Educational opportunities

Job summary

A leading cancer treatment center in Houston is seeking an experienced Advanced Practice Provider for the Breast Surgical Oncology department. This full-time role involves performing comprehensive patient assessments, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and participating actively in surgical procedures. The ideal candidate must possess a Master's Degree from an accredited PA program, PAC certification, and experience in breast surgeries. A hybrid work schedule and excellent benefits are available.

Qualifications

Must possess PAC certification by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants.
Licensed by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners.
BLS, ACLS certifications by AHA upon hire.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' status.
Direct care for patients with oncologic diseases.
Coordinate care with multidisciplinary teams.
Perform minor surgical procedures as needed.

Skills

Clinical experience

Operating room experience

Flexibility

Patient education

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's Degree from an accredited PA program

Tools

EPIC

Job description

Overview

The Breast Surgical Oncology department at MD Anderson specializes in the surgical treatment of benign and malignant breast disease. Doctors and staff in the department collaborate closely with colleagues in Breast Medical Oncology, Breast Pathology, Breast Radiation Oncology, Diagnostic Radiology, Genetics, Cancer Prevention and Screening, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Our department offers a uniquely supportive environment defined by flexibility, strong work-life balance, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Candidates who join our team benefit from a collaborative culture, a manageable workload, and the time and support needed to continue advancing their clinical skills and career development. We take pride in fostering a workplace where people feel valued, empowered, and able to thrive both personally and professionally.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Advanced Practice Provider (APP) with both clinical and operating room experience, demonstrating flexibility and the ability to work in a highly mobile, fast-paced environment.

Hybrid - 9/80 flexible schedule

Home site: WH

Coverage: NW (rare), WH & SL (clinic), TMC OR (1 day a week)

Salary Range: Minimum $117,500.00 - Midpoint $146,500.00 - Maximum $176,500.00

Key Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessment of patients throughout the continuum in the surgical, in-patient and ambulatory setting based on age and diagnosis, including psychological status
Direct care of patients with a wide range of oncologic diseases to include new patients, consultations, follow-ups during and after cancer surgeries, therapies, and autonomous survivorship clinic
Proficient use of EPIC in the delivery of care
Perform and document history and physicals, order and review diagnostic studies, therapeutic procedures, prescribe medications, interaction and direct communication with referring physicians, collaboration with and direct reporting of patient information to the medical staff
Coordinate care with other disciplines, build strong collaborative relationships across the organization and the local medical community as many patients require long-term and multi-disciplinary care; especially with surgery scheduling
Direct care and management in the outpatient setting to include:
- Initiation of evaluation
- Documentation of clinic visits
- Patient and family education
- Obtaining informed consent for treatment
- Documentation on telephone conversations
- Identification and treatment of toxicities
- Management of symptoms
- Counseling and support
- Collaboration with and referrals to other healthcare providers
- Provision of education to nursing staff, students and the community
Serve as a medical expert for the Business center and Nursing staff in the intake process of new and transfer patients to ascertain safety, appropriateness and treatment modality
Treatment planning with physicians, active participation in tumor board review and discussion of cases
Engage in peer-to-peer reviews with insurance
Perform autonomously in an independent Advanced Practice Provider clinic
Participates in perioperative care, which may include pre-operative and post-operative visits and education
Contributes to the development, modification and interpretation of oncology guidelines, policies, procedures, including quality assurance activities
Participation in clinical research as appropriate
Work collaboratively with APRN/PA colleagues in the provision of care, including covering colleagues as needed
Attending conferences and continuing education/staff development programs to maintain knowledge of current literature and guidelines for care
Participate in safety and process improvement initiatives throughout the Houston Area Locations
Participate in the institutional training and meetings as required
Perform credentialing procedures
Taking care of patients on the outpatient service and assisting in the operating room. Above-average manual dexterity is necessary for appropriate surgical performance.
Obtain test results using the MDACC computer system, which requires comprehension and problem-solving skills
Formulate an assessment and plan for each patient in coordination with the faculty supervising physician and Breast Surgical Fellows.
Dictate or manually transcribe a patient note. This task requires a clear, audible voice, and a good command of the English language as well as clear and legible penmanship.
Perform minor surgical procedures which may include wound debridement, suture/staple removal, drain placement or removal, seroma evacuation, biopsies, and other procedures as delegated by the supervising physician.
Manage pre-operative and post-operative patients in coordination with the faculty supervising physician and Breast Surgical Fellows. An in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of both cancer as well as the surgical process and wound healing is necessary.
Provide patient education. Patient education requires good interpersonal skills and a working knowledge of surgical oncology.
Coordinate patient care with the multidisciplinary team to include but not limited to Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers (APP) from other hospital services, Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers, Physical Therapists, Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists and other Allied Health Support team members involved in the patient\'s care.
Depending on the position, the APP may participate in surgery as first or second assist with the faculty. The use of a scalpel, electric knife, surgical instruments, sterile technique, and compliance with operating room rules and regulations may also be necessary. Trained observational skills will be important.
See attached "appendix" for specialty specific responsibilities

Marginal Functions

Perform routine patient care, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as starting IV\'s venipuncture, administering PO/IV/IM meds.
Participate in the education of students including medical, physician assistant, nursing and allied health, etc. Requires the ability to communicate effectively and to give clear verbal instructions.
Other duties that may be required are described in the MDACC institutional PA job descriptions.
Participate in research and administrative projects pertinent to the patient population in the area where the PA is working.
Coordinate the medical team in implementing the patient\'s treatment plan

Appendix: Specialty Specific Responsibilities

Breast Surgical Oncology

Credentialed Procedures
May include, but not limited to seroma aspiration, seroma catheter placement, skin punch biopsies, remove ports

Education

Required: Master\'s Degree Accredited Physician Assistant (PA) program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), except for Physician Assistants who graduated from a PA program prior to 2013.

Licenses and Certifications

Required: PAC - Physician Assistant Certifica Certification by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants. Upon Hire
Required: PA - Physician Assistant Licensed by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners Upon Hire
Required: MAY BE REQUIRED: Eligible to be granted limited prescriptive authority by the State of Texas. Upon Hire
Required: BLS - Basic Life Support American Heart Association (AHA). Upon Hire
Required: ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support American Heart Association (AHA). Upon Hire
Required: PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support American Heart Association (AHA). If working in one of following department: Pediatrics - Patient Care (113100). Upon Hire

Experience

Required: None.

Preferred: Two years Breast Surgical Oncology experience, clinic and OR (first assist).

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information