PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT I - SURGERY

Cook County Health; Illinois; On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage

Pension Plan

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

Job summary

The Surgery Physician Assistant at Cook County Health's John H. Stroger Hospital collaborates with a Surgery Physician to deliver comprehensive care for diverse surgical patients, performing preoperative assessments, assisting in the operating room, and supporting outpatient procedures such as casting, splinting, wound care and biopsies.

You will order tests, educate patients and families, manage post‑operative plans, and ensure compliance with HIPAA and hospital policies while maintaining high

Qualifications

• ARC PA program graduate and NCCPA certified or eligible.
• Illinois PA license or ability to obtain prior to start.
• Illinois Controlled Substances and DEA licenses or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• BLS certification; HIPAA compliance and patient privacy knowledge.
• Strong documentation, communication, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with physicians, residents, nurses and staff to provide high‑quality patient care.
• Conduct independent preoperative assessments and coordinate patient care.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests; refer abnormal results to physician.
• Perform outpatient procedures and assist in surgery as needed.
• Develop and implement patient management plans; educate patients and families.
• Ensure compliance with safety, HIPAA, and department policies.

Skills

Communication

HIPAA compliance

Multitasking

Teamwork

Education

ARC Physician Assistant program

NCCPA board certification

Illinois PA license

Illinois Controlled Substances License

DEA license

BLS certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic medical record

Job description

DEPARTMENT: SURGERY

LOCATION: JOHN H. STROGER HOSPITAL

JOB SUMMARY

The Surgery Physician Assistant (PA), in collaboration with a Surgery Physician, provides exceptional care to a diverse surgery patient population and provides support to other divisions of surgery as needed. The PA in Surgery evaluates patients and develops assessment plans, place orders, and develops treatment plans in the outpatient surgery clinics. The PA completes the preoperative assessment, assists the Surgery Attending in surgery, and follows the patient post‑operatively. The PA communicates with patients and families regarding education for wound care, diet and exercise. The PA orders necessary supplies for the procedures, performs outpatient procedures including but not limited to casting, splinting, mole removal and punch biopsies. The PA demonstrates flexibility and teamwork to facilitate completion of duties and ensures patients are adequately prepared for surgery. Performs all duties with the legal guidelines of the Physician Assistant Practice Act and Cook County Health policies.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Works collaboratively with physicians, fellows/residents, nurses, and other allied health staff to provide all phases of high-quality patient care for surgery patients
• Provides independent preoperative physical assessment, coordination of patient care and patient management for a variety of surgery indications
• Orders and interprets diagnostic tests to differentiate between normal variations and abnormal deviations; refers patients with abnormal results to consult with a physician
• Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as delegated; performs simple surgical procedures including casting, splinting, management of wounds, incision and drainage, suture and staple placement and removal, aspirations and injections
• Performs primary surgery care in an outpatient independent clinic
• Prescribes and dispenses legal drugs and controlled substances as delegated
• Assesses, diagnoses and treats adult patients
• Provides and manages direct patient care
• Conducts patient's health needs assessments
• Obtains comprehensive history and performs detailed physical examinations to determine accurate diagnosis
• Orders appropriate diagnostic tests or lab work necessary, i.e. x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complete blood count (CBC), etc.
• Informs and effectively communicates patient test results and/or diagnosis
• Identifies and communicates with collaborating physician any patient care issues; offers research guided recommendations for improvement initiatives if applicable
• Assists in minor surgery and first assist in major surgery
• Develops and implements patient management plans in providing continuity of care
• Performs procedures, treatments, and other subspecialty dependent modalities within the scope of the collaborating physician to improve patient outcomes
• Performs pain management and understands when to administer appropriate techniques and methods in Anesthesia, Advanced Wound Management, Diagnostic/Therapeutic procedures Diagnostic Radiology Interpretation, Operative/Perioperative Care

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an Accreditation Review Commission (ARC) Physician Assistant program is required. (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)
• Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment is required.
• Valid Physician Assistant license in the State of Illinois or have the ability to obtain license prior to starting employment is required.
• Valid Illinois Controlled Substances License (ILCS) or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required.
• Valid licensure with the Federal DEA or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required.
• Must possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required. (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of proper hand hygiene and hand washing techniques
• Knowledge of infectious control policies and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of Physician Assistant practices and principles, and the ability to apply them in a clinical setting
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical record
• Excellent Physician Assistant clinical and technical skills
• Knowledge and skill to perform mathematical accuracy in measuring and dispensing medication
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Strong customer service and empathy skills
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills
• Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times
• Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy, and precision
• Ability to effectively communicate while maintaining HIPPA for Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Ability to multi‑task and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced and stressful environment
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
• Ability to function autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
• Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor, and temperature

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

• When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service
• To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable.
• A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.
• If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference.
• Veterans must provide original applicable discharge papers or applicable state ID card or driver’s license at time of interview.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SYSTEMS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Job Posting: Oct 22, 2026, 9:25:47 AM

Collective Bargaining Unit: SEIU Local 73

Organization: Health and Hospital Systems00117809

DEGREE AND CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U. S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications, and the successful completion of a physical and pre‑employment drug screen.
• CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing, or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.