Physician Assistant - Surgery

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Physician Assistant to provide patient care within the VA Boston Healthcare System. The role emphasizes independent PA practice across multidisciplinary teams and adherence to VA standards in patient assessment, planning, and treatment.

Applicants should meet education and licensing requirements and may be considered for related education loan programs. This position requires US citizenship, PA licensure, and successful completion of the PANCE.

Qualifications

• US citizenship as required; non-citizens considered only as VA policy.
• PA license to practice in a US state/DC.
• PANCE passed or in process to take exam.

Skills

PA practice principles

History and physical

Clinical decision making

Patient care planning

Education

Master's degree in any discipline

Bachelor's degree + 1 year experience

PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE)

PA license in US

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~
• Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~
• Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations

Physician Assistant‑I (PA‑I)

• Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level PA. This practice may include, but is not limited to:

1. Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care.
2. Ability to perform patient history and physical.
3. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient.
4. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.

Physician Assistant‑II (PA‑II)

• Experience and Education. The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below. Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving. Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA‑II intermediate level by:

1. Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR
2. Successful completion of a PA post‑graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC‑PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency. OR
3. A doctoral degree in a health‑related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA‑III:

1. Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems.
2. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions.
3. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care.
4. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care.
5. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively.

Physician Assistant‑III (PA‑III)

• Experience and Education. PAs at the PA‑III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes. They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by:

1. Three years of successful practice as a PA OR
2. Successful completion of a PA post‑graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC‑PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA; OR
3. A doctoral degree in a health‑related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA.

Preferred Experience

Experience as a First Assistant in the Operating Room for elective and emergent surgical procedures.

Reference

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is PA III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of PA I to PA III.

Physical Requirements

This work is mostly sedentary and requires some standing, bending and carrying light items. The incumbent must have the ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time to interact with the patients and other services.