Physician Assistant Thoracic Surgery

Northeast Georgia Health System; Braselton (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast Georgia Health System is seeking a Thoracic Surgery Advanced Practitioner to join the Georgia Heart Institute in Braselton, GA. This role supports ambulatory and inpatient thoracic care, collaborating with pulmonology, oncology, and radiology to optimize patient outcomes.

Ideal candidates are graduates of an accredited Physician Assistant program, NCCPA board certified, and eligible for Georgia licensure with thoracic surgical or oncology experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Board certified (NCCPA) and eligible for Georgia licensure.
• Surgical, cardiothoracic, pulmonology, or oncology experience preferred.
• Strong clinical decision-making and teamwork skills.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform new patient evaluations and pre-operative assessments.
• Manage postoperative follow-up visits and ongoing care.
• Evaluate and optimize patients for surgery, including coordination of diagnostics and referrals.
• Independently manage select clinic visits in collaboration with supervising physicians.
• Participate in lung nodule and thoracic oncology care pathways.
• Prepare patients for surgical intervention, improving OR efficiency and throughput.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonology, oncology, and radiology.
• Participate in tumor boards and multidisciplinary conferences.
• Conduct daily inpatient rounding.
• Manage postoperative care, including orders, progress notes, and care plan adjustments.
• Facilitate timely discharges and transitions of care.
• Respond to inpatient and ED thoracic consults.
• Provide continuity across perioperative continuum, including complication management.
• Coordinate care with nursing, case management, and consulting services.
• Support adherence to evidence-based thoracic surgery clinical pathways.
• Support program growth initiatives, including expansion to Braselton.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives (LOS, readmissions, patient satisfaction).
• Enhance care coordination across the thoracic oncology continuum.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in EPIC

Skills

Clinical decision-making

Teamwork

Communication

Patient care

Clinical knowledge

Education

Master's in Physician Assistant Studies

NCCPA board certification

Tools

EPIC

Job description

Your Life's Work-we're here to support it all!

Georgia Heart Institute in partnership with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) understands that your career is more than just a job-it's your life's work. That's why we're committed to supporting every aspect of your professional journey, from clinical excellence to personal fulfillment.

We are currently seeking a Thoracic Surgery Advanced Practitioner to join our thriving and innovative team in Braselton, GA. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a respected, physician-led organization that values collaboration, compassion, and continuous growth.

Why Join Us?

• Clinical excellence across a comprehensive range of specialties

• Innovative technology and forward-thinking approaches to patient care

• A collaborative culture that empowers physicians and providers

• A mission-driven focus that prioritizes patients and strengthens communities

• We are committed to improving the health of our community in all we do

Practice Overview:

Ambulatory / Clinic Responsibilities

• Perform new patient evaluations and pre-operative assessments

• Manage post-operative follow-up visits and ongoing care

• Evaluate and optimize patients for surgery, including coordination of diagnostics and referrals

• Independently manage select clinic visits in collaboration with supervising physicians

• Participate in lung nodule and thoracic oncology care pathways

• Prepare patients for surgical intervention, improving OR efficiency and throughput

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonology, oncology, and radiology

• Participate in tumor boards and multidisciplinary conferences

Inpatient Responsibilities

• Conduct daily inpatient rounding on thoracic surgery patients

• Manage postoperative care, including orders, progress notes, and care plan adjustments

• Facilitate timely discharges and transitions of care

• Respond to and manage inpatient and ED thoracic consults

• Provide continuity across the perioperative continuum, including complication management

• Coordinate care with nursing, case management, and consulting services

• Support adherence to evidence‑based thoracic surgery clinical pathways

Additional Responsibilities

• Support program growth initiatives, including expansion to additional sites (e.g., Braselton)

• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives (LOS, readmissions, patient satisfaction)

• Enhance care coordination across the thoracic oncology continuum

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in EPIC

Working together with Advanced Practitioners like you:

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program

• Board certified (NCCPA )

• Eligible for licensure in the State of Georgia

• Surgical, cardiothoracic, pulmonology, or oncology experience in strongly preferred

• Strong clinical decision‑making, communication, and teamwork skills

• Passion for quality and patient care

• Functions well in a team environment, contributing to and supporting organizational goals and initiatives

About Georgia Heart Institute

Georgia Heart Institute (GHI) is one of the largest and most advanced cardiovascular programs in the Southeast, bringing together more than 80 expert cardiologists, surgeons, and advanced practitioners across over a dozen locations. As part of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), GHI delivers comprehensive heart and vascular care‑from diagnostics to complex procedures‑at NGHS's hospital campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder, and Dahlonega. With a commitment to innovation, research, and personalized treatment, GHI is shaping the future of heart care for more than 1 million people across North Georgia.

Located at the crossroads of four counties in Northeast Georgia, Braselton is a fast-growing town that blends Southern charm, scenic beauty, and modern convenience, making it a top choice for professionals and families alike.

• Chateau Élan Resort & Winery: Braselton is home to the world‑renowned Chateau Élan, offering luxury accommodations, fine dining, a full‑service spa, and one of the region’s most picturesque vineyards and golf courses.

• Safe and Family‑Friendly: With a crime rate significantly lower than the national average and a strong sense of community, Braselton is known for being a safe, welcoming place to raise a family.

• Top‑Tier Schools and Education: The area boasts highly rated public and private schools, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and extracurricular enrichment.

• Thriving Local Economy: With a median household income well above the national average and a low unemployment rate, Braselton offers economic stability and opportunity.

• Outdoor Recreation: Residents enjoy access to parks, walking trails, and nearby Lake Lanier for boating, fishing, and water sports. The town also hosts seasonal festivals and farmers markets that bring the community together.

• Convenient Access: Just 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta and minutes from the NGMC Braselton campus, Braselton offers the perfect balance of small‑t …

We're Here to Support It All