Physician Associate - Rheumatology

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa seeks a Physician Assistant to provide comprehensive rheumatology care in outpatient settings, functioning both independently and collaboratively within the health care team. Responsibilities include evaluating new and established patients, developing treatment plans, ordering tests, prescribing medications, and educating patients.

This role emphasizes safety, quality improvement, and interdepartmental collaboration.

Qualifications

• Must hold licensure in Iowa and NCCPA certification.
• Demonstrated clinical rheumatology experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage rheumatology patients in outpatient settings.
• Document histories, exams, assessments, and treatment plans.
• Order and interpret diagnostic studies and labs.
• Prescribe medications and provide counseling on risks and monitoring.
• Coordinate care with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other staff.
• Educate patients and families on diagnoses and self-management.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Patient care

Clinical documentation

Education

Accredited Physician Assistant program graduate

Job description

Provide comprehensive rheumatology care as a Physician Associate (PA). The PA functions as an independent and collaborative healthcare provider responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, education, and ongoing management of patients with rheumatologic diseases. The position supports high-quality patient care, clinical excellence, education, quality improvement, and divisional initiatives.

• Maintain clinical expertise in rheumatology and adhere to applicable regulatory, safety, and infection prevention standards.
• Evaluate and manage new and established rheumatology patients in outpatient settings.
• Obtain and document comprehensive patient histories, perform physical examinations, formulate assessments, and develop treatment plans.
• Order, interpret, and communicate diagnostic studies and laboratory results.
• Perform procedures within scope of practice and demonstrated competency.
• Prescribe medications and provide counseling regarding indications, risks, benefits, and monitoring requirements.
• Respond to patient and referring provider inquiries through telephone, electronic messaging, and other communication platforms.
• Provide triage and management recommendations for urgent clinical concerns.
• Coordinate care with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Initiate referrals and consultations as appropriate.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation, billing, and other required medical record activities.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment options, disease management, and preventive care.
• Promote health maintenance and self-management strategies across the continuum of care.
• Identify patient education needs and assist in developing educational resources and programs.
• Facilitate care transitions and coordinate services across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.
• Serve as a clinical resource for nursing staff, trainees, and healthcare professionals within the institution.
• Participate in educational activities for staff, learners, patients, and community partners.
• Support a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and clinical practice initiatives within the division and department.
• Utilize evidence-based practice and incorporate current research findings into patient care.
• Contribute to divisional research, quality, and educational initiatives as appropriate.
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education and professional development activities.
• Support divisional and departmental goals, projects, and operational initiatives.
• Participate in committees, meetings, and other activities as assigned.
• Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, staff, patients, and referring providers.
• Follow policies and procedures of University of Iowa Health Care, the Carver College of Medicine, and the Department of Internal Medicine.

The position is expected to provide eight (8) half-days of clinical service per week. Clinics are generally scheduled Monday through Friday; however, evening or weekend clinic sessions may be available.

• Must meet licensure and registration requirements established by the Iowa Board of Physician Assistants, including graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program and certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Demonstrated clinical experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience caring for patients with rheumatologic diseases.

Prior rheumatology clinical experience in an outpatient or academic medical setting.

Position and Application Details:

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact [e-mail].

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time

Contact Information

• Contact Email: [e-mail]

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .

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