Physician Asst-Surgical- Cardiac Surgery

Albany Med Health System; East Chatham (NY); On-site; USD 139,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Health insurance

Generous paid time off

Retirement plan (403(b)

Annual CME allowance

Malpractice coverage

Wellness programs

Job summary

Albany Medical Center is seeking a skilled Physician Assistant to join the Cardiothoracic Surgery team. This full-time role includes inpatient care across a high-acuity surgical setting and broad hospital-based medical responsibilities.

You will provide critical care in the Cardiothoracic ICU, assist in surgical procedures, and manage perioperative and postoperative care with a strong emphasis on patient outcomes and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited PA program with current NCCPA certification.
• Active state PA license and prescriptive authority.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in surgical or hospital-based acute care (CT Surgery preferred).
• Skilled in ICU management and invasive bedside procedures.
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical care.
• Excellent clinical judgment, teamwork, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide care to critically ill patients in Cardiothoracic ICU, including ECMO/Impella/IABP/CRRT.
• Assist in cardiothoracic surgeries as first/second assistant; harvest vessels endoscopically.
• Perform bedside procedures such as thoracentesis, line placements, chest tube care.
• Manage preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care and discharge planning.
• Conduct daily rounds, write notes, lead care coordination with teams.
• Collaborate with surgeons, intensivists, anesthesiologists to ensure high-quality outcomes.

Skills

PA certification

ICU experience

Inpatient care

Surgical support

Team communication

Education

PA program graduate

Job description

Albany Medical Center is seeking a skilled and dedicated Physician Assistant to join our high-performing Cardiothoracic Surgery team, with additional responsibilities across inpatient care and multidisciplinary coordination. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to work in a high-acuity surgical setting while also contributing to broader hospital-based medical care.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide care to critically ill patients in the Cardiothoracic ICU, including those on ECMO, Impella, IABP, and CRRT.

• Serve as first and second assist in cardiothoracic surgical procedures, including:

  • Endoscopic vein harvesting using Terumo or Hemopro systems.

  • Endoscopic radial artery harvesting.

• Perform bedside procedures:

  • Thoracentesis, central/arterial line placement, chest tube insertion/removal.

  • Temporary pacing wire removal and other advanced interventions.

• Manage preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care, including consults and discharge planning.

• Conduct daily rounds, write progress notes, and lead care coordination efforts.

• Collaborate closely with cardiothoracic surgeons, intensivists, anesthesiologists, and clinical teams to ensure high-quality outcomes.

General Inpatient Medical Management:

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and physical exams.

• Order and interpret laboratory and imaging tests; develop and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

• Prescribe medications and therapies based on current clinical guidelines.

• Participate in the care of patients on inpatient consult services, including those admitted under Surgery, Medicine, Trauma, Pediatrics, and Ob/Gyn.

• Support emergency and inpatient assessments, triage decisions, and follow-ups.

• Educate patients and families about procedures, recovery expectations, and health management strategies.

Clinical Leadership & Support:

• Serve as a clinical resource and team leader during shifts to ensure efficient workflow and high standards of care.

• Ensure accurate documentation, coding, and billing practices.

• Maintain inventory of medical supplies, prepare patients for procedures, and ensure a safe, organized clinical environment.

Work Schedule:

• 24/7 in-house coverage of Cardiac Surgery Service utilizing 24-hour shifts.

• Flexibility for 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts based on clinical demand.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited PA program with current NCCPA certification.

• Active state PA license and prescriptive authority.

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a surgical or hospital-based acute care setting (CT Surgery experience strongly preferred).

• Skilled in ICU management and invasive bedside procedures.

• Strong knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical care.

• Excellent clinical judgment, teamwork, and communication skills.

Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical Center!

We offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Competitive base salary range $138,963-$162,123 depending on academic rank with additional incentive bonus opportunity

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)

• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule

• Albany Med retirement plan plus a 403(b)

• Annual CME allowance and dedicated CME time

• Occurrence-based malpractice coverage

• Employee wellness programs and mental health support

Albany Medical Center is the centerpiece of medicine, research, and medical education in New York's Capital Region and is the area's largest private employer with more than 10,000 employees.

Albany Medical Center offers excellent career opportunities in a wide range of roles in both patient care and administration. We value all our staff members and offer outstanding employee benefits including:

• Excellent health care coverage with no copay at Albany Medical Center providers

• A wide array of services and programs to support emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing

Anchored in the state's historic capital city, Albany Medical Center offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient care and is home to the region's largest hospital, only Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma centers, and only children's hospital. The downtown campus also offers opportunities at Albany Medical College.

Albany Medical Center, along with Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, and the Visiting Nurses, form the Albany Med Health System, serving more than three million people over 25 counties.

Albany Medical College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences, including women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and underrepresented minorities.