Surgical First Assist Physician Assistant

PIH Health; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Up to 267 hours of PTO annually

Retirement plan with 3% Safe Harbor contribution

Annual CME allowance

Cell phone stipend

Job summary

PIH Health is seeking an experienced Physician Assistant to join our growing surgical team in Whittier, California. This role focuses on providing First Assist support in the operating room for General Surgery and other specialties. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced surgical environment and is motivated to deliver exceptional patient care.

Responsibilities include supporting surgical operations and working with robotic-assisted surgical procedures. Preferred qualifications include California PA license, NCCPA certification, and 5+ years of surgical experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of surgical Physician Assistant experience preferred.
• Extensive First Assist experience in the operating room preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide First Assist support in the operating room for General Surgery.
• Support other surgical specialties requiring operative assistance.
• Work with robotic-assisted surgical procedures.

Skills

Clinical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Fluent English communication

Education

Current California Physician Assistant (PA-C) license

NCCPA certification

Current BLS and ACLS certification

Tools

EPIC EMR

Job description

PIH Health is seeking an experienced Physician Assistant to join our growing surgical team. This position is primarily focused on providing First Assist support in the operating room for General Surgery and other surgical specialties requiring operative assistance. As surgical volumes continue to increase, we are expanding our PA team to ensure comprehensive coverage. The ideal candidate is a motivated, team‑oriented provider who thrives in a fast‑paced surgical environment and is committed to delivering exceptional patient care.

Position Highlights

• Primary responsibility is serving as a First Assist in the Operating Room
• Supports General Surgery and other surgical specialties requiring operative assistance
• Opportunity to work with robotic‑assisted surgical procedures
• Join an established team of Physician Assistants supporting a busy surgical service line
• Four 10‑hour shifts per week
• Preferred schedule includes later start times to support afternoon and evening surgical cases (e.g., 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
• Ideal schedule would include three late shifts and one 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday shift
• Friday coverage is required, as it is the busiest surgical day for the General Surgery team
• No routine overnight call responsibilities

Required Qualifications

• Current California Physician Assistant (PA‑C) license
• NCCPA certification
• Current BLS and ACLS certification
• Previous First Assist experience in the operating room
• Strong clinical, communication, and organizational skills
• Fluent English communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of surgical Physician Assistant experience
• Extensive First Assist experience in the operating room
• Experience with robotic‑assisted surgery strongly preferred
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, but not required
• EPIC EMR experience

Compensation

Compensation Range: $150K-$175K

Benefits

• Shareholder opportunity after two years, with enhanced benefits
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 100% employer‑paid premiums for shareholders
• Up to 267 hours of PTO annually (vacation, sick leave, CME, and holidays)
• Retirement plan with 3% Safe Harbor contribution
• Annual CME allowance
• Group‑paid Life and Disability Insurance
• $50,000 Life Insurance benefit
• Short‑Term Disability coverage for shareholders
• Cell phone stipend
• Professional license, certification, and DEA reimbursement

PIH Health is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.