Surgical First Assist Physician Assistant (PA-C)

University of Maryland Medical System Corporation; Glen Burnie (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) in Glen Burnie, Maryland, is seeking a Physician Assistant - Surgical First Assist to join our surgical team. This role places you hands-on in the OR, assisting surgeons, anesthesia, and the nursing staff throughout the operative experience.

The ideal candidate is a PA with hands-on surgical passion, strong teamwork, and commitment to safe, high-quality care. Prior OR experience is valued but not required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an approved Physician Assistant educational program.
• Current Physician Assistant licensure in Maryland.
• Current BLS certification, or ability to obtain it before providing direct patient care.
• DEA and CDS eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first assist during surgical procedures.
• Provide surgical exposure through retraction and tissue handling.
• Assist with dissection, ligation, stapling, suturing, and hemostasis.
• Support patient preparation, positioning, draping, and other pre-operative needs.
• Anticipate the surgeon’s needs and help keep procedures moving safely and efficiently.
• Document clinical findings and care as appropriate.

Skills

Teamwork

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Multitasking

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

PA program graduate

Job description

Job Requirements

Your place is in the OR. Your impact goes far beyond it.

If the operating room is where you do your best work, we'd love to meet you.

University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) is seeking a Physician Assistant - Surgical First Assist to join our surgical team in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

This is an opportunity for a PA who enjoys being truly hands-on in surgery - anticipating the surgeon’s next move, working alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team, and playing an integral role in delivering safe, efficient, high-quality surgical care.

You won't be watching from the sidelines. You'll be part of the procedure.

What You'll Do

As a Surgical First Assist PA, you'll collaborate directly with surgeons, anesthesia, nursing, and other members of the OR team throughout the surgical experience.

Your Role May Include

• Serving as first assist during surgical procedures


• Providing surgical exposure through retraction and tissue handling


• Assisting with dissection, ligation, stapling, suturing, and hemostasis


• Supporting patient preparation, positioning, draping, and other pre-operative needs


• Anticipating the surgeon’s needs and helping keep procedures moving safely and efficiently


• Using surgical instruments and medical devices while applying strong knowledge of anatomy and operative technique


• Supporting wound management and immediate post-operative care


• Collaborating closely with surgeons, nursing, anesthesia, and the broader patient care team


• Documenting clinical findings and care as appropriate


• Helping ensure patient safety throughout the perioperative experience

We're Looking For

We're looking for a PA who is clinically sharp, collaborative, dependable, and comfortable in a fast-paced surgical environment.

You Should Bring

• Graduation from an approved Physician Assistant educational program


• Current Physician Assistant licensure


• Current BLS certification, or ability to obtain it before providing direct patient care


• DEA and CDS eligibility


• Strong communication, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills


• The ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail


• A team-first approach and commitment to exceptional patient care

Previous Physician Assistant Experience Is Preferred, But Not Required.

Why UM BWMC?

At UM BWMC, you can build your career within a collaborative community hospital while being connected to the resources and reach of the University of Maryland Medical System.

You'll work alongside clinicians who understand that great surgery depends on great teamwork - and that every person in the OR plays an important role in the patient's outcome.

All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.