Surgical Physician Assistant - CV Surgery (Medical Center)

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist seeks a Surgical Physician Assistant to provide advanced practice care under physician supervision, including peri‑operative management, direct patient care, and independent interventions when licensed. The PA will assist in surgeries and coordinate across inpatient/outpatient settings.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree, NCCPA certification, Texas licensure, and at least one year of surgical experience, with strong English communication and teamwork skills to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited PA program.
• Graduate from NCCPA-accredited Physician Assistant program.
• One year of surgical experience required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as clinical resource and patient advocate.
• Participate in independent rounding with physicians/surgeons.
• Provide coaching on effective communication and serve as a first call for hospital staff.

Skills

Patient care

Clinical judgment

Communication

Team collaboration

Autonomy

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

NCCPA-accredited PA program graduate

Job description

Job Overview

At Houston Methodist, the Surgical Physician Assistant (PA) functions as an advanced practice practitioner maintaining and promoting the health of patients requiring care, practicing medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. The PA provides diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical, and preventative care, assists the physician in the global management of patient care in all peri‑operative settings, participates in both inpatient and outpatient care, and may perform independently under a physician’s license or as part of a treatment team. The PA may take call as required and is expected to be in the operating room a minimum of 30% of the time. Responsibilities include examining, diagnosing, and determining treatment for patients, interpreting imaging and laboratory results, writing prescriptions, taking medical histories, and ordering therapies in accordance with Texas Board of Physician Assistant Examiners and Houston Methodist policies.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Experience
  • One year of surgical experience
• Licenses and Certifications
  • Physician Assistant – State Licensure – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (PSV)
  • Physician Assistant‑Certified (NCCPA) – National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (PSV)
  • DEA – Narcotics License (DEA) – Drug Enforcement Administration (PSV)
  • BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) – American Heart Association
  • ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Instructor (AHA) – American Heart Association
• Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, assessed through ongoing competency reviews and evaluations.
  • Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary for patient and employee safety.
  • Communicates effectively with patients, physicians, families, and coworkers with a customer‑service focus.
  • Uses critical thinking and clinical judgment to work autonomously as defined by the Board of Physician Assistants.
  • Accepts accountability for healthcare outcomes.
  • Uses therapeutic communication to build relationships with patients, families, and the interprofessional team.
  • Strong organization and problem‑solving skills to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Exercises judgment in interactions with physicians, the care team, and patients and families.
  • Demonstrates proficient time‑management skills.

Essential Functions

• People Essential Functions
  • Serves as a clinical resource, interprofessional consultant, and patient advocate.
  • Participates in independent rounding with physicians/surgeons and attends interdisciplinary rounds as appropriate.
  • Provides coaching on effective communication and serves as a first call for hospital staff when necessary.
  • Preceptors Physician Assistant students and medical residents as appropriate.
  • Communicates organizational information respectfully and promotes teamwork and accountability.
  • Advocates for patients and families and resolves clinical and ethical concerns.
• Service Essential Functions
  • Coordinates timely patient care across health‑care providers and ancillary clinicians under physician supervision.
  • Provides first‑assist and/or second‑assist surgical services when needed.
  • Responds promptly to patient questions or emergencies as triaged by clinical staff.
• Quality/ Safety Essential Functions
  • Performs independent or delegated functions under physician license, including diagnosis, prescription authority, and treatment per guidelines.
  • Reviews medication orders and test results, responds to critical results, and advises corrective action.
  • Conducts comprehensive health assessments, develops plans of care, initiates interventions, and evaluates outcomes.
  • Assists the team in developing and implementing protocols to enhance patient safety and lead process improvements.
• Finance Essential Functions
  • Documents accurately and timely in medical records, including diagnosis and CPT coding.
  • Supports departmental financial targets through efficient documentation, reduced length of stay, and optimized resource use.
• Growth/Innovation Essential Functions
  • Identifies and implements innovative solutions to improve patient care or operations and participates in departmental or hospital projects.
  • Provides education and shares knowledge through professional activities, research, presentations, and publications.
  • Supports staff growth and maintains a personal development plan.

Supplemental Requirements

• Work Attire
  • Uniform: No
  • Scrubs: Yes
  • Business professional: Yes
  • Other (department approved): Yes
• On‑Call
  • On Call: Yes
• Travel
  • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: Yes
  • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: Yes

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

This position is subject to the policy of Houston Methodist to provide equal employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.