Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant

UC Davis Health; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid holidays

CE allowance

Job summary

UC Davis Health is seeking a physician assistant to provide independent clinical expertise to patients and families in the Trauma Surgery Service. The role covers inpatient and outpatient care, acute and critical conditions, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to manage trauma patients from admission through discharge.

The requirements include California PA licensure, NCCPA certification, DEA registration within 3 months of hire, and a master’s degree or higher from an accredited PA

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently with team collaboration as needed.
• Credentialing and ongoing professional development focus.

Responsibilities

• Inpatient/Outpatient care for trauma patients.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team across care areas (ED, ICU, wards).
• Manage admissions, evaluations and discharges in Trauma Surgery.
• Support education and quality improvement activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Judgment

Self-direction

Education

Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies

California PA license

NCCPA board certification

DEA certificate

Job description

Job Summary

To provide independent physician assistant clinical expertise to patients and their families on an on-going basis. This includes the management of chronic stable medical conditions, routine care, acute or critical care, and medical and specialty protocols (e.g. chemotherapy) as defined by practice agreements for your specific department. This may include non-invasive or invasive procedures, surgical procedures, including operative first assist per approved standardized procedures as identified by the list available on the Medical Staff Office. Patient management decisions will be independent where appropriate after assessment of the patient and interdependent with consultation with an attending or other member of the team. PAs are expected to act as an expert resource person for health care providers including nurses, residents, and other ancillary staff. #CA-LA

Job Summary

To provide independent physician assistant clinical expertise to patients and their families on an on-going basis. This includes the management of chronic stable medical conditions, routine care, acute or critical care, and medical and specialty protocols (e.g. chemotherapy) as defined by practice agreements for your specific department. This may include non-invasive or invasive procedures, surgical procedures, including operative first assist per approved standardized procedures as identified by the list available on the Medical Staff Office. Patient management decisions will be independent where appropriate after assessment of the patient and interdependent with consultation with an attending or other member of the team. PAs are expected to act as an expert resource person for health care providers including nurses, residents, and other ancillary staff. #CA-LA

Provides direct patient care to a diversified patient population. Applies knowledge, experience and judgment to determine the importance of a situation, set priorities, and use abstract thought to evaluate clinical situations. Participates in patient and staff education. Demonstrates leadership skills. Demonstrates accountability for own practices as defined by the Physician Assistant Practice Act.

Apply By Date: 9/21/2026 by 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• One (1) year recent experience as a physician assistant on an inpatient surgical service or completion of an accredited APP Fellowship Program in an aligned specialty
• California Licensed Physicians Assistant (PA)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Certificate within 3 months of hire
• National board certification as a physician assistant (NCCPA)
• American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) or UC Davis Health CPR
• American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 7 days of hire
• American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 7 days of hire
• Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Certification within 6 months of hire
• Graduation with a master’s degree or PhD from an accredited Physician Assistant program, or completion of certified Physician Assistant training from an accredited program
• Ability to cope with personal stress experienced by team members, other professionals, and caretakers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Judgment skills to effectively meet the needs of patients
• Self-direction and organizational skills to function in an independent role
• Ability to meet minimum standards for hospital credentialing and billing standards as a billable provider

Preferred Qualifications

• One year or greater experience as a physician assistant on a trauma service

Key Responsibilities

• 80% - Inpatient/Outpatient (may include some or all responsibilities below)
• 10% - Professional Development
• 5% - Quality and Evidence-Based Practice
• 5% - Research and Education

Department Overview

UC Davis Health is at the forefront of incorporating Advanced Practice Providers (APP) as part of interprofessional care teams to support increasing numbers of complex care patients. APPs are vital parts of the multidisciplinary hospital based teams caring for our patients in specialty care throughout the UC Davis Health system.

Department Specific Job Scope

In collaboration with the Trauma Surgery Service, the acute care physician assistant manages inpatient and outpatient adult and pediatric Trauma Surgery patients. This care includes admission, ongoing evaluation and management of acute conditions, discharges and support to various care areas including Emergency Department, Medical/Surgical Ward, Intensive care Unit and Clinic. The physician assistant works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. The physician assistant serves as an expert resource to the nursing staff, residents, students and ancillary services.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $88.65 - $116.97
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 138
• UC Job Title: PHYSCN AST
• UC Job Code: 009203
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 90%
• Shift (Work Schedule): 12-hr Variable, Days and Swing Shift
• Location: North Addition Office Building (HSP002)
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e‑cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Ability to work flexible hours. References reflect an overall meet or exceeds.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks