Physician Assistant (PA-C) – Hand & Plastic Surgery Clinic

University Medical Center (UMC) | New Orleans, Louisiana
Full-Time

Are you a skilled Physician Assistant looking to make an impact in a dynamic surgical specialty? University Medical Center (UMC) is seeking a dedicated Physician Assistant (PA-C) to join our Hand & Plastic Surgery Clinic team. This unique opportunity offers a blend of outpatient clinical care, inpatient rounding, surgical assistance, patient education, and collaborative care coordination within a leading academic healthcare environment.

The Physician Assistant will work closely with supervising physicians to provide comprehensive care for patients with hand, reconstructive, and plastic surgery needs across the continuum of care. The primary focus of this role is supporting the Hand Surgery service, with additional support provided to the Plastic Surgery service as needed.

Position Highlights

• Outpatient clinic and inpatient rounding responsibilities
• First-assist opportunities in the operating room
• Primary focus on Hand Surgery services with support for Plastic Surgery patients
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary practice environment
• Exposure to complex hand and plastic surgery cases
• Academic medical center setting with opportunities for professional growth and research participation

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Obtain comprehensive patient histories and perform detailed physical examinations.
• Evaluate, diagnose, and manage patient conditions within established clinical protocols and under physician supervision.
• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies as delegated.
• Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with supervising physicians.
• Monitor patient progress and assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
• Provide inpatient rounding and management of hospitalized hand and plastic surgery patients.
• Perform clinical procedures within scope of practice, including:
  • Wound evaluation and management
  • Suture placement and removal
  • Post-operative care and follow-up
  • Initial inpatient plastic surgery consult evaluations
• Assist in surgical procedures in the operating room as directed.
• Conduct pre-operative evaluations, including history and physical examinations.
• Assist with preparation of surgical and procedural consent documentation.
• Coordinate referrals to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical subspecialists as clinically appropriate.
• Provide patient and family education regarding treatment plans, surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and overall health management.

Care Coordination & Collaboration

• Work closely with physicians, nursing staff, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Assist with telephone triage and follow-up for clinic and referral patients.
• Serve as a clinical resource for staff and contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment.
• Participate in committee work and quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care.

Research & Quality Improvement

• Support approved research projects through data collection, patient interviews, and chart reviews.
• Stay current on emerging clinical research and evidence-based practices in hand and plastic surgery.
• Assist in evaluating clinical outcomes and implementing best practices to improve patient care.

Professional Development

• Maintain current clinical knowledge through continuing education and professional development activities.
• Participate in educational programs, departmental training, and professional growth opportunities.
• Maintain all required licensure, certifications, and credentialing requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PAS) from an accredited Physician Assistant program.

Licensure & Certifications

• Current Physician Assistant License in the State of Louisiana through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.
• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.
• Current and unrestricted Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) certificate.
• Current and unrestricted Louisiana DEA registration.
• Active medical staff privileges, or eligibility to obtain privileges, through the UMC Medical Staff Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in Hand Surgery and/or Plastic Surgery preferred.
• Experience with outpatient clinic management, post-operative care, and inpatient rounding preferred.
• Previous surgical first-assist experience is a plus.

Why Join UMC?

At University Medical Center, you'll be part of an organization committed to clinical excellence, innovation, education, and patient-centered care. Join a highly specialized surgical team where you'll have the opportunity to expand your procedural skills, contribute to research initiatives, and help improve the lives of patients throughout the Gulf South.