The Physician Assistant will assist in thoracic and cardiovascular surgeries, performing intraoperative duties such as tissue retraction, vessel harvesting, and wound closure, while also providing preoperative and postoperative patient care. The role requires clinical expertise, technical proficiency, and professionalism to support surgical teams and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Assist in cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures, including emergency cases, by performing tissue retraction, vessel harvesting, and wound closure as directed by the surgeon.
• Prepare patients preoperatively and manage postoperative care to facilitate recovery.
• Maintain aseptic technique and assist with intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring, use of surgical instruments, and application of hemostatic agents.
• Assist with placement of drains, sutures, and wound closure of all layers (fascia, subcutaneous, skin).
• Monitor patient vital signs, anesthesia levels, and physiological responses during procedures.
• Handle pharmaceutical agents and assist with patient transfer and positioning as directed.
• Coordinate patient education, discharge planning, and communicate with surgical and referring providers regarding care and management plans.
• Maintain compliance with hospital policies, HIPAA regulations, and pursue ongoing professional development and certification requirements.

Compensation

• Value-based compensation model with potential for additional income.
• Sign-on bonus, relocation support, and CME allowance included.
• W-2 tax status.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement plan (403b).
• Disability and life insurance coverage.
• Paid Time Off (vacation).

Shift & Schedule

• Variable schedule days.

Requirements

• Previous professional experience in cardiothoracic surgery preferred.
• Valid Physician Assistant license in Kentucky or ability to obtain one.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques, intraoperative procedures, and patient monitoring.
• Ability to assist with vessel harvesting and wound closure procedures.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with surgical teams and patients.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining hospital privileges and certifications.
• Experience with clinical data extraction and participation in quality improvement initiatives is a plus.
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced surgical environment.