Clinician - Physician Assistant

Position Overview

The Physician Assistant (PA) practices as part of a patient care team and enters into a written or electronic practice agreement with at least one patient care team physician. The incumbent provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services as delegated by a physician.

Responsibilities

• Obtaining patient histories, performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, making preliminary diagnoses, treating illnesses and injuries, counseling patients, prescribing medications, and implementing care plans as authorized by the Virginia Board of Medicine.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to deliver organized, timely, cost-effective, and high-quality patient care.
• Supporting data analysis, participating in community outreach initiatives, serving on relevant committees, and supervising support staff as assigned.
• Contributing to a safe, supportive, and clinically excellent environment for patients in the VA setting.

Clinical Care

• Obtain comprehensive patient histories and perform physical examinations.
• Order, perform, and interpret appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests.
• Develop preliminary and differential diagnoses.
• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses and injuries within scope of practice.
• Prescribe medications and therapeutic interventions as authorized by the Virginia Board of Medicine and applicable regulations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment and care plans.
• Provide patient education and counseling regarding disease prevention, treatment options, medications, and healthy lifestyle practices.
• Perform preventive health screenings and immunizations as appropriate.

Patient Care Coordination

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, public health professionals, and other members of the healthcare team to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
• Facilitate referrals to specialists and community resources as appropriate.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation within the electronic health record.
• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Public Health and Program Support

• Support public health initiatives through data collection, analysis, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Participate in community outreach, education, and health promotion activities.
• Serve on committees, workgroups, or task forces as assigned.
• Assist in implementing organizational policies, procedures, and evidence-based clinical practices.

Emergency Response

• Participate in emergency preparedness activities, drills, and public health emergency responses as assigned.
• Provide clinical support during emergency operations consistent with organizational needs and scope of practice.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and organizational policies, regulations, and clinical standards.
• Participate in continuing education and maintain all required licensure and certifications.
• Supervise support staff when assigned and provide clinical guidance consistent with organizational policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of agency operations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program required.
• Certifications: Licensed as a Physician Assistant by the Virginia Board of Medicine required. Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) credential awarded by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) required. Current CPR/BLS certification required.
• Experience: Previous clinical experience serving the target patient population preferred. Experience in VA or government healthcare settings preferred.
• Skills: Knowledge of the principles and practices of public health and clinical medicine. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to assess situations, resolve issues within scope of practice, or escalate appropriately. Skilled in administering public health programs and working effectively within a large, diverse organization in a dynamic environment. Ability to respond effectively during emergencies, actual events, or emergency preparedness drills. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in all aspects of the role. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle unusual or crisis situations calmly and effectively.

Core Competencies

• Effective communication with patients, caregivers, family members, and interdisciplinary team members
• Fostering caring interpersonal connections with patients of varying health statuses and cognitive levels
• Enthusiastic collaboration within a team environment
• Sensitive navigation of complex situations involving declining health, limited social supports, and end-of-life care
• Proactive approach to maintaining a safe, clean, and engaging clinical environment
• Trusted liaison with supervising physicians, program management, and healthcare team members
• Creative adaptation of care based on individual patient needs and abilities
• Commitment to quality improvement and ongoing professional development

Working Conditions

• Perform patient assessments and procedures regularly with or without the use of mechanical devices as indicated.
• Work with patients with varying cognitive levels, physical and sensory impairments, limited social supports, declining health, and at end-of-life.
• Communicate and interact with healthcare staff, patients' caregivers, and family members on a daily basis.
• Prepare for the possibility of unexpected crisis situations to occur.
• Participate in emergency preparedness activities and public health emergency responses as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds.
• Position requires standing less than 33% of time on duty, walking less than 33% of time on duty, and sitting between 33% and 66% of time on duty.
• Use of hands to finger, handle, or feel over 66% of time on duty.
• Reaching with hands or arms less than 33% of time.
• Full ability to talk and hear.
• Correctable vision required.