(PA) Sr. Physician Assistant - Neurosurgery - 140509

Payroll Title: PHYSCN AST SR | Department: NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY | Hiring Pay Scale: $81.73 - $107.67 / Hour | Worksite: La Jolla | Appointment Type: Career | Appointment Percent: 100% | Union: HX Contract | Work Schedule: Days, 8-Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday

About the Role

The Department of Neurological Surgery at UC San Diego Health is recognized as one of the nation's premier academic neurosurgical programs. We provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art neurosurgical care across the full spectrum of neurological disorders and are distinguished by excellence in patient care, education, and research. The department has earned every major subspecialty quality designation in neurosurgery and has established internationally recognized collaborations in engineering, neuroscience, and translational research. As a leading academic medical center, we are dedicated to training the next generation of neurosurgeons and advanced practice providers through innovative educational programs.

The department offers rewarding career opportunities in cutting-edge clinical care, academic medicine, research, and operational leadership within an environment that empowers talented individuals to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and the future of neurosurgery.

Under the direction of the Chair of Neurosurgery and APP Supervisor, the Sr. Physician Assistant (PA) functions as an advanced practice provider within the Department of Neurological Surgery, delivering comprehensive ambulatory care across UC San Diego Health's neurosurgical service. The Sr. PA provides high-quality, evidence-based care to patients with a broad range of neurosurgical conditions (brain tumor, cerebrovascular, movement disorders, general, peripheral nerve, and spine patients) and works collaboratively with attending neurosurgeons, residents, nurses, clinical support staff, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. The Sr. PA serves as a critical access point for efficiently triaging patients to determine whether the condition requires surgical intervention by a neurosurgeon or can be managed non-surgically.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage patients in the ambulatory clinical setting, conducting new patient consultations, pre- and post-operative assessments, and general follow-up visits.
• Obtain comprehensive medical histories and perform physical examinations.
• Develop and implement treatment plans, order and interpret diagnostic studies, and coordinate perioperative care.
• Provide patient and family education, document clinical encounters, coordinate referrals, and facilitate continuity of care across the healthcare continuum.
• Provide cross-coverage across UC San Diego Health ambulatory neurosurgery clinics as operational needs require.
• Participate in research and quality assurance studies.
• Perform ventriculoperitoneal/lumbar peritoneal shunt adjustment, Ommaya, and VP-LP shunts tapping.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate from a physician assistant program approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
• California Physician Assistant (PA) license.
• Current PA Certification from NCCPA.
• BLS and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to obtain ART within six months of hire date.
• A minimum of one (1) year of recent work experience as a licensed Physician Assistant in Neurosurgery, Neurology, or Orthopedic-Spine Surgery.
• Theoretical background in anatomy, physiology, general medicine, pulmonary, emergency and critical care medicine, management of common diseases, concepts of medicine and surgery, therapeutics including pharmacology, counseling techniques, and interpersonal dynamics.
• Ability to perform initial history and physical examination, identify major medical problems, and formulate appropriate plans of action.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data in a meaningful manner.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner.
• Knowledge necessary for instructing house staff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.
• Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for patient care and well-being.
• Writing skills to prepare clear medical reports, laboratory data, progress notes, policies, procedures, and protocols for patient care management.
• Ability to perform various medical procedures for diagnostic studies and therapeutic modalities.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to be trained in the use of specialized medical equipment.
• Ability to properly counsel patients and families, particularly in delicate or end-of-life situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare personnel.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships and communications with physicians, laboratory personnel, and members of the healthcare team.
• Ability to write orders regarding execution of patient plans of treatment.
• Ability to assess the status and progress of patients and report this effectively to the physician in charge and other medical care personnel.
• Knowledge of medical ethics and law practices pertaining to medical and socioeconomic issues.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet strict guidelines and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility to work effectively with staff, patients, and community agencies in person and on the phone.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2+) or more years of experience in Neurosurgery.
• Experience with neurosurgical procedures, including lumbar puncture, placement and removal of intracranial pressure monitoring devices, interrogation, adjustment, and access of ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
• Experience with surgical care.
• Knowledge of clinical and ancillary services within the UCSD Medical Center.
• Familiarity with practicing medicine in an academic setting.
• Experience with Epic EMR.

Special Conditions

• Work location includes all sites within the UCSD Health System, including satellite locations. Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs. Must be willing to work flexible, variable hours with the ability to change schedule on short notice. Position may occasionally require the ability to work evenings/nights.
• Must be able to obtain UCSD Medical Staff privileges and maintain during employment. Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two years gained through school or work experience.

Pay

Annual Full Pay Range: $170,652 - $224,815 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $81.73 - $107.67

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.