Physician Assistant - Cardiothoracic

Summary The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center is seeking a motivated and dedicated Physician Assistant (PA) to join the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and Advanced Heart Failure program within the Cardiothoracic Surgery Section of Surgical Service. Duties This position offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in the longitudinal care of Veterans with advanced heart failure and mechanical circulatory supportThe PA will work closely with cardiac surgeons - advanced heart failure cardiologists - nursing staff - and other members of the multidisciplinary heart team to provide coordinated care across the inpatient and outpatient settingsThe successful candidate should have a strong interest in cardiovascular medicine - advanced heart failure - and evolving medical technologyPrevious LVAD experience is desirable but is not requiredCandidates with a strong cardiovascular foundation and an interest in developing specialized expertise in mechanical circulatory support are encouraged to applyLVAD-specific education and training will be provided as appropriateVA offers a comprehensive total rewards packageDuties include but are not limited to: Participate in the comprehensive evaluation and longitudinal management of patients with advanced heart failure and LVADsPerform focused histories and physical examinations and participate in developing diagnostic and treatment plans in collaboration with supervising physicians and the multidisciplinary heart teamParticipate in preoperative evaluation and preparation of patients being considered for durable mechanical circulatory supportParticipate in postoperative and inpatient management of LVAD patients in collaboration with cardiac surgery - advanced heart failure cardiology - critical care - and nursing teamsProvide longitudinal outpatient follow-up for patients receiving LVAD supportReview and interpret laboratory studies - ECGs - imaging - hemodynamic information - and other relevant clinical data within the PA scope of practiceDevelop expertise in LVAD function - parameters - alarms - troubleshooting - and recognition of device-related complicationsAssist in identifying and managing complications associated with mechanical circulatory support - including bleeding - infection - thrombosis - arrhythmias - right ventricular dysfunction - and other clinical issues - in collaboration with the treating physiciansProvide pre- and post-implant education to patients and caregivers regarding LVAD therapy - medications - driveline care - device management - and recognition of potential complicationsParticipate in interdisciplinary rounds - conferences - and treatment planningCoordinate care and transitions between the inpatient - outpatient - rehabilitation - community - and home settingsCommunicate and coordinate - when appropriate - with LVAD manufacturers and technical representatives regarding device-related issuesAssist with development and implementation of LVAD clinical pathways - protocols - quality-improvement initiatives - and programmatic activitiesMaintain current knowledge of advances in mechanical circulatory support - advanced heart failure - and cardiovascular medicineParticipate in the continued development and growth of the Cleveland VA LVAD and Advanced Heart Failure programWork Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.