Physician Assistant- Hematology/Oncology

BASIC FUNCTION

Provide patient care for the adult outpatient Oncology service, a multi-specialty service. The PA will exercise autonomy in medical decision making and services provided within the APP/Physician relationship.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform overall medical care and medical management in the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Clinic under the direction of the attending physician, exercising independence in medical decision-making and services provided primarily in a clinic setting under a collaborative practice agreement.
• Perform and document initial evaluation of new and returning patients, including complete history and physical examination and, appropriate orders for treatment.
• Collaborate/consult in the optimization of care delivery through coordination and transitions of care as a part of a team, including chemotherapy management, infusions, minor procedures and interventions.
• Use judgment to provide continuity of care incorporating best practices and encourage others to do the same.
• Perform and record a medical history and physical examination.
• Evaluate, diagnose, and treat medical conditions and record findings in the electronic medical record.
• Discuss testing and treatment options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
• Utilize technology, attend conferences and participate in CEU opportunities to update personal knowledge regarding the current knowledge in the field.
• Maintain knowledge of accrediting bodies’ expectations.
• Care for patients requiring continuing care, refer patients to appropriate clinicians as indicated.
• Evaluate, treat and institute procedures, as training and privileging allows for the adult population at UI Health Care.
• Provide overall medical care, functioning independently to assess, perform medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and completion of patient care orders, under the supervision of the staff attending.
• Complete written medical record documentation, including clinic notes, and procedure notes as applicable.
• Facilitate communication with internal and external health care providers, including obtaining relevant information from referring physicians and responding to patient calls.
• Maintain awareness of health facilities, agencies and resources in order to facilitate the appropriate referral of patients.
• Order and interpret laboratory tests, imagining studies and other related studies.
• Prescribe, order and administer medications.
• Direct other medical personnel and health professionals in the execution of patient care.
• Complete medical record documentation and billing information in a timely manner, consistent with University of Iowa Physicians and Department policies.
• Submit charges for services rendered ensuring that medical record documentation supports those charges.
• Be available for weekend or extended work hours, as needed, in a scheduled rotation, to address patient care needs.
• Accurately and appropriately complete documentation of patient care in the EMR and other records for compliance, billing and other regulatory standards.
• Participate and/or lead in quality, safety, and process improvement activities.
• Provide health education to patients and their families.
• Enhance and support the clinical educational experience of trainees including medical students, residents and other health professional learners.
• Mentor and educate fellows, residents and PA/medical students as to the needs and issues of outpatient population management and optimal resource utilization.
• Participate in ongoing research and professional development of self and other staff.
• Serve on committees to enhance patient care and operations.
• Affirm effective communication/collaboration with all team members in the delivery of care.
• Follow prescribed practices in communicating and elevating any quality and patient safety concerns.
• Coach and recognize team members whenever appropriate.
• Participate in the UI Health Care APP Council and professional activities in the department, hospital, community and professional organizations.

Qualifications

• Must comply with registration and licensure requirements as specified by the Iowa Board of Physician Assistant Examiners which include graduation from an accredited PA educational program and/or certification by the NCCPA.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Desirable (1-3 years) experience in internal medicine or previous experience in specified hospital specialty area or demonstrated knowledge gained through educational program or clinical rotations in that area of clinical practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective strategies for working with faculty, staff and students from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives is required.
• Demonstrated experience in area of clinical practice is required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage acutely ill patient population is highly desirable.
• Experience providing overall medical care and provide medical management for patients in an outpatient setting is highly desirable.
• Experience exercising autonomy in medical decision-making and services provided is highly desirable.