Physician Assistant - Interventional Radiology

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical, and business professionals across all disciplines.

About the role

The Division of Interventional Radiology within the Department of Radiology at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Physician Assistant to join our team. The Physician Assistant will play an integral role in the evaluation, management, and procedural care of patients requiring venous access and eventually drainage interventions. Initially, the position will focus on central venous access consultations and procedures, as well as management of patients on the IR inpatient service. As experience and training progress, responsibilities will expand to include drainage catheter management and related procedures. This role offers a unique blend of hands-on procedural work, inpatient care, and multidisciplinary collaboration within a fast-paced hospital environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform and assist with a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, primarily vascular access, including placement, exchange, and removal of tunneled and non-tunneled central venous access devices. Progressively expand into performing feeding tube exchanges (G, J, GJ), biliary drain exchanges, nephrostomy (PCN and PCNU) tube exchanges, abscess drain exchanges, and management/removal of drains.
• Partner with IR attendings, residents, and advanced practice providers to evaluate and manage patients requiring central venous access. Provide care for patients on the IR inpatient service, including vascular and lymphatic patients. Gradually assume responsibility for management and rounding on patients with drains and feeding tubes.
• Serve as a key liaison in coordinating comprehensive care plans for Interventional Radiology vascular access patients and eventually drain patients across multiple services and specialties.
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes 15 IR attendings, residents, nurses, technologists, and three procedural physician assistants specializing in drainage catheter management. Become part of the broader Radiology APP team, consisting of 11 advanced practice providers.
• Provides direct clinical care for patient population according to established protocols and utilizes evidence-based practice standards in collaboration with the team.
• Maintains accurate and confidential medical records. Documents all medical evaluations, diagnoses, procedures, treatment, outcomes, education, referrals, and consultations consistent with organizational standards in electronic medical records.
• Identifies self properly to the patient and family and clarifies the role of Physician Assistant if necessary.
• Functions within scope and refers to the supervising physician when outside of scope, and/or directed by the supervising physician, or when requested by the patient.
• Performs interventions specific to assigned patient population and written agreement.
• Participates in the performance improvement processes to meet quality of care and service standards.
• Demonstrates awareness of professional responsibility as role model to peers and members of the health care team.
• Perform approved therapeutic or diagnostic procedures based upon patient’s clinical status.
• Addresses patient and family concerns and creates a therapeutic relationship to provide support.
• Provide patient education, counseling, and instruction regarding patient diagnosis, medical treatments, medications, and preventive care.
• Participates in and supports accreditation, compliance, and regulatory activities of the organization.
• Participates in preceptorship of PA students and other healthcare learners.
• Identifies patient/family needs for community resources and refers appropriately.

Professional Development

Penn Medicine encourages ongoing professional growth and supports attendance at national Interventional Radiology conferences and educational meetings. Opportunities for academic involvement and presentations are available but not required.

Requirements

• National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistant (Required)
• Physician Assistant license (Required)
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (Required)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (Required)

Qualifications

• Master of Arts or Science in Physician Assistant studies (Required)
• Less than 2.5 years of experience as a Physician Assistant (new graduates may be considered; the Physician Assistant must be reviewed by the Credentials Committee and approved by the Medical Board)

Schedule

Full time position: Monday through Friday, 8-hour days, 40 hours a week. No weekends, no call, no holidays.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region.