Surgical First Assist Physician Assistant
PIH Health is a nonprofit regional healthcare network with three hospitals, 100 outpatient medical offices, seven Urgent Care Centers, and a medical foundation employing over 500 physicians and mid-level providers. Our organization is home to more than 7,500 compassionate and dedicated employees. PIH Health has earned recognition as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals, a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional care to our community. Our leadership is dedicated to putting patients first—a cornerstone of our mission, vision and values.
About the Role
This position is primarily focused on providing First Assist support in the operating room for General Surgery and other surgical specialties requiring operative assistance. As surgical volumes continue to increase, we are expanding our PA team to ensure comprehensive coverage. This role is ideal for a motivated, team-oriented provider who thrives in a fast-paced surgical environment and is committed to delivering exceptional patient care.
Responsibilities
- Serves as a First Assist in the Operating Room
- Supports General Surgery and other surgical specialties requiring operative assistance
- Opportunity to work with robotic-assisted surgical procedures
- Works closely with an established team of Physician Assistants supporting a busy surgical service line
- Four 10-hour shifts per week
- PREFERRED SCHEDULE INCLUDES LATER START TIMES TO SUPPORT AFTERNOON AND EVENING SURGICAL CASES (E.G., 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
- IDEAL SCHEDULE WOULD INCLUDE THREE LATE SHIFTS AND ONE 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM FRIDAY SHIFT
- Friday coverage is required, as it is the busiest surgical day for the General Surgery team
- No routine overnight call responsibilities
Requirements
- Current California Physician Assistant (PA-C) license
- NCCPA certification
- Current BLS and ACLS certification
- Previous First Assist experience in the operating room
- Strong clinical, communication, and organizational skills
- Fluent English communication skills
Preferred
- Five (5) or more years of surgical Physician Assistant experience
- Extensive First Assist experience in the operating room
- Experience with robotic-assisted surgery strongly preferred
- Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, but not required
- EPIC EMR experience
Compensation and Benefits
- Compensation Range: $150K-$175K
- Shareholder opportunity after two years, with enhanced benefits
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (100% employer-paid premiums for shareholders)
- Up to 267 hours of PTO annually (vacation, sick leave, CME, and holidays)
- Retail plan with 3% Safe Harbor contribution
- Annual CME allowance
- Group-paid Life and Disability Insurance ($50,000 Life Insurance benefit)
- Short-Term Disability coverage for shareholders
- Cell phone stipend
- Professional license, certification, and DEA reimbursement
Why You'll Love It Here
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside skilled, approachable surgeons and clinical staff who believe in teamwork, respect, and open communication
- Supportive Leadership: Our physicians are committed to mentoring and helping advanced practice providers grow in skill, confidence, and clinical judgment
- High Physician Retention: Our physicians and providers choose to stay with PIH Health for the long term— a reflection of our strong culture, stability, and mutual respect
- Professional Growth: PIH Health values lifelong learning and provides opportunities for continuing education, certifications, and advancement
- Meaningful Mission: Join an organization deeply rooted in the community and dedicated to improving the health and well-being of those we serve
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a Monday–Friday schedule with no routine weekend or overnight requirements
Equal Opportunity Employer
PIH Health is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.