Surgical Physician Assistant (PA-C) - First Assistant
University of Maryland Medical System

Job Description
JOB SUMMARY: Under clinical supervision and under the direction of the surgeon assigned, assists in the facilitation and performance of surgical procedures. This role collaborates with the surgeon and the health care team by performing and facilitating in safe operations resulting in optimal outcomes for the patient.

Company Description
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) offers the residents of northeastern Maryland an unparalleled combination of clinical expertise, leading-edge technology, and an exceptional patient experience.
A community-based, integrated, non-profit health system, our vision is to become the preferred, integrated health system creating the healthiest community in Maryland. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of the people in our community through an integrated health delivery system that provides high quality care to all. Our commitment to service excellence is evident through a broad range of health care services, technologies and facilities. We work collaboratively with our community and other health organizations to serve as a resource for health promotion and education.
Today, UM UCH is the leading health care system and second largest private employer in Harford County. Our 3,500 team members and over 650 medical staff physicians serve residents of Harford County, eastern Baltimore County, and western Cecil County.

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health owns and operates:
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center (UM UCMC), Bel Air, MD
The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, Bel Air, MD
The Patricia D. and M. Scot Kaufman Cancer Center, Bel Air, MD
The Senator Bob Hooper House, Forest Hill, MD

Qualifications
Education & Training: Graduation from a Physician Assistant Training Program approved by the Board of Physician Quality Assurance is required. Must have appropriate licensure and credentialing to practice under the supervision of a physician in the state of Maryland. Credentialing through the Maryland Board as well as the health system in the provision of advanced practice skills. Certification or eligibility for certification by National Commission for Certifying Physician's Assistants is required. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification is required.

Work Orientation & Experience: Two (2) years' experience in operating room setting required; four (4) years' experience preferred.

Skills & Abilities: Ability to (a) handle multiple priorities, (b) work independently, (c) take initiative in achieving expected results, and (d) handle confidential information. Demonstrates skill in: (a) making effective decisions, (b) quality improvement activities, (c) problem-solving, (d) crisis management, (e) organizing work and meeting deadlines, (f) attention to detail and follow through, (g) resource management, (h) ability to work successfully with diverse types of individuals including management, clinical staff, and the general public

Additional Information
1. Functions as a surgical assistant as requested by the surgeon and as assigned. Under the direct

supervision of a surgeon, assists with the performance of surgical procedures and general patient care in

the operating room in accordance with established nursing protocol, policies and procedures. Observable

duties may include: Tissue handling including making incisions, retracting, dissecting, tying, ligating,

stapling, suturing and providing hemostasis.

2. Assists in the pre-operative preparation of patients (i.e. draping, patient positioning, surgical scrub,

insertion of catheter).

3. Responsible to be in the designated operating room prior to the start of surgical cases.

4. Responds to the needs of O.R., nursing and anesthesia staff to expedite patient care.

5. Formulates and implements treatment and therapeutic plans.

6. Demonstrates proficiency in skills specific to surgical technique, infection control, crisis management,

resource management, effective decision making, etc.

7. Assists in moving patient from table to stretcher and accompany patient to PACU. Responsible to

assist operating room staff in the postoperative transportation of patients to a designated recovery facility.

8. Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative technique related to the specific operative

procedures.

9. Uses proper intraoperative performance techniques when using instruments and medical devices,

provides surgical site exposure, handling and/or cutting tissue, providing hemostasis, suturing, and wound

management.

10. Anticipates the surgeon needs.

11. Vein Harvesting: Independently performs endoscopic vein harvesting under supervision of the

surgeon.

12. Exhibits knowledge about positioning with regard to not only optimum exposure but also positive

patient outcomes.

13. Knowledgeable with regard to proper functioning of equipment or instrumentation that may be

required.

14. Anticipates any special needs of the patient with regard to comfort and safety

15. Seeks and supports opportunities for professional growth and development.

16. Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and

discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.

17. Exhibits highly effective communication skills necessary in explaining procedures to patients, preparing written reports for patient medical charts, and providing preliminary results to health care providers.

18. Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital,

department or unit patient safety initiatives.

19. May complete and/or contribute to the immediate post-operative note.

20. Performs other duties as assigned.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.