Physician Assistant - General Surgery - Washington State

Position Summary

The General Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) provides high-quality medical care under the supervision of a licensed General Surgeon. The PA is responsible for evaluating patients, assisting in surgical procedures, managing pre- and postoperative care, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This role requires strong clinical judgment, procedural skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced surgical environment.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments, including medical histories and physical examinations
• Diagnose and develop treatment plans for surgical patients in collaboration with supervising physicians
• Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests (laboratory, imaging, etc.)
• Provide preoperative and postoperative care, including wound management and follow-up evaluations
• Manage inpatient and outpatient surgical patients

Surgical Support

• First or second assist in the operating room across various general surgery procedures
• Prepare and maintain sterile fields
• Perform minor surgical procedures (e.g., suturing, incision and drainage, abscess management)
• Handle surgical instruments and anticipate surgeon needs during procedures

Patient Care & Education

• Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatment plans, surgical procedures, and recovery expectations
• Provide discharge instructions and follow-up care guidance
• Promote preventive care and patient safety

Administrative & Documentation

• Document patient encounters accurately and in a timely manner within the EMR system
• Participate in care coordination and multidisciplinary rounds
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory standards, and clinical protocols

Collaboration

• Work closely with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals
• Participate in case discussions and clinical decision-making
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Active state PA license (or eligibility to obtain)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred
• Strong knowledge of general surgical procedures and patient care practices

Preferred

• 1–3 years of experience in general surgery or surgical subspecialty
• Experience in operating room assistance
• Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems