Orthopedics - Spine Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant

Join our team at the Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center (MOMMC) located at Nellis AFB, NV. This position offers a dynamic work environment with a focus on orthopedic and spine care.

Job Description

• Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries of the spine/musculoskeletal system by surgical and conservative means and application of corrective mechanical devices. Provide clinical assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation. Provide Ortho Spine specialty medical care under the supervision of a physician.
• Obtain and evaluate medical histories, perform physical examinations, perform therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, and order laboratory studies, radiographs, electrocardiograms, and other special examinations. Examine patients and determine x-ray examinations and clinical laboratory tests required. Interpret test results and evaluate examination findings.
• Conduct spine/orthopedic surgical procedures and coordinate operations with the operating room personnel and anesthesiologist.
• Collect specimens for pathologic examination. Analyze and interpret data, formulate problem lists, and establish plans for the solution of clinical problems.
• Counsel patients on medical problems, use of drugs, expected effects of treatment, family planning, childcare, diet, and other therapeutic health maintenance matters.
• Make entries in patients' permanent medical records.
• Administer and prescribe conservative measures of treatment such as antibiotics, drugs, and compresses. In emergency situations, administer lifesaving procedures and medications pending availability of a physician.
• Perform procedures including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, treatment of life-endangering traumatic injuries, defibrillation, insertion of endotracheal tubes, and administration of whole blood, oxygen, and other emergency medications.
• Coordinate patient care with other members of the healthcare team.
• Initiate consultation requests to other health professionals to provide more comprehensive patient management and coordinate orthopedic surgery services with other medical activities.
• Acquire and use basic computer skills to enter patient data and extract patients' information from various sources including MH Genesis, Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), and Joint Longitudinal Viewer (JLV).
• Prepare all documentation to meet or exceed established standards of the MTF including timeliness, legibility, accuracy, content, and signature. Only MTF and Air Force approved abbreviations can be used in the documentation of care in the healthcare record.
• Provide inpatient care for new patients when consults are requested by the admitting healthcare team. Accomplish narrative summaries and other documentation.
• Instruct other personnel assigned to the healthcare team on preventive medicine programs and other appropriate medical activities as directed.
• Assist in spinal and orthopedic surgery. Perform independent supervised evaluation and management of the spine-injured patient. Instruct students and residents in orthopedic spine surgery procedures.
• Primary responsibility will be to spine and orthopedic surgery. If time allows, at the discretion of the government supervisor, see and evaluate patients in the Pain Management Clinic and assist with Pain Management procedures in the clinic and Operating Room.
• Perform surgical duties including first assistant duties during orthopedic and spinal surgeries under the supervision of the surgeon. Assist the provider when performing minor procedures such as the removal of foreign bodies. Perform dressing changes in accordance with aseptic standards within the clinic treatment area, clean minor wounds, and remove sutures. During surgery, assist in moving and positioning the patient; assist in draping the patient for surgery and preparation of specialty equipment. Aid in surgical exposure by holding and handling instruments, perform retraction, and hold and cut sutures. Perform wound closure. Prepare surgical grafts/graft material. Anticipate surgeons' needs and respond to requests for instruments, supplies, and procedures during surgery to preclude necessity for removal of the surgeon's attention from the operative field. Actively engage in the manipulation of tissue at the direction of the surgeon, including wound closure. Assist in applying orthopedic and spine post-operative braces/orthotics, and appliances such as braces, outriggers, splints, casts, and other specialized devices. Must have knowledge of operating room techniques and procedures to assist surgeons before, during, and following surgery. Must also have knowledge of aseptic procedures to prevent infection and cross-contamination. Assist in patient management after surgery. Treat patients suffering from surgical shock, postoperative hemorrhage, and other complications.
• Perform clinical duties including history and physical exams, MRI reviews, reviews of consults placed by Primary Care/Specialty Care providers for consideration for appointment to the Orthopedic Spine Clinic, new patient visits, consultation visits, established patient visits, tele-health visits, and post-operative visits. Review patient medical records for previous exams and other pertinent data for provider's reference during current exam. Complete patient T-Cons and Clinical Notes in accordance with MDG Guidelines. Provide information requested or refer callers to appropriate agency or section for assistance in accordance with established protocols. Ensure all needed records, X-rays, and medical reports (i.e., MRI/CT/X-rays/bone scan/arthrogram results and any other pertinent consultations) are available to the physician. Order appropriate imaging and diagnostic studies (MRI, CT, EMG, Lab Work, EKG, Chest X-rays, etc.) as well as knowing their indications and contraindications.
• Prepare medications for administration for patients and properly document administration of medications. Consent patients for injections and prep injection sites prior to injections using proper sterile techniques while being knowledgeable about medications given and possible side effects and adverse reactions.
• Routinely perform clinic duties promptly and efficiently. Effectively monitor patients for reactions to medications and promptly respond in case of adverse reactions. Interact with patients and staff pleasantly and professionally while performing other orthopedic clinic activities as directed by a supervisor.
• Familiarity with reducing and immobilizing fractures by open or closed methods using corrective devices such as braces, casts, and splints.

Requirements

• Active Physician Assistant License for any state.
• Active BLS/CPR.

Benefits

• Benefits include a 401k plan, sick leave, paid leave, etc.