Physician Assistant - Thoracic Surgery

Job Details

Physician Assistant – Thoracic Surgery

Service Line: Thoracic Surgery
Service Provided To: Thoracic Surgery Physician
Location: Catholic Health
Schedule: Full-Time

Dr. Spier is an experienced, board-certified thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeon with extensive expertise in minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery. His background includes cardiothoracic surgery fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and general surgery residency at North Shore University Hospital.

His clinical philosophy is centered on compassionate, individualized patient care, clinical excellence, and teamwork. He believes in caring for the whole patient—both physically and emotionally—and is committed to combining advanced surgical techniques with thoughtful, personalized care. His work has included research and clinical advancement in robotic and minimally invasive thoracic surgery

This opportunity is ideal for a PA who is passionate about thoracic surgery and believes that excellent clinical care extends beyond treating a condition—it means caring for the whole patient, both physically and emotionally.

The thoracic surgery practice is grounded in a commitment to compassionate, individualized care, strong teamwork, clinical excellence, and helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes while returning to their normal lives as quickly and safely as possible.

The practice has a strong focus on minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery, including procedures such as lung resection, lobectomy, and segmentectomy. The PA will work closely with the thoracic surgeon and a multidisciplinary team to provide coordinated, high-quality patient care.

We believe that the best patient care begins with compassion, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to helping others. Every patient deserves individualized attention and care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs.

The thoracic surgery service is committed to maintaining the highest standards of clinical and technical excellence while continually advancing surgical knowledge and skills. Our goal is to provide comprehensive surgical care using appropriate minimally invasive and robotic techniques whenever possible, with a focus on excellent outcomes and helping patients return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.

The Physician Assistant will be an integral member of the surgical team, working closely with the thoracic surgeon throughout the patient's surgical journey and developing advanced clinical and technical expertise in thoracic surgery.

• Provide comprehensive preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care for patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures.
• Obtain detailed medical histories and perform physical examinations.
• Review diagnostic studies and assist with the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans.
• Serve as first or second surgical assistant during open, minimally invasive, VATS, and robotic-assisted thoracic procedures.
• Participate in robotic thoracic surgical procedures, as appropriate to training and credentialing.
• Assist with procedures including lung resection, lobectomy, segmentectomy, and other thoracic surgical procedures.
• Coordinate preoperative evaluations, including laboratory testing, imaging, specialty consultations, and medical optimization.
• Participate in inpatient rounds and assist with the ongoing management of postoperative patients.
• Manage postoperative needs, including chest tubes, drains, wounds, medications, and other routine surgical care within the PA's scope of practice.
• Provide outpatient preoperative and postoperative follow-up care.
• Monitor patient progress and communicate changes in clinical status to the surgical team.
• Provide patients and families with education regarding surgical procedures, recovery, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up care.
• Facilitate communication and continuity of care between the surgical team, patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

• Work closely…