Physician Assistant

Position Summary

Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Associates (CTSA) is seeking a personable, motivated Surgical Physician Assistant to join our cardiothoracic surgery team in Colorado Springs. This role provides meaningful involvement in operative care, inpatient management, and the care of patients in step-down and intensive care settings.

CTSA is the largest cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery provider within the Common Spirit Health system. The practice has locations in Denver and Colorado Springs and includes six cardiothoracic surgeons, one dedicated thoracic surgeon and, when fully staffed, eight advanced practice providers supporting care across both locations.

CTSA is focused on excellent patient care, a supportive team culture, professional development, and sustainable work-life balance.

Annual salary range of $125,000 to $200,000, based on relevant experience, qualifications, and internal considerations

Approximately 1:3 call rotation with dedicated ICU coverage and physician support

Significant first-assist and perioperative responsibilities

Opportunity to support open and minimally invasive cardiac and thoracic procedures

Minimal office-based clinic responsibilities

Collaborative surgical team and advanced practice provider structure

First assist in cardiac surgical cases and selected thoracic procedures, including open and minimally invasive approaches such as video-assisted thoracoscopic and robotic procedures.

Perform conduit harvesting, including endoscopic and open vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting, based on training, demonstrated competency, and clinical need.

Provide daily care for cardiothoracic surgical patients in intensive care, step-down, and inpatient settings.

Complete patient assessments, progress notes, consultation notes, order entry, discharge documentation, and care coordination.

Participate in daily rounds and collaborate with surgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses, and ancillary teams to support safe and timely care.

Evaluate and respond to changes in patient condition and escalator concerns to the supervising physician when appropriate.

Participate in the shared call schedule with surgeon support and dedicated ICU coverage.

Provide limited postoperative follow-up care in the office setting as assigned.

Support quality, safety, documentation, and patient-experience expectations of the practice and hospital.

Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program

Current NCCPA certification

Active Colorado Physician Assistant license, or ability to obtain before employment DEA registration, or ability to obtain

Current BLS and ACLS certifications, or ability to meet practice and hospital requirements

Ability to participate in the call rotation and meet credentialing and privileging requirements

Strong communication, clinical judgment, teamwork, and documentation skills

Cardiothoracic or cardiovascular surgery experience

Endoscopic vein harvesting experience

Surgical first-assist experience

Experience managing critically ill or postoperative surgical patients

Experience in cardiac, thoracic, vascular, intensive care, or another high-acuity surgical setting

Cardiothoracic operative experience is preferred. CTSA may consider a strong surgical candidate who demonstrates the clinical foundation, judgment, and commitment needed to develop within the specialty.

Annual salary range: $125,000 to $200,000

Employer sponsored healthcare premiums, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance

Continuing medical education reimbursement
401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Generous paid time off

Actual compensation will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, scope of responsibility, and internal considerations. Benefits and compensation terms are subject to the applicable plan documents and employment terms.

If you are looking for a hands-on surgical role with meaningful operative exposure, inpatient responsibility, and a collaborative team environment, we encourage you to apply.