PA First Assist

Job Requirements Take Your Surgical Career to the Next Level University of Maryland Capital Region Health is seeking an experienced Physician Assistant First Assist to join our Robotic Surgery team in Largo, Maryland.

This full-time opportunity is ideal for an experienced surgical PA who enjoys being in the operating room, wants to expand their expertise in robotic and advanced surgical procedures, and is interested in taking on a meaningful role in the continued development of our First Assist program. You'll work directly alongside surgeons and the perioperative team, providing hands-on surgical assistance while also serving as a clinical resource, mentor, and educator for fellow APPs and First Assists.

The position also offers opportunities for training and potential cross-coverage with other APP service lines, allowing you to continue expanding your surgical expertise.

As a PA First Assist, you'll be an integral member of the surgical team throughout the perioperative process.

Working under the clinical supervision and direction of the surgeon, you will:

• First assist during robotic and other surgical procedures
• Provide surgical exposure through appropriate retraction and tissue handling
• Assist with dissection, ligation, stapling, suturing, and wound closure
• Assist with hemostasis throughout operative procedures
• Anticipate the surgeon's needs and facilitate an efficient operative environment
• Demonstrate proficiency with surgical instrumentation, equipment, and medical devices
• Maintain knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques
• Support appropriate patient positioning to optimize surgical exposure and patient safety
• Identify and anticipate patient needs related to comfort and safety throughout the procedure

Your responsibilities will extend beyond the surgical procedure itself. You'll collaborate with surgeons, nursing, anesthesia, and other members of the perioperative team to:

• Assist with preoperative patient preparation, including positioning, draping, surgical scrub, and other appropriate procedures
• Be present in the designated operating room prior to the start of assigned surgical cases
• Respond to the needs of surgeons, OR nursing, and anesthesia teams to facilitate efficient patient care
• Collaborate with the surgical team to promote safe perioperative operations and optimal patient outcomes
• Assist with postoperative patient transfer from the operating table to the stretcher

This role goes beyond providing excellent care in the operating room. You'll also have the opportunity to help develop and strengthen our First Assist team. Responsibilities may include:

• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for PA First Assists and other APPs
• Support onboarding and day-to-day instruction for newly hired team members
• Provide guidance regarding procedures, competencies, and clinical best practices
• Assist with developing educational programming for PA First Assists
• Help ensure staff complete required institutional and departmental education
• Participate in interviewing and selecting future team members
• Support training and orientation of new hires
• Help maintain full coverage of the First Assist schedule
• Participate in APP leadership, education, and mentorship initiatives

If you're passionate about surgery and developing others, this role offers the opportunity to make an impact both inside and outside the operating room.

We're seeking an experienced surgical APP who brings technical expertise, sound clinical judgment, and a collaborative approach to the OR. Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy,…