Physician Assistant

Job Details

Physician Assistant – Thoracic Surgery

St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center – Roslyn, New York

Position:
Physician Assistant – Thoracic Surgery

Schedule:

Full-Time – Varied Schedule

St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Physician Assistant (PA) to provide clinical and surgical support to Dr. Lawrence Spier and the Thoracic Surgery team. The PA will work closely with Dr. Spier and the multidisciplinary thoracic surgery team to provide comprehensive perioperative, postoperative, and inpatient care for patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures. The position will include a strong operating room component, as well as inpatient and postoperative patient management.

The ideal candidate will have prior surgical experience, strong clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, and an interest in developing a long-term career in thoracic surgery.

• Provide first-assist support to Dr. Spier during thoracic surgical procedures.
• Assist with surgical exposure, tissue handling, hemostasis, closure, and other operative responsibilities appropriate to the PA's training and competency.
• Prepare for scheduled surgical cases by reviewing patient history, imaging, laboratory results, and operative plans.
• Participate in preoperative patient evaluation and surgical planning.
• Maintain knowledge of thoracic surgical anatomy, procedures, instrumentation, and perioperative protocols.
• Communicate effectively with the surgeon, anesthesia team, nursing staff, and other operating room personnel.
• Assist with emergent and urgent thoracic surgical cases as needed.

• Perform daily assessments of postoperative thoracic surgery patients.
• Obtain histories and perform physical examinations.
• Monitor patients for postoperative complications and initiate appropriate evaluation and treatment.
• Review laboratory results, imaging, vital signs, and other clinical data.
• Develop and implement patient care plans in collaboration with Dr. Spier and the thoracic surgery team.
• Manage postoperative pain, fluid and electrolyte needs, respiratory status, nutrition, and other routine surgical care.
• Monitor and manage surgical wounds, drains, and chest tubes.
• Assist with chest tube removal and other postoperative procedures when appropriately trained and privileged.
• Coordinate patient care with consulting services, nursing, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Assist with discharge planning, medication reconciliation, patient education, and outpatient follow-up.

• Provide comprehensive care to patients throughout the perioperative period.
• Recognize and appropriately respond to complications following thoracic surgery.
• Assist in the evaluation and management of postoperative respiratory complications.
• Monitor chest tube output, air leaks, drainage, and other relevant postoperative findings.
• Participate in postoperative rounds and communicate changes in patient status to Dr. Spier and the surgical team.
• Provide continuity of care between the operating room, inpatient unit, and outpatient setting.

• Work directly with Dr. Lawrence Spier and members of the Thoracic Surgery service.
• Collaborate with intensivists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Communicate effectively with patients and families regarding procedures, treatment plans, recovery, and discharge instructions.
• Serve as a clinical resource for nursing and other members of the care team.
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and case discussions.