Physician Assistant - LV Durango Family Medicine Clinic Exempt; Non-Union

Overview

Performs diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive and health maintenance services under the direction and supervision of a physician. Duties include consults, daily rounds, ordering and interpreting labs, films, and studies, admitting/discharging patients, ordering medications per protocol, assisting in surgery, and performing procedures within scope of practice and credentialed privileges.

The Physician Assistant under general supervision performs physical examinations and treats common episodic and chronic health care problems, counsels patients and families, monitors patient progress, assists with medical research projects, and serves as a resource for RNs, LVNs, and support staff. Works in collaboration with other health care team members, consulting and referring as appropriate, but retains responsibility for ongoing clinical management of the patient.

Conducts in-depth interviews with patients and/or family, constructs comprehensive medical histories, performs initial and periodic physical examinations and explores patient’s interpretation of health needs.

Identifies and treats patients’ diseases and manages treatment of hospitalized patients.

Directly performs or orders appropriate diagnostic studies and interprets finished results; develops and implements long- and short‑range treatment plans.

Performs procedures such as obtaining specimens, injections, immunizations, lumbar punctures, skin biopsies, suturing, wound care, and management of conditions produced by trauma or infection.

Writes orders to increase, decrease or change medication, subject to checking and counter‑signing by physician; initiates consultations and monitors scheduling of patients for special tests.

Identifies records pertinent to progress of patients, updates and summarizes charts, changes orders when appropriate and notifies the responsible physician of changes in the patient’s condition.

Instructs and counsels patients and families regarding preventive care, medical problems, psychological problems, and use of prescribed treatments and drugs.

Assists with medical research projects, following research protocols, obtains Institutional Review Board approval for treatment protocols, researches community resources for referral of patients, and refers patients to most appropriate resource based on medical needs and condition.

Maintains compliance with established University and department policies and procedures, quality assurance, safety, environmental, infection control, and complies with requirements of accreditation and regulatory agencies.

Participates in in‑service education programs and professional associations; adheres to all clinic policies including attendance, punctuality, and dress code; maintains a professional and positive attitude in patient and office settings.

Provides continuity of care in the management of complex illnesses and injuries under the supervision of a physician; performs evaluation and therapeutic procedures in response to life‑threatening situations; facilitates referral of patients to other health and social service agencies when appropriate.

• Graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant Program.
• At least 24 months experience as a Physician Assistant with at least 12 months in a primary care area required (experience must have taken place within the last 36 months); combined education/experience may substitute for minimum experience.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to speak, read and write English proficiently.
• Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with patients and colleagues within often‑stressful medical treatment settings.
• Strong analytical talents ensuring accurate patient diagnoses and responsive care plans.
• Excellent organization/time‑management skills.
• Knowledge of medical procedures and conditions; ability to understand, follow and successfully perform duties, including whole blood collection and apheresis procedures, in accordance with administrative and clinical policies, regulations and procedures.

• Degree in a related field.
• Bilingual preferred; ability to understand and communicate…