Sr. Physician Assistant - UCD Heart Center

Overview

This position reports directly to the Heart Center Advanced Practice Nurse Manager. The Senior Physician Assistant (PA) is an expert in perioperative management of patients undergoing cardiothoracic procedures and participates in medical management across the spectrum of care. The Senior PA acts as first, second, or third assistant in cardiac and/or thoracic surgeries under supervision. The incumbent provides care to inpatients and attends outpatient clinics.

Tasks include endoscopic vein harvesting, placing drains and catheters, closing incisions, recording post-op orders and progress notes, and assisting in patient transport from the operating room to the recovery room or intensive care unit. The Senior PA guides team members for daily assignments and serves as a resource for physicians, PAs, house staff and nursing staff.
Additional responsibilities include research and program development, professional practice development, training and education, maintaining a statistical database, contributing to continuous quality improvement (CQI), tracking mortality and morbidity, and providing reports for physicians and assisting in equipment procurement as necessary.

Apply By Date
: 11/7/25 at 11:59 p.m. This position will consider applications as they apply, until filled.

• California Licensed Physician Assistant (PA)
• Valid Physician Assistant license to practice under the Physician Assistant Act in the state of California.
• National certification (NCCAP) as a Physician Assistant
• Eligible for hospital credentialing.
• Controlled Substances Education Course certificate of successful completion.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
• American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) or UC Davis Health CPR
• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• 3 years experience as first assist in cardiac surgery with endoscopic vein harvesting
• Endoscopic vein harvesting experience required
• Demonstrated competency at an advanced practice level with ability to meet Senior PA Performance Standards.
• Ability to interact positively with medical/nursing staff and the multidisciplinary team.
• Advanced knowledge of medical billing procedures and ability to document medical records appropriately.
• CPR and emergency response skills using ACLS & PALS protocols as needed.
• Ability to assist in operations under direct supervision of the attending surgeon.
• Ability to use medical terminology for histories and physical exams.
• Familiarity with UC Davis Medical Center processes, policies and procedures.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects and respond to crises with strategic thinking.
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and influence change.
• Discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to cope with stress in dealing with patients, caretakers, team members, and other professionals.
• Ability to interpret laboratory and radiological tests.
• Data gathering, computer skills, and research methods knowledge.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; legible handwriting.
• English proficiency including medical terminology.
• Interpersonal skills for a multidisciplinary environment and sound judgment to meet patient needs.
• Self-direction and organizational skills for independent work.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. and assist in moving patients; good vision to read gauges and identify injuries.
• Stamina to stand for extended periods and wear radiation safety apparel when in the radiation environment.
• Knowledge of information systems and clinical quality improvement processes.
• Ability to interpret complex instructions and data sets; effective verbal communication across levels.
• Analytical skills for clinical decision-making and problem-solving.
• Tact and diplomacy with a broad range of staff and administrators.
• Ability to provide after-hours on-call coverage including in-house night calls, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to teach diverse clinical topics and assess educational needs of clinicians; develop and evaluate training programs.

• Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery and…