Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C)
Location: St. Louis, MO
Job Type: Locum
Company: Palm Careers
Category: Healthcare
Job Description Apply Now
The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) plays a pivotal role in providing comprehensive care for cardiothoracic surgery patients across the perioperative spectrum. This advanced practice provider position is designed for highly skilled professionals with significant experience in cardiac surgery, particularly those proficient in endoscopic vein harvesting and first assisting in complex surgical procedures. This full-time opportunity is structured to offer a dynamic blend of operating room (OR), intensive care unit (ICU), stepdown, and clinic responsibilities, ensuring a diverse and challenging professional environment.
As a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C), you will collaborate closely with a dedicated team comprising cardiac surgeons and fellow advanced practice providers to deliver high-quality patient care. You will be integral to the entire continuum of care, from the initial surgical procedure through post-operative management and eventual discharge or follow-up in the clinic. The position is structured with block scheduling to support work-life balance, and you will be engaged in a high-acuity environment, including daily management of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) cases and other advanced cardiothoracic interventions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expert-level proficiency with Maquet equipment and possess a well-rounded skill set in both surgical and critical care procedures.
The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) will be expected to manage a wide variety of clinical tasks, including but not limited to endoscopic vein harvesting, central and arterial line placement, chest tube placement, first and second assisting in surgery, and comprehensive patient evaluations. You will participate in shared call rotations with your colleagues, ensuring consistent coverage and support for all patients under the team’s care. This role provides valuable exposure to a range of patient care settings and fosters professional growth within a collaborative and supportive environment.
The organization is known for its commitment to excellence and offers a collegial practice environment. By joining this team, you will become part of a respected group dedicated to advancing cardiothoracic care and supporting ongoing patient recovery and wellness. The employment opportunity comes with a competitive compensation package, including overtime, paid malpractice, travel accommodations, and additional benefits. Candidates are encouraged to apply and take the next step in their career by clicking the job application button below.
Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) - Summary- Advanced practice provider role delivering perioperative care to cardiothoracic surgery patients
- Full-time position engaging in operating room, ICU, stepdown, and clinic responsibilities
- Highly collaborative environment with a team of cardiac surgeons and advanced practice providers
- Opportunity to work in a high-acuity, ECMO-capable center
- First and second assist in cardiothoracic surgical procedures
- Perform endoscopic vein harvesting using Maquet equipment
- Insert and manage central lines, arterial lines, and chest tubes
- Round on patients in the ICU, stepdown, and clinic settings
- Conduct comprehensive history and physical examinations
- Formulate and implement patient treatment plans
- Evaluate and manage post-operative patients in both hospital and office settings
- Write orders, progress notes, and manage discharge planning
- Harvest saphenous vein, perform wound closure, and manage drainage tubes as directed
- Select and apply wound dressings under physician guidance
- Participate in a rotating call schedule, including day shifts and periodic weekend coverage
- Return patient phone calls and respond to clinical inquiries as assigned
- Competitive hourly compensation with overtime eligibility
- Comprehensive malpractice insurance coverage
- Travel, lodging, and rental car/mileage reimbursement
- Opportunity for ongoing or customizable assignment duration
- Supportive team environment fostering professional growth
- Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program
- Current NCCPA certification as a Physician Assistant (PA-C)
- State licensure as a Physician Assistant, or eligibility to obtain licensure
- Demonstrated proficiency in endoscopic vein harvesting and cardiac surgery first assisting
- Experience in managing high-acuity cardiothoracic surgery patients, including ECMO cases
- Familiarity with Maquet equipment is preferred
- Ability to function independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Excellent clinical assessment, communication, and documentation skills
- Commitment to delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care
- Experienced in both OR and ICU settings within cardiothoracic surgery
- Expertise in endoscopic vein harvesting and advanced surgical assisting
- Comfortable with high acuity and fast-paced clinical environments
- Collaborative, adaptable, and committed to clinical excellence
- Strong interpersonal and organizational abilities
- Block scheduling supports work-life balance
- Team-oriented practice with shared call responsibilities
- Opportunity to follow patients through the full continuum of care
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse work environment
- To advance your career as a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C), apply today by clicking the job application button below.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.