Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C)
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Locum
Company: Palm Careers
Category: Healthcare
Job Description Apply Now
The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) role offers a compelling opportunity for experienced professionals to deliver high-quality surgical and perioperative care as part of a dynamic cardiac surgery team. This full-time contract assignment provides exposure to a comprehensive spectrum of cardiothoracic procedures and patient care responsibilities, making it an ideal position for skilled physician assistants seeking to advance their expertise in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. Located near the scenic Seattle, WA area, this position combines professional growth with the perks of working in a renowned medical hub.
As a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C), you will be entrusted with critical responsibilities throughout the continuum of care. This includes preoperative assessment, intraoperative assistance, and postoperative management of cardiothoracic surgery patients. You will work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless patient care and optimal outcomes. The position requires proficiency in advanced surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive procedures, and the ability to efficiently manage patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Key surgical procedures performed by the Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) include Robotic Lobectomy and Thymectomy utilizing the Da Vinci Xi robotic system, Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Aortic Valve Replacement and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement, Thoracotomy, Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation, Aortic Dissection Repair, and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Your expertise will be instrumental in first-assist roles during surgery, vascular harvesting with advanced systems such as the Maquet Hemopro 2 Vasoview, and in managing complex postoperative care protocols.
The scope of this Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) role also encompasses comprehensive workflow responsibilities. You will conduct daily rounds, write progress notes, manage medications, order appropriate laboratory and imaging studies, perform patient consults, take thorough histories and physicals, prepare and execute discharge planning, and manage chest tubes from insertion to removal. In the clinical setting, you will participate in post-operative patient follow-ups and multidisciplinary rounds, ensuring continuity of care and effective communication across all levels of the healthcare team.
Call coverage is an integral component of this position. Weekday and weekend call responsibilities include managing late surgical cases, responding to critical care unit (CCU) inquiries, returning to the hospital for emergency surgical cases, rounding with the on-call surgeon, and handling all aspects of urgent postoperative management. Flexibility and commitment to patient-centric care are essential qualities for success in this role.
The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) position offers a competitive hourly rate and comprehensive support for travel, lodging, malpractice coverage, and related professional needs. The Pacific Northwest is known for its vibrant medical community and high quality of life, providing an excellent professional backdrop for this assignment.
Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) - Summary- Full-time contract role supporting a leading cardiothoracic surgical team
- Wide exposure to advanced cardiac and thoracic procedures
- Key involvement in pre-op, intra-op, and post-op patient care
- Located near Seattle, WA, a hub for healthcare innovation
- Assist in cardiothoracic surgeries: robotic lobectomy, thymectomy, CABG, valve repairs/replacements, thoracotomy, VATS, LVAD implantation, aortic dissection repairs, ECMO
- Conduct daily rounds with comprehensive progress notes
- Manage medication regimens and order diagnostic tests
- Perform patient consults, histories, and physical exams
- Prepare and manage patient discharges and summaries
- Manage chest tubes, including insertion, monitoring, and removal
- Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and post-op clinics
- First-assist in all surgeries and conduct endoscopic vein/radial harvesting
- Prepare harvested conduits and place postoperative orders
- Close sternotomies as per surgeon’s preference
- Provide weekday and weekend call coverage, including late cases and emergencies
- Competitive hourly compensation
- Guaranteed weekly work hours
- Malpractice insurance provided
- Travel, lodging, flights, and rental car expenses covered
- Comprehensive support for contract professionals
- Current certification as a Physician Assistant (PA-C)
- Relevant experience in cardiothoracic surgery required
- Proficiency in advanced surgical techniques and patient management
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Commitment to patient safety and quality care
- Experienced PA-C with a background in cardiothoracic or cardiac surgery
- Detail-oriented with excellent clinical judgment
- Demonstrated skill in robotic and minimally invasive surgical assistance
- Adaptable to fast-paced, high-acuity environments
- Dedicated to advancing patient outcomes and supporting surgical teams
- Opportunity to work in a nationally recognized healthcare setting near Seattle, WA
- Chance to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge surgical technologies
- Robust support provided for travel and professional needs during assignment
- Encouragement for all qualified applicants to apply
- Click the application button to take the next step in your cardiothoracic PA-C career!
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 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.