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Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA-C)
Location: Orange County, CA
Job Type: Permanent
Company: Palm Careers
Category: Healthcare
The role of Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA-C) offers a highly specialized opportunity for experienced professionals to make a significant impact in advanced surgical care. As a key member of the cardiothoracic operating room (CVOR) team, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional patient outcomes in various hospital settings. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about cardiothoracic surgery, possess advanced technical skills in the operating room, and are adept at managing the demands of a dynamic, multi-site environment.
Working as a Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant in Orange County, you will be an integral part of a highly respected surgical team, serving multiple hospitals throughout Southern California. The position focuses exclusively on surgical responsibilities, allowing you to hone your expertise without the additional duties of clinic rounds or inpatient consults. The Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant is expected to be proficient in endoscopic vein harvesting and experienced in assisting in high-volume CVORs. Travel between approximately 25 hospital locations is required, with mileage reimbursement provided to support your commitment to patient care across the region.
The work schedule for the Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant is structured to promote work-life balance and professional fulfillment. Typical workweeks consist of four to five days in the operating room, with a rotating shared call schedule. Call responsibilities generally occur one week every third week or less, and on average, involve one weekend case per month. On-call duties are focused on emergency and late surgeries only, with no additional requirements for patient or hospital calls. This structure minimizes after-hours disruptions and supports a sustainable work environment for all team members.
The Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to advanced surgical care, collaborate with highly skilled colleagues, and develop your professional expertise in a supportive setting. If you are passionate about cardiothoracic surgery, eager to work across multiple hospital environments, and committed to delivering the highest standards of patient care, we encourage you to apply by clicking the job application button today.
Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA-C) - Summary
- Advanced surgical assistant role focusing on cardiothoracic procedures in the CVOR
- Operates across multiple hospital settings, primarily in Orange County and Southern California
- Exclusive surgical responsibilities—no clinic rounds or consults
- Emphasis on endoscopic vein harvesting and assisting in high-volume CVORs
- Travel between multiple hospital sites required; mileage reimbursement provided
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist cardiothoracic surgeons in the operating room, including preoperative preparation, intraoperative tasks, and postoperative management
- Perform endoscopic vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass graft surgery
- Participate in all aspects of CVOR procedures, including patient positioning, draping, and instrumentation management
- Provide expert support during complex cardiothoracic cases in a fast-paced, multi-site surgical environment
- Adhere to established protocols, safety standards, and best practices in all surgical activities
- Coordinate and communicate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and other allied health professionals
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of surgical procedures and patient interactions
- Travel regularly between assigned hospital locations as required by the schedule
- Participate in scheduled on-call rotations, focused on emergency and late cases only
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Mileage reimbursement for required travel between hospital locations
- Work-life balance supported by a structured schedule with limited on-call requirements
- Opportunity for career growth and skill development in advanced cardiothoracic surgery
- Collaborative team environment and professional recognition
Qualifications & Requirements
- Active Physician Assistant (PA-C) certification required
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery or related surgical specialty preferred
- Demonstrated proficiency in endoscopic vein harvesting techniques
- Strong clinical skills and attention to detail in the operating room
- Ability to travel regularly between multiple hospital sites
- Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork abilities
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care and professional integrity
Ideal Candidate Snapshot
- Experienced Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA-C) with proven surgical expertise
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in diverse hospital settings
- Adaptable to the demands of a multi-site surgical schedule
- Skilled in endoscopic vein harvesting and CVOR assistance
- Dedicated to continuous learning and professional development
- Strong commitment to patient safety, quality care, and ethical standards
Other Relevant Information
- This position requires regular travel between hospital locations in Orange County and surrounding areas
- Mileage reimbursement is provided for all required travel
- On-call schedule is designed to limit after-hours disruptions and support work-life balance
- The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants
- Applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking the job application button to take the next step in their career as a Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA-C)