Lead Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C)
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Permanent
Company: Palm Careers
Category: Healthcare
Job Description Apply Now
The Lead Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) position offers an exceptional opportunity to join a renowned academic medical center in Los Angeles, CA. As the Lead Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in a prestigious cardiac surgery program, working in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care in both operating room (OR) and inpatient settings. This full-time leadership role is ideal for highly skilled professionals seeking to expand their expertise in cardiothoracic surgery while mentoring and overseeing a team of advanced practice providers, including nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).
This dynamic position involves a blend of direct clinical practice and administrative leadership. Approximately 60% of your time will be spent in the OR, actively participating in surgical procedures as both first and second assist. The remaining time will be dedicated to administrative responsibilities and guiding a team of 16 direct reports, ensuring high-quality, coordinated care across the cardiothoracic surgery service. The Lead Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant will work 12-hour shifts, typically covering 3 to 4 shifts per week, including rotation through nights and weekends to support comprehensive patient care coverage.
The successful candidate should possess advanced skills in both radial and saphenous vein harvesting, with proficiency in utilizing the Maquet system. Experience assisting in robotic mitral procedures and endoscopic vessel harvesting is essential for this role. While experience in complex aortic cases, mechanical circulatory support, and organ transplantation is highly valued, it is not strictly required. The ideal applicant will demonstrate strong leadership qualities, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to fostering a supportive team environment that upholds the highest standards of patient safety and clinical excellence.
Los Angeles, CA, offers a vibrant urban environment, access to leading medical institutions, and a diverse patient population, making it an outstanding location to advance your career in cardiothoracic surgery. The medical center is committed to supporting the professional growth and well-being of its employees, offering a comprehensive salary and benefits package that reflects the value of experienced advanced practice providers in this field.
This is a unique opportunity to join an innovative cardiac surgery program, take on meaningful leadership responsibilities, and make a tangible difference in patient outcomes. If you are a motivated, experienced physician assistant ready to advance your career as a Lead Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant, we invite you to apply by clicking the job application button below.
Lead Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) - Summary- Leadership position within a major academic medical center's cardiothoracic surgery program
- Blend of clinical (OR and inpatient) and administrative responsibilities
- Direct supervision and mentorship of a multidisciplinary team of NPs and PAs
- Full-time role with 12-hour shifts, including nights and weekends on rotation
- Serve as lead advanced practice provider in the cardiothoracic surgery department
- Supervise and mentor a team of 16 NPs and PAs, providing guidance and support
- Participate in approximately 60% of work hours as first and second assist in the OR
- Perform radial and saphenous vein harvesting using the Maquet system
- Assist with robotic mitral valve procedures and endoscopic vessel harvesting
- Cover both operating room and inpatient floor responsibilities
- Contribute to administrative and leadership activities (10-20% of role)
- Participate in weekend, night, and holiday coverage rotations
- Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff to optimize patient care
- Engage in quality improvement and education initiatives within the department
- Competitive salary range: $160,160 - $260,000
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance packages
- Matching 403B retirement plan
- Relocation assistance available
- Additional benefits to support professional and personal well-being
- Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), current licensure required
- Significant experience in cardiothoracic surgery, with demonstrated expertise in radial and saphenous vein harvesting using Maquet
- Proficient in robotic mitral and endoscopic vessel harvesting
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Flexibility to cover varied shifts, including nights and weekends
- Proactive leader with a collaborative approach to team management
- Strong clinical skills in cardiothoracic surgery, including vessel harvesting and robotic assistance
- Experience with complex aortic cases, mechanical circulatory support, and organ transplants is a plus
- Committed to delivering high-quality patient care and supporting team development
- Adaptable to evolving clinical and administrative demands in an academic medical setting
- The medical center is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities are available.
- Comprehensive onboarding and mentorship programs offered for new hires.
- Relocation support provided for qualified candidates.
If you are ready to take the next step in your career as a Lead Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C), apply now by clicking the job application button. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and innovation in cardiothoracic surgery.