SUMMARY

Reports clinically to the Practice Site Physician(s) and administratively to the Practice Manager/Director. Under the direction of the physician(s) is responsible for the coordination and delivery of care for CTSIT patients. Educates patients regarding health promotion, illness prevention and disease management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinates and provides professional medical care for SJRMC patients:

� Assessing the patients� medical history and performing physical examinations, as appropriate for scope of service of a physician assistant.

� Evaluating and treating injuries within scope of practice for a physician assistant.

� Educating patients regarding health promotion, illness prevention and disease management.

� Documenting, coding and completing diagnosis of patient�s condition to facilitate appropriate insurance reimbursement.

2. Keeps abreast of all pertinent legislation and maintains clinical expertise:

� Attending and participating in related seminars, conferences and educational offerings.

� Reading current professional medical journals.

� Developing and maintaining affiliation with professional organizations.

3. Contributes to the overall effectiveness of assigned Baptist facility:

� Assisting in planning changes in clinic/office procedures to improve the quality and delivery of health care.

� Participating in Quality Improvement programs; monitoring quality and outcomes of care rendered.

� Assisting in development and compliance of clinical protocols, policies and procedures.

� Maintaining current knowledge of all pertinent legislation and relating to physicians and staff.

� Communicating with physicians to ensure the quality and timeliness for services rendered to patients.

� Completing other job related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Requires thorough and complete understanding of medical care practices, policies and procedures in order to function in area of Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgery.

2. Demonstrates high level of analytical ability necessary to assess patients and evaluate services rendered.

3. Demonstrates well developed interpersonal skills necessary to interact in a professional manner with patients and families, physicians and other health care professionals.

4. Demonstrates excellent communication skills, both oral and written to disseminate information in a clear, concise manner.

5. Demonstrates ability to function within legal boundaries of a Physician Assistant and utilize knowledge of governing statues and rules.

6. Requires the visual and manual dexterity and physical ability to meet the essential functions of the position. Such manual dexterity requires ability to perform independently procedures as defined by supervising physician that include, but not limited to:

� Conduit procurement for coronary artery bypass surgery including:
1. endoscopic and open saphenous vein harvest,
2. endoscopic and open radial artery harvest

� Arterial line placement (radial and femoral approach)

� Central line placement

� Pulmonary artery catheter placement and monitoring

� Thoracentesis

� Placement of, and removal of, intra-aortic balloon

� Placement and removal of chest tubes

And ability to competently first-assist in Cardiovascular and Thoracic operations that include:

� Coronary Bypass Surgery

� Valve Surgery

� Aortic Surgery: Ascending / Descending/ Abdominal

� Thoracic Surgery: Neoplastic / Non-neoplastic lung and esophageal disease

� Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Trauma

� Peripheral Vascular Surgery

The minimum number of procedures required for credentialing purposes will vary based on the judgment of the supervising physician, who bears ultimate responsibility for the outcome of all procedures.

7. Demonstrates knowledge of and a commitment to Tenet Physician Resource�s values of excellence, innovation, respect and efficiency.

Performance Review and Remediation Policy

1. Bi-annual performance review will be conducted with Section Head of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery with input from supervising physician(s).

2. In the event that duties and performance criteria are not met, opportunity for remediation as deemed by the Lead PA and Section Head of the Division will be recommended.

3. Failure to meet performance expectation, despite remediation attempts, will lead to termination of duties as recommended by consensus of Section Head of the Division, supervising staff physician(s), and lead PA to Human Resources at CTSIT. Termination proceedings will be handled by Tenet Physician Resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Must have successfully completed a Graduate Level, accredited Physician Assistant Program approved by AMA Board of Approval and Certification of PA programs.
• Must have 4 years of college level education and Bachelor�s degree or equivalent.

Certificate/Licensure:

� Certification by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

� Licensure or eligible for licensing as a Physician�s Assistant in the State of Indiana

• BLS
• ACLS