Physician Assistant (Plastic Surgery)

Summary

Position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Duties

• The Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) provides advanced clinical care in surgical, inpatient, outpatient, procedural, and perioperative environments within the Plastic Surgery Section. The PA functions as an independent licensed provider under the supervision of a credentialed Plastic Surgeon and in accordance with established VA policies, clinical practice guidelines, and privileging requirements. The PA supports patient evaluation, management, procedural care, care coordination, documentation, performance improvement, education, and clinical operations for Plastic Surgery clinics and minor procedure settings. Duties may include but are not limited to: Provides comprehensive evaluation of Plastic Surgery patients including history, physical examination, ordering/interpretation of diagnostic tests, and formulation of treatment plans. Performs pre-operative and post-operative assessments and communicates findings to supervising surgeons. Triages urgent and routine consults; ensures timely follow-up in accordance with VA access standards. Performs minor procedures such as wound care, suture removal, dressing changes, injections, cyst removal support, biopsies, and other procedures authorized under privileging. Assists Plastic Surgeons in clinic-based procedures. Ensures compliance with VHA Directives related to invasive procedures, informed consent, time-outs, safety checks, and documentation. Provides rounding support, progress notes, and discharge planning for Plastic Surgery inpatients. Coordinates perioperative instructions, risk stratification, and postoperative follow-up. Collaborates with nursing, schedulers, OR staff, other specialties, and administrative teams. Supports continuity of care through communication with Primary Care, Community Care, and other VA/Non-VA partners. Completes all clinical documentation (consults, encounters, procedures, progress notes, op-note co-signs as required) within VA timeliness standards (24-hour op-note compliance; 3-day note signature standard). Ensures consult closure, accurate coding, and compliance with Surgical Service documentation requirements. Reviews imaging, pathology, and lab results; communicates abnormal findings promptly. Participates in Section and Service meetings, contributing to operational improvements. Participates in educational conferences, mandatory training, VISN safety initiatives, and facility-wide competency programs. Adheres to VA policies regarding scope of practice, surgical safety, informed consent, infection prevention, equity of care, and professionalism. Conducts independent clinics (follow-ups, postoperative visits, minor procedures). Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm - As assigned by the Plastic Surgery Section; may include outpatient clinics, administrative time, procedure blocks, inpatient rounding, and occasional extended hours depending on service needs. Telework: Ad-Hoc - As determined by agency policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact ranetta.evans@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Physician Assistant Basic Requirements Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~ Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~ Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia. Preferred Experience: Prior surgical or procedural experience preferred; Plastic Surgery experience desirable. ACLS preferred. Grade Determinations: Physician Assistant - I(PA-I) (a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level PA. This practice may include, but is not limited to: i. Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. ii. Ability to perform patient history and physical. iii. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. iv. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. Physician Assistant - II (PA-II) (a) Experience and Education. The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below. Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving. Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by: i. Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency. OR iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II: i. Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. ii. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. iii. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. iv. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. v. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively. Physician Assistant - III (PA III) (a) Experience and Education. PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes. They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by: i. Three years of successful practice as a PA. OR ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs…

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.