• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Mon - Fri (9am - 5pm)
• Building: Columbia University Medical Center
• Salary Range: $130,000.00 - $145,000.00

Position Summary

The Physician Assistant (PA) will work under the supervision of attending plastic surgeons to provide comprehensive care across the continuum, including preoperative evaluation, intraoperative assistance, postoperative management, outpatient follow-up, and minor in-office procedures. The Physician Assistant conducts medical history and physical examinations, establishes a presumptive diagnosis, and performs a general work-up, including ordering appropriate laboratory tests. They are responsible for managing the patient’s medical issues following the diagnosis, working under supervision and occasional travel to off-site locations. The PA will play a vital role in optimizing patient outcomes and supporting clinical, surgical, and educational functions within the Plastic Surgery division. Furthermore, they may assist medical staff with pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative surgical procedures, as well as contribute to research projects in their assigned area.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough histories and physical examinations for plastic surgery patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Formulate differential diagnoses and recommend diagnostic testing in consultation with supervising plastic surgeons.
• Participate in preoperative planning, risk assessment, and surgical clearance processes.
• Document clinical evaluations and submit pre-op orders in preparation for surgery.
• Serve as first or second assist in the operating room, including flap procedures, breast reconstruction, aesthetic procedures, and complex wound closures including off site locations.
• Perform intraoperative tasks such as retraction, hemostasis, dissection, and suturing, skin closure as directed by the attending surgeon.
• Monitor the patient’s status during surgery and communicate intraoperative findings to the surgical team.
• Conduct daily rounds, assess wound healing, remove drains and sutures, and identify early signs of complications.
• Provide post-op instructions and patient education, both in person and via telehealth as needed.
• Manage inpatient consults and coordinate care with other specialties, nursing staff, and ancillary services.
• Perform and assist with in-office procedures such as wound debridement, minor excisions, suture removal, dressing changes, and scar management.
• Evaluate post-operative progress, manage complications, and adjust treatment plans per protocols or under attending supervision.
• Provide continuity of care through detailed clinical documentation and follow-up coordination.
• Initiate emergency interventions when necessary, until the arrival of a physician.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnosis, surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and long-term care plans.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately, ensuring patient understanding and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with plastic surgery attendings, residents, nursing, and allied health staff to ensure high-quality, efficient patient care.
• Participate in the education and training of medical students and residents during clinics and surgical procedures.
• Attend plastic surgery conferences, case discussions, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support clinical research by collecting data, reviewing charts, and contributing to outcomes studies and quality improvement projects.
• Prepare and dictate detailed operative notes, discharge summaries, and consult documentation.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervising physician or division chief.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced Degree from Accredited AMA CAHEA Approved Physician Assistant Program.
• Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus five years of related experience.
• Intermediate MS Office Skills.
• Must be able to successfully complete systems training requirements. 

Minimum licensing/ certification required upon start date:

• BLS Certification.
• DEA Certification.
• Physician Assistant applicants must have a degree from an accredited; AMA CAHEA approved Physician Assistant Program, as well as be board certified.

Preferred Qualifications

• ACLS certification preferred.
• Master's Degree preferred.

Other Requirements

Qualifications for Candidates include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ability to perform comprehensive history and physical examination.
• Ability to manage and coordinate a patient caseload.
• Work within a collaborative agreement/protocol with a physician and health care team.
• Demonstrate leadership ability to manage patients and interact effectively with peers and physicians.
• Occasional travel to off-site locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.