Physician Assistant

**General Summary**

The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for delivery of quality medical care to patients of the Health Center and functions as a member of the multi-disciplinary health care team within the scope of his or her PA practice.

**Primary Responsibilities**

3\. Maintains professional courtesy at all times.

• Provides medical services, but only as delegated by a supervising physician.
• Maintains medical expertise and competency (to include age specific competency) as well as demonstrates thorough knowledge of procedures to deliver quality primary medical care.
• Provides age-appropriate pediatric patient care, incorporating physical wellness exams according to the established Texas Health Steps Periodicity Schedule and provides appropriate care for pediatric illnesses and conditions.
• Provides medical visits, as scheduled, in direct patient care at clinic site, including extended hours clinics.
• Provides a minimum of three thousand two hundred (3,200) medical encounters for the contract year and provides services equaling to at least forty (40) hours per week in the clinic.
• Examines, diagnoses, and treats patients, on an out-patient basis (as per individual employment contract); prescribes pharmaceuticals, other medications, and treatment regimens as appropriate for assessed medical conditions.
• Refers patients for appropriate specialty care services, lab and x-ray and any other ancillary services that are appropriate for patient’s disease management and care. Reviews all lab and x-ray reports for patients under his/her care in a timely manner as per established Health Center policy and makes medical management decisions appropriately. Follows appropriate standards of care for each patient.
• Provides continuity of care to Health Center patients as assigned.
• Maintains a health record for each patient and completes patient visit documentation in a timely manner in accordance with the Health Center established Health Record Completion Policy.
• Leads the health care team in identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing patient and family needs to develop a plan of care.
• Educates patients and caregivers regarding preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment plans and provides relevant resources as necessary.
• Participates in health promotion, education and/or prevention programs as needed.
• Attends and participates in clinic meetings/departmental meetings and other clinic functions as required by the Health Center.
• Provides Basic Life Support services as indicated for emergency situations in the Health Center.
• Provides clinical oversight under the supervision of the Medical Director.
• Assumes accountability for delegating, directing, and supervising patient care activities. Trains, mentors and supervises students and support staff engaged in activities and procedures, as appropriate.
• Participates in quality improvement projects and activities directed for continuous quality improvement and risk management purposes.
• Participates in the review and development of patient care policies, protocols, including health maintenance schedules, and standing orders.
• Implements the plans, procedures and protocols for the medical team.
• Serves as a resource and positive, proactive leader for the department.
• Maintains competency with current health care trends, standards of care, and clinical research that impacts medical practice.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

**Required Preferred**

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of advanced principles of health promotion and prevention
• Knowledge of protocols in general and an ability to quickly gain specific knowledge of the Health Center’s current operational protocols
• Knowledge of medical terminology and appropriate abbreviations
• Knowledge of the Texas Medical Practice Act and Texas Medical Board regulations pertinent to Physician Assistants
• Ability to document, with clarity, all information relevant to a patient’s needs
• Ability to effectively present information in small group settings to patients, Health Center staff, and the general public
• Ability to use office equipment including but not limited to computers, fax machines, telephones and copiers

Education/Certifications/Licensure

**Required Preferred**

• Degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program
• Current unrestricted license from the Texas Physician Assistant Board to practice as a Physician Assistant in the State of Texas
• Annual continuing medical education as required by the Texas Physician Assistant Board
• Must be registered and have current DEA, DPS, and other certificates to legally operate as a practitioner in the State of Texas
• One (1) year of practice experience providing direct patient care
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Healthcare Professionals Certification

**Physical Requirements**

If a preliminary offer of employment is extended, a physical will be required before the offer can be accepted.

**Required Preferred**

• The employee must be able to lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.
• Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye/hand coordination.
• Requires sitting, standing, and walking for extensive periods of time.
• Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.
• Requires frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a clinic environment.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work with a moderate noise level in the work environment is required.