Physician Assistant (Orthopaedic Surgery)

The Johns Hopkins Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is seeking an Orthopaedic Oncology Physician Assistant who will work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary orthopedic surgical oncology team and under the direction, supervision and responsibility of a physician, and in accordance with established policies, evaluates patient's health status through diagnostic procedures and tests. Provide therapeutic patient care under direction of a physician and in accordance with established protocols.

Specific

Duties & Responsibilities

Interview patients and compiles patient medical histories to assist in determination of health status. Perform physical examinations of patients, noting normal and abnormal findings. Obtain specimens from patients and runs routine laboratory tests and procedures, performs diagnostic tests, orders non-routine laboratory tests or procedures as required. Analyze and evaluates patient history, physical examination findings and laboratory values, and makes preliminary diagnosis of patients for review by physician. Develop care/treatment plan for patient according to established protocols and procedures; confers and consults with supervisory physician and other professionals before implementing treatment. Perform procedures as required such as starting I.V. lines, applying plaster casts, traction and splints, assisting in placement of tubes, and suturing cuts and wounds. Prepare patient for surgery by shaving, scrubbing and draping surgical field following sterile techniques. Insert monitoring equipment such as urinary catheters and temperature probes. Assist physicians during surgical procedures. Write post-operative orders which include laboratory tests, medications, and care plans according to established procedure and protocol, for review by physician. May attend medical rounds with physician or members of medical staff to monitor patient progress, and provide information to staff on patient's care plan, condition and progress of patient. Provide education and guidance to patients and family members in maintaining good health, disease prevention and home care under supervision of a physician. Attends regularly scheduled continuing education programs to ensure current knowledge of procedures and health care plans and protocols. Attend outpatient clinics and assists with patient management. Facilitate communication between own team and other consulting medical services. Requests consultations with other departments, as necessary. Acts as liaison with other medical services (social work, rehabilitation medicine, etc.). Provide first or second assist in operating room, as required. Remove and/or reinforce sutures. Evaluates wounds, changes dressings and performs wound care.

Minimum Qualifications