Job Description

The Physician Assistant (PA) provides advanced clinical support to orthopaedic physicians by performing examinations, diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions, developing treatment plans, assisting in surgical procedures, and delivering patient education under the supervising physician’s direction. This position ensures high-quality, patient-centered care consistent with California’s Physician Assistant Practice Act, Medical Board of California guidelines, and organizational protocols.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This role requires a highly skilled, autonomous clinician with specialized knowledge in orthopaedics, sports medicine, trauma, spine, hand, total joints, or pain management. The PA works collaboratively with physicians and multidisciplinary teams and must demonstrate strong procedural competency, clinical judgment, and the ability to function efficiently in a fast-paced environment with diverse patient needs.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Obtain comprehensive patient histories, perform physical exams, and interpret diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, labs).
• Diagnose orthopaedic conditions and develop evidence-based treatment plans in coordination with the supervising physician.
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative patient evaluations, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
• Conduct in-office procedures within PA scope (e.g., joint injections, aspirations, splinting, casting, wound care, suture/staple removal).
• Perform first-assist duties in the operating room, including exposure, retraction, suturing, and closure.
• Support care across multiple subspecialties as needed (sports, trauma, adult reconstruction, spine, etc.).

Patient Education & Communication

• Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatment options, medications, and post-operative expectations.
• Communicate clinical updates clearly and timely to physicians, nursing staff, and care teams.
• Provide empathetic, culturally competent care aligned with California patient rights and privacy requirements.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document all encounters in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in accordance with organizational, CMS, and California regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate charting to support billing, coding, and medical necessity guidelines.
• Adhere to California PA supervising requirements, standardized procedures, and DEA/Board of Pharmacy regulations for prescribing.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, infection control protocols, and all clinic safety standards.

Operational Support

• Coordinate patient flow efficiently to reduce wait times and support clinic productivity.
• Review imaging, labs, referrals, and patient messages to prepare physicians for daily clinic.
• Participate in quality improvement, peer review, and performance initiatives.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current California PA License through the Physician Assistant Board.
• Current NCCPA certification.
• DEA registration (or eligible to obtain).
• BLS and ACLS certifications required; PALS preferred depending on specialty.
• Minimum 1–2 years’ experience in orthopaedics or a related surgical specialty preferred; new graduates with strong clinical rotations may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (SKAs)

• Thorough understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy, orthopaedic pathology, and surgical principles.
• Strong clinical evaluation, diagnostic, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with casting, splinting, injections, and other orthopaedic procedures.
• Ability to interpret imaging studies and correlate clinical findings.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and patient-care skills.
• Ability to function independently and collaboratively under standardized procedures.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency with EHR systems and documentation best practices.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and California patient-care regulations.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, and bending in a clinical and surgical environment.
• Ability to lift, position, or assist patients up to 50 lbs.
• Manual dexterity for procedures, suturing, and equipment handling.
• Visual acuity for reviewing imaging, charts, and surgical work.

Work Environment

• Clinical offices, procedure rooms, and operating rooms.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, radiologic equipment, and standard medical hazards.
• Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility and adaptability.
• Occasional travel to multiple clinic locations within the medical group.