Job Description

Physician Assistant/Surgical – First Assist, providing support to a Spine Surgeon

Location: Chester County Hospital

Organization: Premier Orthopaedics, in partnership with Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder

Overview

Premier Orthopaedics, in partnership with Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Physician Assistant to provide support to a Spine Surgeon at Chester County Hospital. As two of the region’s most respected providers of orthopedic and upper extremity care, we offer a collaborative, patient-focused environment that prioritizes clinical excellence, innovation, and ongoing professional development.

Schedule:

• Two twelve hour days in the Operating Room (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
• Two eight hour days for hospital rounding which includes general ortho and spine. (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM)

Position Summary

Responsible for providing comprehensive medical and surgical care as delegated by the supervising physician. The Physician Assistant functions as an integral member of the healthcare team, providing patient care in the hospital and operating room.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assesses patient health status, including state of wellness, compliance with a care plan, and determines appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Provides acute and chronic patient care, including obtaining medical histories, performing physical examinations, monitoring therapies, administering injections and medications, and suturing wounds.
• Triages patient calls and evaluates patient concerns, providing appropriate recommendations and follow-up.
• Responds to emergencies, including the use of CPR and other emergency interventions within the scope of practice.
• Documents patient information, assessments, treatment plans, and care provided in the electronic medical record while maintaining accurate patient statistics.
• Educates patients and their families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, surgical procedures, medications, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
• Provides continuity of care throughout the patient's treatment journey.

Surgical Responsibilities

• First assists physicians during surgical procedures in the operating room.
• Prepares patients for surgery by reviewing medical histories, imaging, laboratory results, and surgical plans.
• Performs pre-operative and post-operative patient assessments.
• Assists with patient positioning, sterile preparation, draping, and maintaining a sterile surgical field.
• Performs surgical first-assist duties including tissue handling, retraction, exposure, hemostasis, suctioning, wound irrigation, and use of surgical instrumentation.
• Closes surgical incisions using sutures, staples, skin adhesives, or other approved closure techniques as delegated by the surgeon.
• Applies surgical dressings, splints, braces, casts, and other immobilization devices as appropriate.
• Assists with fracture reductions, joint aspirations, injections, and other office-based or hospital procedures within scope of practice.
• Collaborates with anesthesia providers, operating room nurses, surgical technologists, and other perioperative staff to ensure safe and efficient patient care.
• Monitors patients for post-operative complications and communicates concerns promptly to the supervising physician.
• Participates in post-operative rounds, discharge planning, and coordination of follow-up care.
• Ensures compliance with infection prevention, patient safety, and regulatory standards throughout the perioperative process.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participates in hospital rounds and evaluates hospitalized patients.
• Responds to patient calls received after hours and on weekends, as required by the practice.
• Consults and collaborates with physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, therapists, nursing staff, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and complies with all HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned that are consistent with the role of a Physician Assistant and within the scope of licensure and certification.

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Active and unrestricted Pennsylvania Physician Assistant (or eligibility to obtain).

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year as a Physician Assistant with Spine OR Experience.
• Familiarity with Athena or other EMR systems preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary plus bonus potential based on productivity
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans
• 100% employer-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer Safe Harbor contribution and additional discretionary profit sharing
• Benefits are effective on your hire date (for full-time employees)
• Generous paid sick and vacation time
• 7 paid holidays annually
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Employee referral reward program

About Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder

Premier Orthopaedics and Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center (PHSC) are leading providers of comprehensive musculoskeletal care throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Premier Orthopaedics delivers expert treatment for orthopedic injuries, joint disease, interventional spine care, regenerative medicine, and comprehensive physical therapy services, supported by more than 170 providers across 50+ locations. Facilities include state-of-the-art MRI centers, outpatient surgery centers, physical therapy clinics, and orthopedic urgent care centers.

Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center (PHSC), a division of Premier Orthopaedics, has been nationally recognized for more than 50 years for its specialized care of the hand, wrist, elbow, arm, and shoulder. Our fellowship-trained surgeons and certified Hand and Occupational Therapists collaborate to provide seamless care—from diagnosis and treatment to post-operative and rehabilitative recovery. With 10+ convenient locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, PHSC offers advanced, integrated care to restore function, mobility, and quality of life for patients with upper extremity conditions.