Physican Assistant - Surgery

• Meeting with surgeon and patient after preop testing is complete to review and discuss surgical options. Will need to use the ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) and MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) risk calculator for each patient to assist with counseling of the patient.
• Developing, scheduling, facilitating, and managing of post-operative and pre-operative classes/support groups. These classes will include but are not limited to Overview of Bariatric Surgery, Coping Skills, Educational Classes, etc., in conjunction with social worker, nutritionist/dietitian, physical therapist and surgeon
• Collaborate on an ongoing basis with the MBS Director, clinic staff and physicians, promoting positive communication and the ability to problem solve at every level
• Strong communication skills as the bariatric coordinator will be collaborating and meeting with primary care physicians, psychologists, pharmacists, clinical nurses, social workers
• Provides patient/family or caregiver education and counseling in recognition and solution of physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental health problems
• Round on post-operative bariatric patients with the resident team and attending(s) and assist the resident/attending team with orders, discharge summaries, and follow-up
• Demonstrate knowledge of the quality improvement project goals that support outcomes and their association with coordination of care
• Manage accreditation criteria to ensure that the center meets expectations set forth by governing agencies
• Maintain and ensure compliance of all policies and procedures that guide and support the assigned services
• Work with the MBS director to anticipate and identify the needs of the center and creatively implement solutions to the problems
• Integrate evidence-based practice into programmatic improvements
• Functioning as a provider in the Bariatric Surgery Clinic
• Performing pre-operative History & Physicals and obtaining Informed Consent
• Coordinating and expediting necessary Non-VA/Community Care studies
• Coordinating and expediting VA studies and any necessary clearances
• Reviewing and answering all bariatric consults
• Meeting with all consult patients in person, establishing pre-op plan, complete consulting, ordering and following pre-op testing
• Following all results in a timely manner, communicating with the Bariatric Surgery MD and then relaying results to the patient
• Serving as a first or second assist in the operating room on Bariatric and General Surgery cases
• Attending all bariatric pre-op and post-op clinics in person
• Providing education and counseling to patients and family members

Paid Time Off:

• 26 Days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave
• 13 Days paid sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation
• 11 Federal holidays with pay annually
• 5 Days paid absence to attend approved CME courses

Insurance:

• Health Insurance: VA employees have an outstanding number of health insurance plans from which to choose (premiums are partially paid by VA) Lifetime Healthcare Insurance options available
• Dental & Vision: Our insurance options also include exceptional vision and dental plans (premiums are partially paid by VA)
• VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts, which allow you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan
• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are available with the cost shared by the Federal Government
• Long-term care insurance is available as an option

Federal Retirement Plan:

• VA employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan composed of 1) Social Security benefits, 2) FERS-RAE basic benefits (pension), and 3) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is a 401K-type plan
• How is the pension funded? VA employees automatically contribute 4.4% of their salary each pay period and the VA contributes 12.2% of the employee’s salary each pay period for a total annual contribution percentage equal to 16.6% of the employee’s salary
• Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer a portion of their income each year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. For calendar year 2020, employees under the age of 50 may contribute up to $19,500, while those over age 50 are eligible to make catch-up contributions that allow them to defer up to $25,500.
• The Federal Government also provides an automatic basic contribution (1% of salary) and up to 4% of salary in matching contributions, depending on the amount of the employee contribution
• For retired military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension
• In addition to FERS, VA provides health care insurance coverage for retired personnel
• Disability Retirement
• Employees are vested in a federal pension after only 5 years service

For over 50 years, VAMC Wilkes-Barre has been improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation. We consider it our privilege to serve your health care needs in any way we can. Services are available but not limited to Veterans living in 18 counties in Pennsylvania and one county in New York.