Physician Assistant - Orthopedic Surgery (Non-Operative/Inpatient)

About Us

Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.

Our Core Values are:

• We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
• We never settle by constantly striving for better.
• We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
• We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:

• Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
• 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
• Tuition Reimbursement
• PTO accrual beginning Day 1

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.

Job Summary

This is a non-operative orthopedic surgery role focused exclusively on inpatient pre-operative and post-operative patient management and does not include first assist or operating room responsibilities.

The PA Surgical Specialty - Non-Operative Orthopedic Surgery is a licensed, certified, non-physician healthcare provider. They render direct patient care and have delegated prescriptive authority. They are credentialed, privileged, and billed as an independent provider, recognized by Medicare and Medicaid. The Advanced Practice Provider provides medical care based on the scope of practice set by the supervising physician.

The Physician Assistant provides comprehensive inpatient orthopedic care with a primary focus on pre-operative evaluations, post-operative management, inpatient rounding, care coordination, discharge planning, and patient education. The provider works closely with orthopedic surgeons, hospitalists, nursing staff, therapists, and case management teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes and continuity of care throughout hospitalization.

Essential Functions of the Role

• Assesses the physical and mental condition of patients by performing and obtaining comprehensive or problem-focused physical examinations and medical histories.
• Performs pre-operative evaluations including surgical history reviews, physical assessments, risk stratification, and surgical readiness assessments.
• Orders, collects, interprets, and evaluates laboratory and other diagnostic tests to assess patient problems and healthcare needs.
• Prescribes or recommends medical drug therapies or other treatments. Performs procedures following approved policies, focusing on efficacy, safety, and cost.
• Formulates and implements patient treatment plans based on assessments and evidence-based medicine. Collaborates with physicians and team members when needed. Evaluates patient response to care and its effectiveness.
• Counsels patients and families about orthopedic diagnoses, surgical procedures, recovery expectations, medication management, rehabilitation protocols, and health promotion.
• Maintains appropriate records detailing the patient's treatment plans and outcomes. Initiates timely consultation and referral when the problem exceeds scope of practice or expertise.
• Provides consultation level services for conditions and problems related to Orthopedic Surgery and the Provider's level of experience and training.
• Manages orthopedic surgery patients throughout their inpatient hospitalization, including admission, post-operative management, discharge planning, and transition of care activities.
• Performs daily inpatient rounding on orthopedic surgery patients and collaborates with the multidisciplinary care team to optimize outcomes.
• Performs invasive procedures specific to scope of practice and provider's level of expertise as delegated by supervising Physician.
• Assists with discharge planning, care coordination, rehabilitation recommendations, and transition of care services.
• May be required to perform patient care duties beyond regular schedule based on coverage needs of the department.

Key Success Factors

• Knowledge of information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive healthcare measures.
• Knowledge of practices, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of orthopedic conditions.
• Knowledge of pre-operative and post-operative orthopedic patient management.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills.
• Skill in the use of computers and related software applications.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive outcomes-based patient treatment plans.
• Ability to counsel patients concerning orthopedic conditions, treatment plans, surgical procedures, and recovery expectations.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate laboratory studies, imaging results, and other diagnostic tests.
• Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the state of Texas.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire or transfer.
• Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Belonging Statement

We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.