PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (ORTHOPEDICS) Job in Saint Louis, MO

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The Orthopedic Physician Assistant (PA) in both the Inpatient Surgical Unit and Outpatient Clinical Care is a key member of the orthopedic surgical care team responsible for providing advanced clinical care to patients with musculoskeletal conditions. The PA operates under the supervision of the attending orthopedic surgeons and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

1. Clinical Assessment and Management (Inpatient and Outpatient):
   • Conduct comprehensive physical examinations and obtain detailed medical histories of patients.
   • Perform preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative evaluations.
   • Order, review, and interpret diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and laboratory results.
   • Develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans in collaboration with the supervising orthopedic surgeon.
   • Prescribe medications and other forms of treatment as appropriate.
2. Surgical Assistance:
   • Assist in orthopedic surgeries, including joint replacements, fracture fixations, and other musculoskeletal procedures.
   • Perform technical surgical tasks such as suturing, wound closure, and application of immobilization devices under the direction of the surgeon.
   • Ensure sterile techniques and patient safety protocols are maintained during surgical procedures.
3. Inpatient Care (Surgical Inpatient Unit):
   • Manage and monitor patients in the inpatient surgical unit, ensuring timely assessment and interventions in response to patient needs.
   • Perform bedside procedures such as joint aspirations, wound care, and casting/splinting.
   • Coordinate with nursing and ancillary staff to facilitate patient care and discharge planning.
   • Manage postoperative care, including pain management, rehabilitation protocols, and monitoring for complications.
4. Inpatient Rounds:
   • Conduct daily inpatient rounds to assess patient progress, address new or ongoing concerns, and modify treatment plans as necessary.
   • Collaborate with the orthopedic surgical team, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers during rounds to ensure cohesive patient care.
   • Document patient progress, treatment modifications, and care plans promptly and accurately in the electronic health record system.
   • Communicate effectively with patients and their families to provide updates on patient status and answer any questions or concerns.
5. Discharge Planning:
   • Develop comprehensive discharge plans in collaboration with the healthcare team, ensuring that patients are appropriately prepared for discharge.
   • Provide patients and caregivers with detailed instructions on postoperative care, medication management, wound care, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments.
   • Coordinate with outpatient services, home healthcare, and rehabilitation facilities as needed to ensure a seamless transition from inpatient to outpatient care.
   • Address and mitigate potential barriers to discharge, such as medication access, transportation, and home support.
6. Outpatient Clinical Care:
   • Conduct outpatient clinics to diagnose, treat, and manage common orthopedic conditions, such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders.
   • Perform minor procedures in the outpatient setting, such as joint injections, aspirations, and casting.
   • Educate patients on preoperative and postoperative care, including rehabilitation exercises, activity modifications, and lifestyle changes.
   • Follow up on post-surgical patients to monitor recovery progress and address any ongoing concerns.
   • Coordinate outpatient referrals and consultations with other medical specialties as needed.
   • Ensure continuity of care through comprehensive documentation and communication with primary care providers and other specialists.
7. Education and Counseling:
   • Educate patients and their families about medical conditions, surgical procedures, postoperative care, and rehabilitation.
   • Provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, exercise regimens, and injury prevention strategies.
   • Participate in the education and training of medical students, residents, and other healthcare providers.
8. Documentation and Compliance:
   • Maintain accurate and timely medical records in the electronic health record system.
   • Ensure compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
   • Participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to clinical research projects as appropriate.
9. Professional Development:
   • Engage in continuing medical education activities to stay updated with advancements in orthopedic care.
   • Attend departmental meetings, conferences, and workshops to enhance professional knowledge and skills.
   • Contribute to the development and implementation of clinical protocols and guidelines.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/16/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12751802.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.