Under supervision of a licensed physician, provides patient care for FPI practices. Performs professional duties and technical procedures of the particular area of specialty to provide health care services, such as, operative procedures, suturing, and injections. Makes initial diagnosis and order appropriate tests and treatment. Assists in surgery where applicable.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

* Graduation from a Physician Assistant Training Program approved by the Board of Physician Quality Assurance is required

* National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) required

* Licensure by Maryland State Board of Physicians as a Physician's Assistant is required

* Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification is required

* Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her age specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Regularly visits pre- and post-operative patients, independently or with attending physician and/or students, to monitor patient progress in accordance with Medical System policies and procedures and generally accepted professional practice and JCAHO standards.

2. Rounds on inpatients to monitor patient progress in accordance with policies and procedures; relays any problems or concerns to physician. Writes progress notes in patient charts indicating patient status and treatment or procedures performed.

3. Orders laboratory tests, x-rays and special tests and dressing changes.

4. Reviews patient records to determine health status.

5. Notifies attending physician on call, house physician on call or supervising physician (or surgeon) regarding any unusual or unexpected events or problems requiring direct physician consultation.

6. Writes orders, including those of narcotics, stimulants and depressant drugs as necessary.

7. Assists in the preoperative planning and documentation in keeping with protocols. Duties include obtaining necessary clinical photography, measurement and construction of frame prior to surgery. Collects bone measurement data and records for future reference and research purposes.

8. Interviews patients for health history and performs physical examinations. Obtains thorough medical histories to include allergies, past medical conditions, current meds review of systems, family history, social history, present illness and performing complete physical examinations of patients according to established procedures and schedules.

9. Answer patient calls promptly; researches, investigates and resolves patient problems to the satisfaction of the patient and the physician. Alerts the appropriate medical personnel regarding patient problems as needed.