Clinical Coordinator III - PA

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Mon - Fri (9am - 5pm)
• Building: Columbia University Medical Center
• Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000

Position Summary

The Physician Assistant (PA) will work under the supervision of attending plastic surgeons to provide comprehensive care across the continuum, including preoperative evaluation, intraoperative assistance, postoperative management, outpatient follow-up, and minor in-office procedures. The Physician Assistant conducts medical history and physical examinations, establishes a presumptive diagnosis, and performs a general work-up, including ordering appropriate laboratory tests. They are responsible for managing the patient's medical issues following the diagnosis, working under supervision. The PA will play a vital role in optimizing patient outcomes and supporting clinical, surgical, and educational functions within the Plastic Surgery division. Furthermore, they may assist medical staff with pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative surgical procedures, as well as contribute to research projects in their assigned area.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough histories and physical examinations for plastic surgery patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Formulate differential diagnoses and recommend diagnostic testing in consultation with supervising plastic surgeons.
• Participate in preoperative planning, risk assessment and surgical clearance processes.
• Document clinical evaluations and submit pre-op orders in preparation for surgery.
• Provide pre-operative follow up visits to ensure all patients questions are answered.

• Serve as first or second assist in the operating room, including flap procedures, breast reconstruction, aesthetic procedures, and complex wound closures.
• Perform intraoperative tasks such as retraction, hemostasis, dissection, and suturing, skin closure as directed by the attending surgeon.
• Monitor the patient's status during surgery and communicate intraoperative findings to the surgical team.

• Conduct daily rounds, assess wound healing, remove drains and sutures, and identify early signs of complications.
• Provide post-op instructions and patient education, both in person and via telehealth as needed.
• Manage inpatient consults and coordinate care with other specialties, nursing staff, and ancillary services.

• Perform and assist with in-office procedures such as wound debridement, minor excisions, suture removal, dressing changes, and scar management.
• Evaluate post-operative progress, manage complications, and adjust treatment plans per protocols or under attending supervision.
• Provide continuity of care through detailed clinical documentation and follow-up coordination.
• Assist in rooming patients during clinics when needed Procedures & Emergency Management

Procedures & Emergency Management

• Initiate emergency interventions when necessary, until the arrival of a physician.
• Initiate with add on surgical procedures.

• Educate patients and families regarding diagnosis, surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and long-term care plans.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately, ensuring patient understanding and satisfaction.

• Collaborate with plastic surgery attendings, residents, nursing, and allied health staff to ensure high-quality, efficient patient care.
• Participate in the education and training of medical students and residents during clinics and surgical procedures.
• Attend plastic surgery conferences, case discussions, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Support clinical research by collecting data, reviewing charts, and contributing to outcomes studies and quality improvement projects.
• Prepare and dictate detailed operative notes, discharge summaries, and consult documentation.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervising physician or division chief.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited AMA CAHEA approved Physician Assistant education program
• Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience
• 3-5 years of related experience

Minimum licensing/certifications required upon start date:

• NCCPA Board Certification
• Current NYS PA License
• BLS Certification
• DEA Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred
• ACLS Certification preferred

Other Requirements

Qualifications for Candidates include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ability to perform comprehensive history and physical examination.
• Ability to manage and coordinate a patient caseload.
• Work within a collaborative agreement/protocols with a physician and health care team.
• Demonstrate leadership ability to manage patients and interact effectively with peers and physicians.
• Intermediate MS Office skills
• Must be able to complete systems training requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.