Physician Assistant, PECAN Program

Under the direct supervision of a physician, the Physician Assistant is responsible for the assessment and management of medical patients including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, development of appropriate plans of care and ongoing evaluation.

Assesses patient health by interviewing patients and performing physical examination (including obtaining, updating, and studying medical histories). Develops a problem list, differential diagnosis and treatment. Recommends options and courses of action for patient care. Composes visit letter and routes to Attending Physician. Determines abnormal conditions by administering or ordering diagnostic test, such as X-rays and laboratory studies and by interpreting test results. Answers patient phone calls with initial input from attending MD or other APP staff. Implements physician directives. Completes prior authorizations Performs therapeutic procedures by administering injections and immunizations, suturing, and managing wounds and infections. Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols. Complies with federal, state, and local legal and professional requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; and enforcing adherence to requirements and advising management on needed actions. Participates in continuing education, quality assessment, medical rounds, conferences and research studies. Keeps abreast of advances in patient care. IF on the in-patient service:Rounds with team,Evaluates patients and writes note for attending signature,Assists with hospital to home transition -discharge planning.

Demonstrates core knowledge about established and evolving medical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care in their area of practice. Demonstrates an investigatory and analytic thinking approach to clinical situations Demonstrates interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, their families, physicians, professional associates, and the health care system. Demonstrates care that is effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of wellness. Knows their professional and personal limitations. Demonstrates a high level of responsibility, ethical practice, sensitivity to a diverse patient population and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Assesses, evaluates and improves their patient care practices. Demonstrates an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide optimal patient care. Analytical skills to resolve highly complex problems requiring the application of clinical, scientific or technical principles, theories and concepts and in depth, cross functional experienced based knowledge. Communication skills to effectively deal with conflicting views or issues and mediate fair solutions, or well developed writing skills.