Cardiothoracic Surgical Physician Assistant
Company: WMCHealth
Location: Valhalla
Posted on: January 22, 2026
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Job Description:
Distinguishing Features of the Class: Under supervision of
attending physician(s) and in accordance with New York State laws
and Hospital Board regulations, an incumbent in this class provides
medical and surgical care in the division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
of Westchester Medical Center. General responsibilities include
examining patients, formulating diagnoses and developing a
treatment plan for patients, performing technical, clinical and
surgical procedures, documenting patient progress and surgical
care. In addition, an incumbent in this classification will perform
saphenous vein harvests, place and remove chest tubes and
catheters, intubate and extubate patients and place and remove
central lines and arterial lines. A registered Physician Assistant
may write prescriptions and medical orders, however, if employed at
Westchester Medical Center, prescriptions must be counter-signed by
an attending physician within 24 hours. Does related work as
required. Examples of Work: (Illustrative Only) Assists surgeons in
the operating room, performing technical clinical procedures such
as surgical insertion of catheters, placement and removal of chest
tubes, placing central lines, etc.; Performs history and physical
examinations, and requests and analyzes laboratory data to assess
patients needs and prepare the best medical treatment plan in
accordance with accepted medical practices; Documents patient
progress and care to communicate information to other health care
providers and ensure an accurate record of activity in compliance
with established regulations; Interprets wave form and evaluates
chest x-rays; Evaluates post-operative patients after discharge and
provides patients with medical assistance and counseling under
attending physician(s) supervision; Writes orders for diagnostic
studies, fluids and medications, under the supervision of the
attending physician(s), and submits orders for countersignature by
attending physician within 24 hours; Keeps abreast of advancements
in the surgical care field, attends case conferences and seminars,
conducts rounds and continues education; Assists surgeon in the
operating room and performs saphenous vein harvest and closing of
chest and skin; Removes invasive lines, including LA lines and
pacing wires placed perioperatively; May lecture to residents and
medical students as part of formal training and precepts junior
staff in this surgical setting; Required Knowledge, Skills,
Abilities and Attributes: Thorough knowledge of clinical surgical
practices and procedures for cardiothoracic patients; good
knowledge of medical therapeutic practices; good knowledge of
hematologic system, anti coagulation and management of
post-operative hemostasis, hemodynamics and management of ion
cardiac output; skill in specialized surgical techniques; ability
to make accurate medical diagnoses; ability to communicate well and
relate to patients; ability to work well with physicians and other
health care providers; ability to effectively use computer
applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar,
e-mail and database software in performing work assignments;
ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in
English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the
position; manual dexterity; sound professional judgment; integrity;
physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience: Must possess a valid
license and current registration issued by the New York State
Education Department as a Physician Assistant or as a Specialist
Assistant, and three years of experience as a licensed Physician
Assistant where the primary function of the position was providing
medical care to patients, two years of which must have been in a
cardiothoracic surgical setting.
Keywords: WMCHealth, Allentown , Cardiothoracic Surgical Physician Assistant, Healthcare , Valhalla, Pennsylvania
