Physician Assistant

Local Hospital – San Antonio, Texas

Position Summary

The Physician Assistant provides comprehensive medical care to patients across multiple hospital departments under the supervision of attending physicians. This position involves direct patient care, diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and coordination of care in both inpatient and emergency department settings. The role requires expertise in acute care medicine and the ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams in a busy urban hospital environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Conduct comprehensive medical histories and physical examinations for hospitalized patients
• Evaluate and manage acute medical conditions including chest pain, shortness of breath, infections, and post-operative complications
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests including laboratory work, imaging studies, and EKGs
• Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with supervising physicians
• Perform procedures including wound care, suturing, joint injections, lumbar punctures, and central line placements
• Document patient encounters, treatment plans, and progress notes in electronic health records

Emergency Department Coverage

• Provide initial evaluation and stabilization of emergency patients
• Manage lower-acuity emergency cases including minor trauma, infections, and chronic disease exacerbations
• Collaborate with emergency physicians on complex cases requiring admission or specialty consultation
• Perform emergency procedures including wound repair, splinting, and basic life support interventions
• Communicate effectively with patients and families regarding treatment plans and discharge instructions

Inpatient Management

• Round on hospitalized patients and adjust treatment plans based on clinical progress
• Coordinate care with specialists, nursing staff, case managers, and ancillary services
• Facilitate timely discharges and appropriate follow-up care arrangements
• Participate in code blue responses and rapid response team activations
• Provide consultation to other hospital departments as requested

Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete accurate and timely documentation for billing and regulatory compliance
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and patient safety programs
• Attend departmental meetings, medical staff meetings, and continuing education programs
• Precept physician assistant and nurse practitioner students as assigned
• Maintain professional licensure and continuing medical education requirements

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current Texas state licensure as a Physician Assistant
• National certification by NCCPA (PA-C)
• BLS and ACLS certification required, PALS preferred
• Minimum 1-2 years of hospital or emergency medicine experience preferred
• Bilingual Spanish/English capabilities strongly preferred for San Antonio patient population

Preferred:

• Previous experience in emergency medicine, internal medicine, or hospital medicine
• Familiarity with Epic or other major electronic health record systems
• Advanced procedural skills including central line placement, chest tube insertion
• Experience with ventilator management and critical care procedures
• DEA license for controlled substance prescribing

Clinical Competencies:

• Advanced assessment skills for acute and chronic medical conditions
• Proficiency in common hospital procedures and emergency interventions
• Knowledge of evidence-based medicine and clinical guidelines
• Understanding of hospital quality metrics and patient safety initiatives
• Ability to manage multiple complex patients simultaneously

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work 12-hour shifts with extended periods of standing and walking
• Manual dexterity for performing medical procedures and examinations
• Physical stamina to respond to emergency situations and code blue calls
• Ability to lift and position patients up to 50 pounds with assistance
• Visual and auditory acuity adequate for patient assessment and monitoring

Work Environment

• Fast-paced hospital setting with critically ill patients
• Exposure to infectious diseases and bodily fluids with appropriate precautions
• High-stress environment requiring quick decision-making capabilities
• 24/7 hospital operations with rotating shift coverage
• Collaborative interdisciplinary team environment
• Electronic health record system integration throughout workflow

Schedule and Coverage

• Full-time position: 36-40 hours per week
• 12-hour shifts (days: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM, nights: 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
• Rotating weekends and holiday coverage required
• Call schedule for emergency department and inpatient coverage
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate continuing education and professional development

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary range
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Paid time off: 3-4 weeks annually plus holidays
• Continuing medical education allowance
• Professional membership and licensure fee reimbursement

Additional Benefits

• Loan forgiveness programs for qualifying educational debt
• Internal career advancement opportunities
• Mentorship programs with experienced physicians
• Access to hospital educational resources and medical library
• Employee wellness programs and fitness facilities
• Parking and meal allowances

Professional Development Opportunities

• Continuing medical education support for conferences and training
• Leadership development programs
• Research and quality improvement project participation
• Specialty certification pursuit (emergency medicine, hospital medicine)
• Teaching opportunities with PA and medical students

San Antonio Community Advantages

• Diverse, multicultural patient population providing rich clinical experience
• Strong healthcare network with multiple specialty services and referral options
• Growing medical community with excellent professional networking opportunities
• Vibrant city with rich cultural heritage, excellent dining, and entertainment options
• Family-friendly community with excellent schools and recreational facilities
• No state income tax in Texas

This position offers an excellent opportunity to provide comprehensive medical care in a dynamic hospital environment while serving the diverse San Antonio community. The role provides excellent clinical experience, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient care in South Texas.