The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center is recruiting for one candidate to serve as the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator. The position will have a major responsibility to ensure Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Standards are observed. This Physician Assistant position will be responsible for collateral responsibilities in regard to the American College of Surgeons facility Accredited Programs.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Physician Assistant Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Certification: Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) Licensure: PA's must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. PA's must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State. English Language Proficiency: PAs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). Education: Graduate of a training program which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of PA (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations. Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following: Master's degree in any discipline; OR Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a PA. TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Grade and Step determinations of the selected applicant will be determined by the appropriate Physician Assistant Professional Standards Board and will be based on the selected individuals education and experience. Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PA's Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level PA. This practice may include, but is not limited to: Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care Ability to perform patient history and physical Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) Experience and Education: The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below. Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving. Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by: Two years of successful practice as a PA OR Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, US Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency OR A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the US Department of Education. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II: Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) Experience and Education: PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes. They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by: Three years of successful practice as a PA OR Successful completion of a PA post graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, US Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency AND one year of professional practice as a PA Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-III: Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE) Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is PA-III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of PA-I to PA-III. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 lbs; light lifting, under 15 lbs; moderate carrying, 15-44 lbs; reaching above shoulders; use of fingers; both hands required; walking 6-8 hours; standing 6-8 hours; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted) min 15/20 one ear and mental and emotional stability required.
Major Duties and Responsibilities: Meeting with surgeon and patient after preop testing is complete to review and discuss surgical options. Will need to use the ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) and MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) risk calculator for each patient to assist with counseling of the patient. Developing, scheduling, facilitating, and managing of post-operative and pre-operative classes/support groups. These classes will include but are not limited to Overview of Bariatric Surgery, Coping Skills, Educational Classes, etc., in conjunction with social worker, nutritionist/dietitian, physical therapist and surgeon Collaborate on an ongoing basis with the MBS Director, clinic staff and physicians, promoting positive communication and the ability to problem solve at every level Strong communication skills as the bariatric coordinator will be collaborating and meeting with primary care physicians, psychologists, pharmacists, clinical nurses, social workers Provides patient/family or caregiver education and counseling in recognition and solution of physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental health problems Round on post-operative bariatric patients with the resident team and attending(s) and assist the resident/attending team with orders, discharge summaries, and follow-up Demonstrate knowledge of the quality improvement project goals that support outcomes and their association with coordination of care Manage accreditation criteria to ensure that the center meets expectations set forth by governing agencies Maintain and ensure compliance of all policies and procedures that guide and support the assigned services Work with the MBS director to anticipate and identify the needs of the center and creatively implement solutions to the problems Integrate evidence-based practice into programmatic improvements Functioning as a provider in the Bariatric Surgery Clinic Performing pre-operative History & Physicals and obtaining Informed Consent Coordinating and expediting necessary Non-VA/Community Care studies Coordinating and expediting VA studies and any necessary clearances Reviewing and answering all bariatric consults Meeting with all consult patients in person, establishing pre-op plan, complete consulting, ordering and following pre-op testing Following all results in a timely manner, communicating with the Bariatric Surgery MD and then relaying results to the patient Serving as a first or second assist in the operating room on Bariatric and General Surgery cases Attending all bariatric pre-op and post-op clinics in person Attend surgical meetings including Morbidity & Mortality conference and Tumor Board conference Assisting with student and resident training as necessary Providing education and counseling to patients and family members May be required to perform special projects as deemed necessary by the supervising physician, Associate Chief of Staff, Surgical Service, Chief of Staff, and/or Administrative Officer, Surgical Service. Position will be responsible for collateral responsibilities in regard to the American College of Surgeons facility Accredited Programs, along with other responsibilities deemed appropriate by the Associate Chief of Staff, Surgical Service. Required to attend surgical staff meetings, complete all required Talent Management System (TMS), complete all medical documentation in a timely manner as directed by the Veterans Health Administration and local policies. Also, must adhere to and follow all VA policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure patient safety and ensure high quality of care is provided to Veterans. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8am to 430pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized