Physician Assistant

Job Summary The PA role provides specialized care to high-risk surgical patients across two connected outpatient services in the Department of Anesthesiology: the Pre-operative Clinic and the Transitional Pain Service (TPS). In both settings, the PA works independently and in collaboration with an anesthesiologist to prepare patients for surgery.

In the Pre-operative Clinic, the PA sees high-risk patients in person, performs histories and physicals, and evaluates for cardiopulmonary disease, frailty, anemia, malnourishment, diabetes, and anesthesia-specific concerns like airway placement. Other work includes coordination of care, ordering labs for basic optimization, and follow-up of referrals and studies.

In the Transitional Pain Service, the PA focuses on the perioperative management of high-risk, complex pain patients. Patients are seen virtually or in person for a comprehensive assessment that includes a detailed pain and substance use history, medication review, prior surgical and pain-management experiences, and evaluation of anesthesia-specific factors that may affect perioperative pain management.

Using this information, the PA develops an individualized perioperative pain-management plan that considers the patient's medical history and comorbidities, prior experiences and preferences, current medications and allergies, the planned surgical procedure, and the anticipated postoperative course.

The PA also manages the TPS referral workqueue, communicates care plans with the pain service, anesthesia, and surgical teams, and coordinates care with the patient's chronic pain or substance use disorder provider.

The role requires learning the basic management of key risk factors for poor surgical outcomes and developing a working knowledge of acute-on-chronic pain management, addiction medicine, perioperative and anesthetic pain considerations, and expected postoperative recovery.

Experience in or around operating rooms, perioperative medicine, acute pain or regional anesthesia services, chronic pain clinics, addiction medicine, family practice, oncology, or internal medicine is preferred. As a patient-focused organization, the University of Utah Health Sciences exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education.

Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The Department of Anesthesiology seeks faculty and staff who are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission.

Responsibilities

1. Assesses the physical condition of a group of patients by performing physical examinations and obtaining medical histories.2. Formulates the medical plan and further evaluation based on patient's condition.3.

Consults with physician(s) regarding patient health care plans and treatment.4. Orders, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify and assess the patient's clinical problems and health care needs.5. Initiates and/or recommends medical drug therapies or other forms of related therapeutic treatment and procedures in accordance with approved protocols/policy.6.

Complies with medical records policies regarding the complete and accurate documentation of patient care. Initiates and maintains required records and legal documents.7. Participates in quality improvement activities.8.

Counsels patients, families and significant others about health and illness, and promotes health maintenance.9. Completes comprehensive pre-operative and pain assessments, in person or virtually, for patients preparing for surgery.10. Develops individualized perioperative pain-management plans for high-risk, complex pain patients.11.

Manages the Transitional Pain Service referral workqueue and follows up on referrals.12. Coordinates care with pain service, anesthesia, and surgical teams, and with patients' chronic pain or substance use disorder providers. Required Minimum Qualifications Current licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant from the State of Utah.

Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire. Preferred Certification in ACLS/BLS/NRP/ATLS may be required by your department or by privileging criteria.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description. Disclaimer This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.

It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job. Preferences 2 years PA experience with demonstrated clinical competence and in-depth knowledge of perioperative medicine, pain medicine, addiction medicine, family medicine, or internal medicine is preferred.

Special Instructions Requisition Number: PRN46562B Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: Monday – Friday: Currently 4 days per week with some flexibility. Department: 00220 - Anesthesiology Location: Campus Pay Rate Range: $100,000 - $125,000 DOE Close Date: 01/31/2027 Open Until Filled To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/211310 Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.

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