Position Title: Physician Assistant – Spine Service – Dr. Todd VanderHeiden

Full Time: Minimum of 40 hours per week, mix of clinic and surgery

Position Overview :

Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center has been a trusted provider of orthopedic care in metro Denver for more than 70 years. Though we have grown in size over time, our values have remained the same. Our independent group of more than 43 orthopedic surgeons is one of the largest orthopedic groups in Colorado. Here we are committed to quality, teamwork and accountability to provide excellent patient care.
Panorama provides a competitive total compensation package, including a full benefits package and a 401K . Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center are also now part of the United Musculoskeletal Partners brand that is expanding across the country to bring high quality Orthopedic care across the United States. We strive to provide an environment where you will find yourself surrounded by great people dedicated to helping patients and supporting each other. We make a difference in the lives of others by helping them Feel Better, so they can Do More.

Summary

This Physician Assistant position will partner with Dr. VanderHeiden who specializes in spine disorders including complex deformities. This position will be on average 2.5 days per week in the clinic setting and 2.5 days assisting in the operating room. Clinics will be based out of our Golden, Highlands Ranch and Centennial offices. This position also requires occasional on-call with a call stipend. Spine experience is preferred. The right person for this role will be a true partner with the Physician and will be open and willing to learn techniques, styles, and preferences from the Physician.

The position is responsible for providing care within the clinical, surgical and hospital setting for Spine patients treated by Panorama Orthopedics. This position works Monday through Friday a mix of clinic and surgery in a busy elective surgical practice, weekend rounds and occasional call and occasional evening clinic coverage are required (a stipend is offered).

Essential Functions

· Conducts an independent outpatient Spine clinic evaluating and ordering imaging studies for new spine patients, assisting with developing and coordinating treatment plans.

· Admits patients on behalf of the Spine attending physician.

· Perform comprehensive and problem focused history and physical exams.

· Conducts patient rounds on admitted patients.

· Evaluates and treats patients in the emergency room as secondary call only for Panorama patients.

· Evaluates changes in patient conditions.

· Issues orders for medications, treatments, and lab tests.

· Provides surgical first assistant coverage in the operating room for 1 Spine surgeon and can cross cover for other Spine teammates when needed.

· Writes discharge summaries.

· Documents all patient care actions in the EMR timely and accurately.

· Excellent spine wound closures for both front and back approaches is a must.

Education, Licensure and/or Experience Required

· Active Physician Assistant’s license in the State of Colorado Required

· Active DEA license to prescribe.

· 2 years of previous experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

· Well-developed clinical skills.

· Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to synthesize data to determine medical treatment plans.

· Strong neuro exam

· Possess a strong desire to develop high-level spine surgical skills to become a true asset to Dr. VanderHeiden and the Spine Service Line

· Ability to assess patient’s conditions and make treatment plans.

· Effective communication skills to clearly communicate with patients and other staff members to gather pertinent information regarding conditions and treatment and to create well organized, succinct, and clear information to supervising Physicians.