What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physician Assistant - Plastic Surgery position at MD Anderson Cancer Center?
Job Title: Physician Assistant – Plastic Surgery
Company Summary:
MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the world’s most respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. As part of The University of Texas System, our mission is to eliminate cancer through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research, and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees, and the public.
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will be an experienced Physician Assistant with prior surgical and suturing experience. Prior exposure to Plastic Surgery is highly desirable. The PA must be self-directed, able to work independently, and comfortable collaborating with multiple physicians across the department. A team-focused mindset, adaptability to rotating assignments, and strong interpersonal skills are critical in this dynamic role.
Position Summary:
The Physician Assistant (PA) in the Department of Plastic Surgery provides direct diagnostic and therapeutic patient care, performing increasingly complex clinical and procedural tasks that support and extend the work of attending physicians. This role impacts the quality and continuity of patient care across the treatment spectrum. The PA will deliver advanced care aligned with the patient’s diagnosis, treatment plan, age, developmental stage, and needs.
The position supports both inpatient and outpatient care and includes surgical first- and second-assist responsibilities. Duties will be performed in accordance with MD Anderson’s clinical guidelines, institutional policies, and the regulations set forth by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistants and Medical Examiners.
Key Functions:
First and Second Surgical Assist
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Serve as first or second surgical assistant as directed.
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Utilize surgical instruments and demonstrate advanced manual dexterity.
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Assist with suturing, cauterizing, hemostasis, retraction, drain placement, and skin closures.
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Perform flap harvests, skin grafts, and apply complex wound dressings.
Perioperative Patient Management
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Conduct pre-surgical patient assessments and H&P updates.
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Coordinate with anesthesia and surgical teams to ensure readiness.
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Assist with patient positioning and surgical preparation.
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Write post-op orders and ensure smooth transitions to recovery units.
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Conduct post-op rounds and communicate updates to the surgical team and families.
Inpatient Care
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Round daily on inpatients, perform wound care, and manage post-op care.
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Communicate patient status and coordinate interdisciplinary interventions.
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Assist with discharge planning, arrange home care, and schedule follow-up.
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Complete inpatient consults and discharge summaries within required timelines.
Outpatient Care
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Evaluate consults, second opinions, and perform pre-/post-operative follow-ups.
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Document histories and physicals per institutional and regulatory standards.
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Assist with surgical scheduling, consent forms, and patient education.
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Order implants and surgical materials, and conduct preoperative tests.
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Perform clinical interventions including tissue expansion and tattooing procedures.
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Communicate findings and plans with attending physicians and clinical teams.
EDUCATION
Required: Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), except for Physician Assistants who graduated from a PA program prior to 2013.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION
Required: PA certification by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants. Licensed by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners.
MAY BE REQUIRED: Eligible to be granted limited prescriptive authority by the State of Texas.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
