Physician Assistant, Hip and Knee General Orthopaedics

Description

The Physician Assistant (PA-C), Hip and Knee General Orthopaedics, provides comprehensive musculoskeletal care in collaboration with a board-certified Hip and Knee General Orthopaedics Surgeon within Pinehurst Surgical Clinic (PSC), a physician-owned, multi-specialty surgical clinic serving Moore County and surrounding communities.

This role includes independent clinic management of hip and knee patients, identification and referral of surgical candidates to the supervising surgeon, perioperative coordination, and first assisting in surgery. The PA supports PSC’s commitment to clinical excellence, patient-centered care, operational efficiency, and exceptional outcomes.

Requirements

Clinical Practice

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients with hip, knee, back, pelvic and other orthopaedic conditions.
• Diagnose and manage acute and chronic hip, knee, back, pelvic and other orthopaedic disorders including but not limited to fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, nerve compression syndromes, arthritis, sports injuries, and postoperative conditions.
• Order and interpret diagnostic studies including radiographs and other imaging.
• Develop and implement treatment plans including medications, injections, splinting, casting, bracing, and therapy referrals.
• Perform procedures within scope of practice, including joint and soft tissue injections, aspirations, casting and splint application, wound care and suture removal
• Provide patient education regarding diagnosis, conservative treatment, surgical options, and recovery expectations.
• Maintain independent clinic schedules to improve patient access and continuity of care.

Surgical Referral & Coordination

• Identify appropriate surgical candidates and coordinate referral to supervising Orthopaedic Hip and Knee Surgeon.
• Counsel patients on surgical indications, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
• Facilitate preoperative testing, medical clearance, and surgical scheduling.
• Coordinate with PSC’s surgery center and hospital partners as needed.
• Participate in postoperative care management and follow-up visits.

Surgical First Assist

• Serve as First Assistant in hip, knee, and other orthopaedic surgical procedures.
• Assist with patient positioning and sterile preparation, exposure, retraction, and instrumentation, suturing and wound closure, application of dressings and immobilization devices
• Provide perioperative and postoperative support to optimize patient outcomes.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely and accurate documentation in PSC’s electronic medical record.
• Adhere to all clinic policies, AAAHC standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and department meetings.
• Always maintain patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with orthopaedic physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, medical assistants, and ancillary staff.
• Communicate effectively with referring providers and other PSC specialties.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, and professional work environment consistent with PSC culture.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current NCCPA certification.
• Active North Carolina Physician Assistant license (or eligibility).
• DEA registration with prescriptive authority.
• Current BLS certification (ACLS preferred).

Experience

• Orthopaedic clinical experience is preferred.
• Hip, knee, back and pelvic orthopaedic experience is strongly preferred.
• Surgical first assist experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of musculoskeletal and hip, knee, back and pelvic orthopaedic anatomy and pathology.
• Excellent procedural and injection skills.
• Ability to manage independent clinic schedules effectively.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Excellent communication and patient education abilities.
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and commitment to high-quality care.

Physical Requirements

• Requires standing for extended periods in the operating room.
• Must be able to assist with patient positioning and application of orthopaedic devices.