What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physician Assistant – Thoracic Surgery / Thoracic Oncology position at St. Francis Physician Practice?
Physician Assistant – Thoracic Surgery / Thoracic Oncology
Position Overview
Catholic Health of Long Island is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Physician Assistant (PA) to support Dr. Abbas El-Sayed Abbas, an internationally recognized thoracic surgeon and expert in minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery. Dr. Abbas acts as the Chief of Thoracic Surgery for Catholic Health and the Chief of Thoracic Oncology for Catholic Health Cancer Institute.
The PA will play an essential role in providing perioperative and longitudinal care for patients with thoracic malignancies and complex chest diseases, supporting advanced surgical practices, and contributing to a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach within the Catholic Health Cancer Institute.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Surgical Support
- Deliver comprehensive perioperative care for patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures, including lung, esophageal, mediastinal, and foregut surgeries.
- Obtain detailed medical histories, perform physical examinations, interpret diagnostic tests, and participate in individualized treatment planning.
- Serve as first or second assist in thoracic and minimally invasive surgical procedures, including VATS and robotic-assisted surgeries.
- Coordinate preoperative evaluations, including labs, imaging, and specialty consultations.
- Participate in inpatient rounds, monitor post-operative recovery, and manage chest tubes, drains, and wounds.
- Provide outpatient follow-up care in thoracic oncology clinics, ensuring seamless patient transitions across care settings.
Oncology & Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Collaborate with oncology, pulmonology, radiology, pathology, and palliative care colleagues to support comprehensive cancer care.
- Actively participate in tumor boards, case conferences, and multidisciplinary planning sessions.
- Educate patients and families about surgical interventions, oncology care plans, and recovery expectations.
Education & Research Support
- Support Catholic Health’s commitment to education by mentoring APPs, and nursing staff in thoracic surgery practices.
- Participate in clinical research, quality improvement, and outcomes initiatives in thoracic oncology.
- Assist with data collection, patient enrollment, and adherence to research protocols as appropriate.
Administrative & Programmatic Contributions
- Maintain thorough documentation in the EMR, ensuring compliance with Catholic Health policies, regulatory standards, and payer requirements.
- Contribute to quality improvement projects and clinical pathway development within the thoracic oncology service line.
- Support programmatic growth of thoracic surgery and oncology services at Catholic Health.
Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program with current NCCPA certification.
- Licensed as a PA in the State of New York.
- Minimum 2–3 years of surgical or oncology experience preferred; thoracic or cardiothoracic surgery experience strongly desired.
- Formal first-assist training/credentialing required; robotic surgery experience highly preferred.
- Current BLS and ACLS certification required.
- Strong teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.
- Dedication to patient-centered care and Catholic Health’s mission of compassion and excellence.
Salary Range
USD $74.67/hr to USD $93.00/hr.
This range serves as a good faith estimate and actual pay will encompass a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and position location. The salary range or rate listed does not include any bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation that may be applicable to this job and it does not include the value of benefits.
At Catholic Health, we believe in a people-first approach. In addition to the estimated base pay provided, Catholic Health offers generous benefits packages, generous tuition assistance, a defined benefit pension plan, and a culture that supports professional and educational growth.
Why Join Catholic Health?
As part of Catholic Health of Long Island, you’ll work directly with Dr. Abbas El-Sayed Abbas, one of the nation’s leading thoracic surgeons, and a highly collaborative cancer care team. This role offers a unique opportunity to advance your surgical skills, engage in innovative cancer care, and contribute to Catholic Health’s mission of delivering the highest quality care to our Long Island communities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $76.67 - $93.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Medical Specialty:
- Internal Medicine
Work Location: In person
Salary : $77 - $93