This role requires a highly skilled PA with advanced cardiothoracic experience, capable of supporting complex surgical procedures and delivering high-quality care to veteran patients. We are seeking an experienced Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (CTPA) to provide surgical and perioperative support within the Operating Room at the San Francisco VA Health Care System.
Numbers & Facts
Location
San Francisco, CA
Description
We are seeking an experienced Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (CTPA) to provide surgical and perioperative support within the Operating Room at the San Francisco VA Health Care System. This role requires a highly skilled PA with advanced cardiothoracic experience, capable of supporting complex surgical procedures and delivering high-quality care to veteran patients.
Schedule
2 days per week
6 hours per day
No on-call or off-hours coverage required
Standard VA business hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Key Responsibilities
Surgical & Clinical Duties
Serve as first and second assistant in cardiothoracic surgeries
Perform endoscopic vein harvesting (radial and saphenous)
Assist with robotic surgical procedures at bedside
Conduct procedures including:
Central line placement (ultrasound-guided)
Chest tube and pigtail insertion/removal
Swan-Ganz catheter insertion/removal
Removal of pacing wires
Cardioversion
Patient Care
Provide perioperative and intraoperative support
Maintain high standards of patient safety and clinical care
Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR staff
Required Qualifications
Licensure:
Current, full, and unrestricted Physician Assistant license (U.S. state or territory)
Must be credentialed and privileged through the VA Medical Staff Office
Subject to approval by Medical Executive Committee and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Ongoing clinical competency evaluations required
Training Requirements
Annual VA-required training, including:
HIPAA & Privacy
Information Security Awareness
Workplace Harassment Prevention
Additional clinical and VA-mandated training as required
Health & Screening Requirements
TB testing (annual)
Proof of immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Influenza
Hepatitis B vaccination and titer
Bloodborne pathogen training compliance
Additional Requirements
Strong English communication skills (verbal and written)
Compliance with all VA policies, HIPAA, and ethical standards
Must not appear on the HHS OIG exclusion list
Ability to pass background checks and credentialing
Why Join This Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to work in a high-impact surgical environment supporting U.S. veterans, alongside a leading cardiothoracic surgery team within the VA healthcare system