Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (PCAM Location)

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Independently evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients with TMJ disorders, myofascial pain of the muscles of mastication, and other acute and chronic orofacial pain conditions.

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Advanced Practice Provider (NP or PA): Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Penn Medicine’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) is nationally and internationally recognized. It is home to one of the largest centers in the country for treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. We are leaders in comprehensive facial surgery, oral medicine, and oral rehabilitation, and we have advanced research and treatment programs across a wide range of conditions.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to join OMFS as the department’s first Advanced Practice Provider. This is a chance to build the APP role and team-based care model in a specialty where few APPs practice. You will help shape how APPs contribute to OMFS at Penn for those who follow.

The APP will mainly evaluate and manage patients with TMJ disorders and other chronic jaw and facial pain conditions. Most of these patients need conservative, nonsurgical management before surgery is considered. You will work closely with a high-volume, fast-paced surgical team. A structured, specialty-specific onboarding program will be provided, and both experienced APPs and those new to practice are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Independently evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients with TMJ disorders, myofascial pain of the muscles of mastication, and other acute and chronic orofacial pain conditions.
• Perform botulinum toxin injections of the muscles of mastication and other procedures within privileges.
• Develop and manage conservative treatment plans, including non-narcotic pharmacologic pain management, before surgical intervention.
• Evaluate new patients in access clinics and help with appropriate triage to surgical and nonsurgical pathways.
• Provide patient and family education, anticipatory guidance, and psychosocial support for patients living with chronic pain.
• Partner with surgeons and the clinical team to optimize clinic workflows, access, and team-based care.
• Contribute to quality improvement, clinical protocols, and the development of the APP role within OMFS.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current Pennsylvania licensure as a CRNP or PA-C, with national board certification.
• Eligibility for credentialing through the University of Pennsylvania Health System medical staff.

Preferred:

• Clinical experience in a related specialty such as plastic surgery, neurology, ENT, dermatology, or pain management.
• Procedural experience, especially injections such as botulinum toxin or trigger point injections.
• Knowledge of facial and head and neck anatomy, and experience with jaw or orofacial pain disorders.
• New graduates with strong procedural or clinical rotation exposure in a related area are encouraged to apply.

The Ideal Candidate

• Thrives in a fast-paced surgical environment and adapts quickly.
• Is a quick, self-directed learner who seeks out knowledge and asks questions early and often.
• Communicates confidently and directly with surgeons, staff, and patients, and speaks up and takes initiative.
• Is energized by being “the first” and is comfortable building something new, defining workflows, and advocating for the APP role.
• Is collaborative, resilient, and committed to team-based care.

Practice and Accountability

APPs practice under the University of Pennsylvania Health System medical staff guidelines and are credentialed through that body. Each APP is accountable through a formal job description, a delineation of privileges, and a collaborative practice agreement (CRNP) or written supervision agreement (PA) with the collaborating or supervising physician. Clinical hours and related requirements are set by the collaborating or supervising physician (or division designee) within Human Resources guidelines.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.