Description
Cardiothoracic Surgery PA
Two Positions Available – Specialty Tracks:
- Heart Transplant / Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS)
- Adult Cardiac Surgery
We are seeking two Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) to join our high-volume Cardiothoracic Surgery program. These roles offer significant operating room exposure, inpatient management, and outpatient clinic responsibilities within a collaborative surgical team.
Candidates will be considered for one of two specialty tracks based on experience and clinical background.
Track 1: Heart Transplant / Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS)
This role is best described as a heavy OR, inpatient, and clinic-based position within a high-acuity, high-volume program performing 1–2 heart transplants per week.
Clinical Exposure Includes:
- HeartMate II & III LVAD
- Axillary Impella 5.5
- Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)
- VV and VA ECMO
- Protek Duo RVAD
- Heart Transplantation
- ICU and Step-Down Unit management
- The APP will assist in complex surgical cases and support bedside ECMO cannulation and mechanical assist procedures.
Track 2: Adult Cardiac Surgery
This position focuses on adult cardiac surgical procedures with significant OR involvement and perioperative management responsibilities.
Clinical Exposure Includes:
- CABG
- Valve repair and replacement
- Aortic procedures
- Other complex adult cardiac surgical cases
- The APP will serve as a key surgical assistant and manage patients across the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative continuum.
Schedule (Both Roles)
OR responsibilities may occur any day of the week
Approximately 1–3.5 clinic days (when not assigned to the OR)
Daily ICU and Step-Down rounding
Eight (8) 10-hour shifts within a two-week pay period
Call Structure
24/7 call shared evenly among team members
Specific call expectations discussed during the interview process
Call Compensation
Call pay is in addition to base salary compensation and is eligible after a 3–6 month probationary period with demonstrated competency.
1 weeknight every 2 weeks – $200 per pay period
1 weekend (Friday–Sunday) approximately every 9 weekends – $600 per weekend
Qualifications
Minimum 1 year of operating room and clinical experience
Prior experience as First or Second Assistant required
Current CPR and BLS certification
Strong knowledge of sterile technique and infection control
Excellent communication and team collaboration skills
Key Responsibilities
Serve as First or Second Assistant during cardiac and thoracic surgeries
Assist with positioning, draping, suturing, and tissue handling
Support surgical instrument preparation and OR setup/breakdown
Participate in bedside procedures including ECMO cannulation (MCS track)
Provide inpatient rounding and perioperative management
Maintain accurate, detailed patient documentation
Collaborate closely with surgeons and multidisciplinary teams
If you are seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity within a high-acuity cardiothoracic program, we encourage you to apply. Please indicate your area of interest (Heart Transplant/MCS or Adult Cardiac Surgery) when submitting your application.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
- Current CPR and BLS certification
- Minimum 1 year of operating room and clinical experience
- Prior experience as First Assist or Second Assist required
- Strong knowledge of sterile technique and infection control
- Excellent communication and team collaboration skills
