What is a Surgical Physician Assistant Job?
A surgical physician assistant job is a highly specialized position in the medical field where an individual works alongside a surgeon in a surgical setting. As a surgical physician assistant, you will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks before, during, and after surgery to ensure that the operation goes smoothly and the patient is safe and comfortable.
What Usually Do in This Position?
As a surgical physician assistant, you'll work closely with the surgeon to provide patient care. Before surgery, you'll perform pre-operative evaluations, prepare patients for surgery, and assist with anesthesia administration. During surgery, you'll scrub in and assist the surgeon with the procedure, providing suction, cutting sutures, and closing incisions. After surgery, you'll provide post-operative care, monitor patients for complications, and remove sutures and staples.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Strong communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, families, and medical staff.
- Attention to detail to ensure that all surgical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and prepared for use.
- Quick decision-making skills to respond effectively to emergency situations that may arise during surgery.
- Ability to work well under pressure to maintain a calm and organized environment during surgery.
- Compassionate and empathetic nature to provide emotional support to patients and their families throughout the surgical process.
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become a surgical physician assistant, you'll need to complete a rigorous education and training program. This typically includes earning a bachelor's degree, completing a physician assistant program, and gaining clinical experience through internships and residencies. After completing your education, you'll need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and obtain state licensure before you can practice as a surgical physician assistant.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physician assistants in surgical settings was $112,260 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.
Roles and Types
Surgical physician assistants can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty clinics. Some common roles and types of surgical physician assistants include:
- Cardiovascular surgical physician assistant
- Neurosurgical physician assistant
- Orthopedic surgical physician assistant
- Plastic surgical physician assistant
- General surgical physician assistant
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
Surgical physician assistant jobs can be found throughout the United States, but some locations are more popular than others. According to a report by U.S. News & World Report, some of the top cities for surgical physician assistant jobs include:
- Los Angeles, California
- New York City, New York
- Houston, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Atlanta, Georgia
What Are the Typical Tools
As a surgical physician assistant, you'll be working with a variety of tools and equipment to assist the surgeon during surgery. Some of the typical tools and equipment used in surgical settings include:
- Surgical instruments such as scalpels, forceps, and retractors
- Anesthesia machines and equipment
- Operating room lights and tables
- Electrocautery machines
- Surgical staplers and sutures
In Conclusion
A surgical physician assistant job is a demanding but rewarding career in the medical field. With the right education, training, and experience, you can work alongside surgeons to help patients receive the best possible care during surgery. By developing the necessary skills and expertise, you can become a valued member of a surgical team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.