About this role
Department/Unit:
Surgery AdministrationWork Shift:
Day (United States of America)Salary Range:
Salary Range: $138,963- $162,123We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Physician Assistant (PA) to join our high-performing Thoracic Surgery team, with additional responsibilities across inpatient care and multidisciplinary coordination. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to work in a high-acuity surgical setting while also contributing to broader hospital-based medical care.
Primary Responsibilities:
Thoracic Surgery & ICU Responsibilities:
Provide comprehensive care for patients with thoracic conditions, from initial assessment through surgery and postoperative critical care.
Assist in the diagnosis and surgical management of thoracic diseases including lung cancer, esophageal pathology, pleural disease, and mediastinal masses.
Perform or assist in thoracic surgical procedures such as thoracotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and other minimally invasive techniques.
Manage critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), including postoperative thoracic surgery patients and those requiring advanced life support.
Conduct preoperative evaluations and risk assessments, contribute to multidisciplinary planning and informed patient consent.
Monitor and manage ICU patients that are ventilated, have hemodynamic instability, fluid imbalance, and sedation within ICU protocols.
Perform bedside procedures including chest tube insertion, central and arterial line placement, endotracheal intubation, and thoracentesis.
Interpret imaging and diagnostic data (e.g., chest X-rays, CT scans, ABGs, labs) to guide both surgical and ICU care.
Actively participate in daily ICU rounds, surgical case discussions, and thoracic oncology multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings.
Coordinate postoperative care, monitor for complications such as bleeding, infection, respiratory distress, or arrhythmias, and intervene promptly when needed.
Educate patients and families regarding surgical procedures, ICU care plans, recovery expectations, and discharge instructions.
Ensure adherence to infection control protocols, ICU safety standards, and institutional guidelines for patient care.
General Inpatient Medical Management:
Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and physical exams.
Order and interpret laboratory and imaging tests; develop and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Prescribe medications and therapies based on current clinical guidelines.
Participate in the care of patients on inpatient consult services, including those admitted under Surgery, Medicine, Trauma, Pediatrics, and Ob/Gyn.
Support emergency and inpatient assessments, triage decisions, and follow-ups.
Educate patients and families about procedures, recovery expectations, and health management strategies.
Clinical Leadership & Support:
Serve as a clinical resource and team leader during shifts to ensure efficient workflow and high standards of care.
Ensure accurate documentation, coding, and billing practices.
Maintain inventory of medical supplies, prepare patients for procedures, and ensure a safe, organized clinical environment.
Work Schedule:
24/7 in-house coverage of Cardiac Surgery Service utilizing 24-hour shifts.
Flexibility for 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts based on clinical demand.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Graduate of an accredited PA program with current NCCPA certification.
Active state PA license and prescriptive authority.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a surgical or hospital-based acute care setting (CT Surgery experience strongly preferred).
Skilled in ICU management and invasive bedside procedures.
Strong knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical care.
Excellent clinical judgment, teamwork, and communication skills.
Physical Demands:
Standing - Constantly
Walking - Constantly
Sitting - Rarely
Lifting - Frequently
Carrying - Frequently
Pushing - Occasionally
Pulling - Occasionally
Climbing - Occasionally
Balancing - Occasionally
Stooping - Frequently
Kneeling - Frequently
Crouching - Frequently
Crawling - Occasionally
Reaching - Frequently
Handling - Frequently
Grasping - Frequently
Feeling - Constantly
Talking - Constantly
Hearing - Constantly
Repetitive Motions - Constantly
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly
Working Conditions:
Extreme cold - Rarely
Extreme heat - Rarely
Humidity - Rarely
Wet - Rarely
Noise - Constantly
Hazards - Frequently
Temperature Change - Rarely
Atmospheric Conditions - Rarely
Vibration - Rarely
Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical Center!
Albany Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer.
This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Medical Center, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that: Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Medical Center policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.
Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical Center!
Albany Medical is an equal opportunity employer.
This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Medical Center, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:
Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Center policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.
Other facts
About Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center, northeastern New York’s only academic medical center, is one of the Capital Region’s largest private employers with more than 9,000 employees. Albany Medical Center provides the highest level of patient care across disciplines, while receiving regional, national, and international recognition for high standards in patient care, education, and biomedical research.
The 766-bed Albany Medical Center offers access to the latest medical services and technological innovations and includes one of the busiest emergency rooms and trauma centers in New York, a children’s hospital and dedicated pediatric emergency room, intensive care units for adults and children, and organ transplant services. Albany Medical College graduates more than 200 medical doctors each year, as well as PAs, CRNAs, biomedical scientists, and bioethicists. Albany Medical College operates a biomedical research enterprise and the region’s largest physician practice with more than 500 doctors.
Albany Medical Center, along with Albany Medical College, is a partner in the Albany Med Health System, the largest and only regionally governed, not-for-profit health system serving northeastern New York and western New England.
What you'll do
- The Physician Assistant will provide comprehensive care for patients with thoracic conditions, assist in surgical procedures, and manage critically ill patients in the ICU. They will also conduct preoperative evaluations, monitor postoperative care, and educate patients and families.
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