Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and highly skilled Infectious Disease Physician Assistant to join our team. The candidate will provide comprehensive healthcare services under the supervision of a licensed infectious disease physician. The PA will evaluate - diagnose - and treat patients with infectious diseases - including but not limited to - bacterial - and parasitic infections. The role involves both inpatient and outpatient care and collaboration with other teams to provide optimal patient care.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Physician Assistant

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Certification: Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) Licensure: PA's must possess an active - current - full - and unrestricted license to practice in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia
• PA's must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State
• English Language Proficiency: PAs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d)
• Education: Graduate of a training program which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of PA (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations
• Additionally - candidates must meet one of the following: Master's degree in any discipline
• OR Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a PA
• TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above - the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates
• Grade and Step determinations of the selected applicant will be determined by the appropriate Physician Assistant Professional Standards Board and will be based on the selected individuals education and experience
• Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements
• This is the entry level for PAs
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: The following list of knowledge - skills - and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level PA
• This practice may include - but is not limited to: Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care Ability to perform patient history and physical Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) Experience and Education: The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below
• Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving
• Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by: Two years of successful practice as a PA OR Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA - ARC-PA - US Armed Forces - or another accrediting agency OR A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the US Department of Education
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify - but should be able to demonstrate - develop - or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II: Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) Experience and Education: PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently - practice within multi-disciplinary teams - and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system
• They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes
• They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities - may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs - and may provide training for health care students
• Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by: Three years of successful practice as a PA OR Successful completion of a PA post graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA - ARC-PA - US Armed Forces - or another accrediting agency AND one year of professional practice as a PA Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify - but should be able to demonstrate - develop - or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-III: Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill - multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE) Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals - health managers - and other health care personnel Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is PA-III
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of PA-I to PA-III
• Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting - 15-44 lbs
• light lifting - under 15 lbs
• moderate carrying - 15-44 lbs
• reaching above shoulders
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking 6-8 hours
• standing 6-8 hours
• both legs required
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other
• both eyes required
• depth perception
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted) min 15/20 one ear and mental and emotional stability required.

Duties

• Responsibilities Include: Conduct thorough patient histories - physical examinations - and review of medical records to diagnose and manage infectious diseases Order - perform - and interpret diagnostic tests such as blood tests - cultures - imaging studies - and other relevant examinations Develop and implement individualized treatment plans - including prescribing medications and other therapeutic interventions Monitor patients' progress and response to treatments - adjusting plans as necessary Educate patients and their families about infectious diseases - treatment options - preventive measures - and lifestyle modifications Collaborate with healthcare teams - including physicians - nurses - pharmacists - and other specialists - to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient care Document patient encounters - treatment plans - and progress notes accurately and timely in electronic health records (EHR) Participate in infection control and prevention programs - including outbreak investigations and developing protocols for infection control Stay current with advancements in infectious diseases and relevant medical practices through continuous professional development and education Provide consultation services to other healthcare providers regarding infectious disease management Adhere to all VA policies - procedures - and regulatory requirements regarding patient care and professional conduct Work Schedule: Monday to Friday - 8am to 430pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized