Clinical Coordinator III - PA - NYC Staffing : Job Details

Employer Name: Columbia University Job Type: Officer of Administration Bargaining Unit: Regular/Temporary: Regular End Date if Temporary: Hours Per Week: 35 Standard Work Schedule: Mon - Fri (9am - 5pm) Building: Columbia University Medical Center Salary Range: $130,000.00 - $145,000.00

Position Summary: The Physician Assistant (PA) will work under the supervision of attending plastic surgeons to provide comprehensive care across the continuum, including preoperative evaluation, intraoperative assistance, postoperative management, outpatient follow-up, and minor in-office procedures. The Physician Assistant conducts medical history and physical examinations, establishes a presumptive diagnosis, and performs a general work-up, including ordering appropriate laboratory tests. They are responsible for managing the patients medical issues following the diagnosis, working under supervision and occasional travel to off-site locations. The PA will play a vital role in optimizing patient outcomes and supporting clinical, surgical, and educational functions within the Plastic Surgery division. Furthermore, they may assist medical staff with pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative surgical procedures, as well as contribute to research projects in their assigned area.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough histories and physical examinations for plastic surgery patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Formulate differential diagnoses and recommend diagnostic testing in consultation with supervising plastic surgeons.
• Participate in preoperative planning, risk assessment, and surgical clearance processes.
• Document clinical evaluations and submit pre-op orders in preparation for surgery.
• Serve as first or second assist in the operating room, including flap procedures, breast reconstruction, aesthetic procedures, and complex wound closures including off site locations.
• Perform intraoperative tasks such as retraction, hemostasis, dissection, and suturing, skin closure as directed by the attending surgeon.
• Monitor the patients status during surgery and communicate intraoperative findings to the surgical team.
• Conduct daily rounds, assess wound healing, remove drains and sutures, and identify early signs of complications.
• Provide post-op instructions and patient education, both in person and via telehealth as needed.
• Manage inpatient consults and coordinate care with other specialties, nursing staff, and ancillary services.
• Perform and assist with in-office procedures such as wound debridement, minor excisions, suture removal, dressing changes, and scar management.
• Evaluate post-operative progress, manage complications, and adjust treatment plans per protocols or under attending supervision.
• Provide continuity of care through detailed clinical documentation and follow-up coordination.
• Initiate emergency interventions when necessary, until the arrival of a physician.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnosis, surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and long-term care plans.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately, ensuring patient understanding and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with plastic surgery attendings, residents, nursing, and allied health staff to ensure high-quality, efficient patient care.
• Participate in the education and training of medical students and residents during clinics and surgical procedures.
• Attend plastic surgery conferences, case discussions, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support clinical research by collecting data, reviewing charts, and contributing to outcomes studies and quality improvement projects.
• Prepare and dictate detailed operative notes, discharge summaries, and consult documentation.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervising physician or division chief.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Advanced degree from accredited AMA CAHEA approved Physician Assistant Program.
• Requires bachelors degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus five years of related experience.
• Intermediate MS Office skills.
• Must be able to successfully complete systems training requirements.
• Minimum licensing/certification required upon start date: BLS Certification.
• DEA Certification.
• Physician Assistant applicants must have a degree from an accredited AMA CAHEA approved Physician Assistant Program, as well as be board certified.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ACLS certification preferred.
• Masters Degree preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Qualifications for candidates include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Ability to perform comprehensive history and physical examination.
• Ability to manage and coordinate a patient caseload.
• Work within a collaborative agreement/protocol with a physician and health care team.
• Demonstrate leadership ability to manage patients and interact effectively with peers and physicians.
• Occasional travel to off-site locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.