The Section of Plastic Surgery, in collaboration with Surgical Oncology, is seeking a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) to join a busy, collegial clinical group in the Department of Surgery.
The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) will participate in outpatient clinical activities within the Section of Plastic Surgery, including the pre-operative and post-operative evaluation and management of Plastic Surgery and a focus on coordinated management of complex cancer surgery patients.
This role will also support multidisciplinary care for patients whose care spans Surgical Oncology and Plastic Surgery, with particular emphasis on facilitating and completing the evaluation, treatment planning, pre- and/or post-operative care, and longitudinal follow-up across both services. The APP will serve as an important clinical liaison for patients, families, faculty, nursing, and referring teams to help ensure timely access, continuity of care, and a coordinated patient experience.
The APP will work collaboratively with Section faculty, Surgical Oncology, nursing, and other members of the multidisciplinary care team to maintain the highest standards of patient care. Specifically, the APP will:
(i) conduct initial evaluations of patients, both in person and virtually;
(ii) provide outpatient pre-operative and post-operative care, both in person and virtually;
(iii) perform minor procedures in clinic, including medical procedures such as tissue expanders and drain removals;
(iv) conduct ongoing return evaluation and management of patients, including wound care;
(v) participate in multidisciplinary care planning, including collaboration between Surgical Oncology and Plastic Surgery; and
(vi) participate in the evaluation and full spectrum of care for patients at risk for lymphedema or living with lymphedema.
The APP will conduct independent visits in person and virtually. Specific education and training, tailored to the candidate's previous experience, will be provided by surgical attending physicians and APPs in the Section.
In consultation with attending surgeons, the APP may also:
- Interview patients to obtain a detailed patient history.
- Perform and document physical examinations.
- Perform various diagnostic, therapeutic, and minor surgical procedures in clinic.
- Order and interpret diagnostic testing and imaging.
- Act as a patient liaison before and after operations to provide information, support patient education, and coordinate care.
- Assist with outpatient pre-operative and post-operative care, including MiChart In Basket follow-up, telephone calls, e-visits, e-consults, and medication refills.
- Independently conduct in-person and virtual outpatient evaluations of selected patients.
- Independently provide in-person and virtual follow-up care for selected patients.
- Communicate and coordinate care with referring and consulting physicians.
- Make appropriate referrals to internal and external providers and facilities.
- Order and prescribe medications in accordance with statutes, rules, and regulations of the State of Michigan.
- Attend tumor board and be prepared to discuss relevant patients being reviewed, including patient history, treatment status, care coordination needs, and follow-up considerations.
- Collaborate in multidisciplinary care planning, particularly for patients whose care involves both Surgical Oncology and Plastic Surgery.
- Help coordinate care transitions and communication between Surgical Oncology and Plastic Surgery to support timely treatment planning, surgical readiness, post-operative recovery, and longitudinal follow-up.
- Participate in the evaluation, education, management, and follow-up of patients at risk for lymphedema or with established lymphedema.
- Support patients in navigating complex care pathways, including diagnostic workup, surgical consultation, pre-operative preparation, post-operative care, referrals, surveillance, and symptom management, especially for patients at risk for lymphedema or living with lymphedema.