Transplant Physician Assistant - UHN, Toronto

AI Summary

This temporary full-time Transplant Physician Assistant role at University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, Ontario, involves providing advanced clinical care to transplant patients within the Ajmera Transplant Centre Program. Key duties include patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and medical orders under physician supervision. Top requirements include being a new graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program, Canadian or American Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA/PA-C) status, and current membership with the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA).

About the Opportunity at UHN

University Health Network (UHN) is seeking a dedicated Transplant Physician Assistant for a temporary full-time, one-year contract at Toronto General Hospital. This vital role is situated within the esteemed Ajmera Transplant Centre (ATC) Program, which annually performs over 700 complex transplants, including lung, heart, liver, kidney, and pancreas/islet procedures. The successful physician assistant will work closely with the transplant ID team, operating under the direct supervision of a Transplant Attending. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world-class health care in a dynamic environment, providing comprehensive medical management to transplant patients. The UHN team values continuous learning and offers training and educational opportunities to foster leadership and teaching potential within the program. Shifts will include days and evenings, typically 8 to 12 hours, ensuring comprehensive patient care.

Key Responsibilities and Impact

As a Transplant Physician Assistant at UHN, you will be instrumental in providing advanced clinical competence in caring for transplant patients. Your responsibilities will encompass conducting thorough patient interviews, taking detailed medical histories, performing physical examinations, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. A key aspect of this physician assistant role involves diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing therapeutic or diagnostic procedures, and providing essential medical orders and prescriptions. You will also counsel patients on preventative health care, ensuring all aspects of care align with best practice guidelines. The physician assistant will function as a crucial member of a collaborative team, including physicians, surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals, assisting with inpatient medical management, admissions, and discharges. Furthermore, there is potential for involvement in quality improvement initiatives, policy development, education, and research activities within the ATC Program, showcasing a demonstrated commitment to advancing patient outcomes.

Qualifications and Benefits of Joining UHN

Candidates for this Transplant Physician Assistant role must be new graduates from an accredited Physician Assistant program (Physician Assistant Career Start Program) with at minimum a Bachelor’s Degree. Essential certifications include being a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA) or an American Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), alongside current membership with the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA). Eligibility to work in Canada/Ontario is mandatory, and successful candidates must maintain their certification through required CPD/CME credits. The ideal physician assistant will have demonstrated abilities in effective and respectful communication, comprehensive clinical assessment, and the development of treatment plans in accordance with medical directives. Demonstrated proficiency in diagnostic and procedural skills, strong problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities are also crucial. A demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively within a health care team, perform well under stress, and a commitment to continuing education and patient safety are highly valued. Experience in a surgical setting is preferred. Joining UHN offers competitive compensation, membership in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), close access to transit, and opportunities for professional development and promotions within a large, supportive organization.