Physician Assistant (Plastic Surgery)

Position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

The Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) provides advanced clinical care in surgical, inpatient, outpatient, procedural, and perioperative environments within the Plastic Surgery Section. The PA functions as an independent licensed provider under the supervision of a credentialed Plastic Surgeon and in accordance with established VA policies, clinical practice guidelines, and privileging requirements. The PA supports patient evaluation, management, procedural care, care coordination, documentation, performance improvement, education, and clinical operations for Plastic Surgery clinics and minor procedure settings. Duties may include but are not limited to: Provides comprehensive evaluation of Plastic Surgery patients including history, physical examination, ordering/interpretation of diagnostic tests, and formulation of treatment plans. Performs pre-operative and post-operative assessments and communicates findings to supervising surgeons. Triages urgent and routine consults; ensures timely follow-up in accordance with VA access standards. Performs minor procedures such as wound care, suture removal, dressing changes, injections, cyst removal support, biopsies, and other procedures authorized under privileging. Assists Plastic Surgeons in clinic-based procedures. Ensures compliance with VHA Directives related to invasive procedures, informed consent, time-outs, safety checks, and documentation. Provides rounding support, progress notes, and discharge planning for Plastic Surgery inpatients. Coordinates perioperative instructions, risk stratification, and postoperative follow-up. Collaborates with nursing, schedulers, OR staff, other specialties, and administrative teams. Supports continuity of care through communication with Primary Care, Community Care, and other VA/Non-VA partners. Completes all clinical documentation (consults, encounters, procedures, progress notes, op-note co-signs as required) within VA timeliness standards (24-hour op-note compliance; 3-day note signature standard). Ensures consult closure, accurate coding, and compliance with Surgical Service documentation requirements. Reviews imaging, pathology, and lab results; communicates abnormal findings promptly. Participates in Section and Service meetings, contributing to operational improvements. Participates in educational conferences, mandatory training, VISN safety initiatives, and facility-wide competency programs. Adheres to VA policies regarding scope of practice, surgical safety, informed consent, infection prevention, equity of care, and professionalism. Conducts independent clinics (follow-ups, postoperative visits, minor procedures). Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm - As assigned by the Plastic Surgery Section; may include outpatient clinics, administrative time, procedure blocks, inpatient rounding, and occasional extended hours depending on service needs. Telework: Ad-Hoc - As determined by agency policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact ranetta.evans@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.