The Physician Assistant (PA) II surgical specialist is a licensed health professional who practices medicine with the supervision of a physician as a surgical assist. In addition to being a surgical assist, the PA may also be involved in coordination of care, participates in education, and is closely engaged in clinical practice and patient care management. The PA will function as a leader within our professional team by communicating, planning, and implementing care directly and with other healthcare professionals, including but not limited to surgeons, surgical techs, pharmacists, office support staff, and other advanced practice providers. Duties include but not limited to: assisting in surgery, obtaining patient health histories and complete physical examinations, documenting findings noting pertinent normal and abnormal findings, ordering and interpreting appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests, counseling patients on preventative care, and ordering medications. The PA may also be required to perform approved therapeutic or diagnostic procedures based upon patient's clinical status and document patient preparation and response to procedure(s). The Physician Assistant Practice Agreement will govern PA practice. The PA role includes abiding by rules and regulations of medical staff and PA certifying and regulating bodies.
Departmental Specific Summary
Essential Duties
- Assists surgeon during surgical procedure. Perform first assistant surgical duties, including tissue retraction and suturing. May perform additional surgical duties/procedures based off specialty training and privileges approved by medical staff. (Accounts for at least 50% of Job Accountability)
- Obtains detailed and accurate medical histories from patients; generally, this is confirming data that has been received preoperatively. Performs appropriate physical examinations, delineates problems, and records the information.
- Develops and implements patient management plans, including the coordination of referrals to specialty and social services, the recording of progress notes and the provision of continuity of care in the preoperative and postoperative care period.
- Orders appropriate laboratory, diagnostic and radiographic studies along with indicated procedures. Orders therapies to include PT, OT, ST and Respiratory. Orders medications and consultations with other services and medications.
- Performs and / or interprets common laboratory, radiological, cardio graphic and other routine diagnostic procedures used to identify pathophysiological processes.
- May perform additional procedures in the clinic or hospital setting based off privileges approved by medical staff
- Helps preoperatively and postoperatively with care coordination of the patient.
- Provides continuity of care in the management of complex illnesses and injuries under the supervision of a physician.
- Instructs and counsels patients regarding compliance with prescribed therapeutic regimens, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance, especially in the postoperative period; this might also include members of the patient’s family in certain circumstances.
- Facilitates the referral of patients to other health and social service agencies when appropriate.
- Ensures billing for services rendered is completed and accurate.
- Acts as a mentor and/or preceptor to new/student physician assistants within the department or clinic
- Help participate or lead quality initiatives, process improvement projects, or research within the department or clinic
- Performs other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Req Specialized/technical training Graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant Program.
- Req 3 years 3+ Years Experience Required
- Req Committed to excellence in patient care and customer service.
- Req Demonstrates ability to effectively work with physicians, staff, and patients.
- Req Organization/time management skills.
- Req Excellent analytical, problem-solving, planning and evaluation skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Pref 3 years 3+ Years Experience in Surgical Specialty Preferred
Required Licenses/Certifications:
- Req Physician Assistant - PA (CA DCA)
- Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
- Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)
- Req Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
- Req National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
- Req Drug Enforcement Administration Current Controlled Substance Course Certificate or obtain within 3 months of hire Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Certificate issued by the US Department of Justice for Schedule II-V controlled substances.
USC Care Medical Group serves as the sole physician entity reporting to the USC Health System, uniting faculty clinical practice under Keck Medicine of USC. This entity oversees clinical governance, physician and ambulatory services, and core enterprise functions including billing, contracting, and financial operations. The organization encompasses 17 clinical departments, with approximately 1,500 physicians and 2,000 staff delivering care across more than 80 locations from Kern County to Orange County and into Las Vegas. USC Care Medical Group is the engine for patient-centered growth—advancing quality, safety, access, and financial strength through integrated, system-level thinking that transcends silos and traditional models. By building bridges across the enterprise, embracing innovation, and leveraging technology, we deliver seamless, 5-Star access and service while expanding clinical reach and diversified models of care. Our work fuels a sustainable cycle of good health—organizationally, financially, and within the communities we serve—driving continued growth from within and beyond the system’s boundaries.
The annual base salary range for this position is $181,709.00 - $299,820.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
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