Physician Associate in Vascular,

Beaumont Hospital

Job Title: Physician Associate (PA) in Vascular Surgery

Location: Beaumont Hospital, Dublin

Reporting to: Clinical Director of Surgery

• Objective
  
  
  

Physician Associates (PA) are clinically trained and competent members of the multi-disciplinary medical team. PAs practice medicine under senior medical supervision, in a process known as delegated autonomy. The Lead Consultant delegates’ duties to the PA, and within those range of duties, the PA uses autonomous decision-making for patient care. The team model is the key-stone to maintaining a high-quality, efficient healthcare service. The Physician Associate's responsibilities are determined by the laws of the country in which they practice, the hospital board and the supervising consultant.

The PA will function under a standard Physician Associate Role Description as outlined below. Specific functions pertaining to the service, clinic or department will be established and agreed upon by the supervising Consultant (s), and appropriate Clinical Director.

The successful candidate will be required to be flexible in relation to working hours in order to support the Vascular service.

1.2 Supervision

Supervision will be provided by the Consultant Lead for Vascular surgery.

The Vascular surgeon group will work with the PAs when on call. The Vascular surgery service is in high demand with oversight on elective, trauma and emergency surgeries as well as Outpatient and Emergency Department reviews.

Specifically:

• The designated On Call Vascular Surgeon will be the point of contact when the PA is following up on the care of patients in Beaumont Hospital.
• Protocols and clinical practice guidelines developed by the hospital, the supervising consultant and the multidisciplinary team will be included as part of the role and responsibility of the Physician Associate.
• Patient management issues not covered by protocols will be discussed with the Lead Surgeon on a patient-specific basis.
• In the case of emergency, the supervising Consultant and senior Non Consultant Hospital Doctor (e.g. Vascular registrar on call) should be contacted immediately.
• The PA will receive a biannual formal performance evaluation by the supervising
  
  
  

Vascular Consultant Surgeon at Beaumont Hospital. Ongoing professional practice evaluation also occurs through tracking of performance indicators.

1.3 Duties and Responsibilities:

Primary Duties will be inclusive of the following but not limited to:

• The PA will attend and coordinate patient follow ups and additional duties will be delegated by the Vascular Consultant attending in relation to diagnostics, procedures and out-patients.
• The PA will attend and participate in outpatient clinics, ward rounds and theatre as per an agreed schedule.
• Organisation of diagnostic tests including imaging studies, cardiac and vascular diagnostics, laboratory tests, and tests as indicated by the On Call Surgeon. Collation of results of above investigations and liaise with relevant Consultant for discussion of results.
• The PA will coordinate angioplasty pathway patients liaising with Consultant Vascular Surgeons to identify and confirm patients, as well as Interventional Radiology, St Joseph’s and scheduled care administration and any other relevant parties to the patients’ admissions.
• Support team with clinical administration such as, but not limited to TPRO clinic letter and discharge summaries.
• Auditing and data collection of trauma pathway patients.
• Assist with validation and management of elective waiting lists.
• Develops and implements patient management plans, records progress notes, and assists in the provision of continuity of care.
• Instructs and counsels patients regarding compliance with prescribed therapeutic regimens, health maintenance and other relevant patient education.
• The above duties and responsibilities are intended to represent current priorities and are not meant to be a conclusive list. This job description may be subject to change in the light of changing circumstances and in consultation with the post holder.
  
  
  

Additional duties may include the following:

• Facilitate admissions, transfers, and discharges within a timely manner.
• Provides patient and family with pre-procedure and other pertinent education.
• Coordinates patient care with sub-specialty and ancillary services as appropriate.
• Person Specification:
• Graduate of an accredited Physician Associate Programme
• Dynamic medical profession that can work both as part of a team and independently
• Demonstrated ability to function in collaboration with other health care professional
• Ability to make decisions and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates an effective communication style appropriate to audience and situation.
• Computer skills
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Possess a post graduate degree from RCSI Physicians Associate, current and valid certification or recertification by the National Commission on Certification of Physicians Associates. Final year students with a strong interest in Vascular Surgery are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration.
  
  
  

OR

• Current and valid certification with the National Commission on Certificate Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Hold Registration with the Irish Voluntary Registry for Physician Assistants, when it is established.
• Be a member of the Physicians Associate Professional organisation.
• Maintain membership with the Irish Society of Physician Associates (ISPA)
• Pass the Irish Physician Associate National exam (IPANE) and the re-certification exam every 6 years.
• Must be listed on managed Voluntary Register (MVR) and therefore hold an MVR number
  
  
  

Desirable Experience

• Clinical experience
• Theatre experience
  
  
  

Desirable Skills

• Basic Life Support certification.
• Have the ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively.
• Have the ability to exercise sound judgement when faced with conflicting pressure.
• Have the ability to motivate and develop the multi-disciplinary team.
• Have the ability to manage and lead a working group.
• Have the ability to implement and interpret procedures and policies.
• Have an awareness of current developments and initiatives in Vascular services.
• Be energetic and enthusiastic and have the ability to work under pressure.
• Show empathy and compassion.
• Be committed to continuing education and professional development.
• Be a team player who works well with colleagues from different backgrounds, professions and disciplines.
• Have the ability to recognise limitations and when it is appropriate, to seek help or escalate issues.
• Have knowledge of medical procedures and terminology.
• Have good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all members of the healthcare team, patients and relatives.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to adhere to regulations as well as work flexibly to meet the needs of the hospital.
• Be free from any defect or disease which would render him / her unsuitable to hold office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
• Experience with MS office suite.
• Be of good character.
  
  
  

Closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm on Friday 27th October 2023.

This post is open to final year Physician Associate Students due to graduate in January 2024 (proposed start date mid January 2024).