The purpose of this position is to ensure efficient service to the veteran population with gastrointestinal and liver disease, primarily cancer, precancerous conditions, and those at high risk for developing cancer. As a Gastroenterology/Hepatology Physician Assistant at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, the primary areas of responsibility will involve the hepatology program, colon cancer screening program, and coordination of care as a 'tumor tracker'.

Duties

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Assist in coordination of the Colorectal Cancer Screening/Surveillance program at Jesse Brown VAMC. In this capacity, the PA will assist in dashboard monitoring of FIT test results and tracking FIT positive patients towards further evaluation. The PA will also assist in monitoring and completion of GAP reminders for patients requiring future colonoscopy. Participate as a member of the multidisciplinary team to assess and monitor patients with newly diagnosed cancers. In this capacity the PA will assist in coordinating care with other specialists, ordering and interpreting laboratory and imaging tests, and expediting the efficient delivery of care. Participate as a member of the multidisciplinary team to assess and monitor patients with chronic liver disease and liver lesions, assist in arranging treatment, follow their treatment outcomes, and modify their regimens as indicated based on such assessment. Order and coordinate tests, procedures, and follow-up for treatment of precancerous conditions such as Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia, large gastrointestinal luminal neoplasms that can be endoscopically resected, and patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing surveillance. Perform history and physical examinations for new and follow-up patients in clinic and as needed. Formulates differential diagnosis, assessment, and plan for patients. Takes/makes phone calls and addresses secure and phone messages as needed as part of care. Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as laboratory and imaging tests. Assists in decision making based on such studies. Order and expedite consultations as appropriate to other clinics, as well as special tests and studies. As permitted by Federal and State law and Jesse Brown VAMC bylaws, draws blood specimens, or obtains other specimens for testing as needed. Place orders and prescriptions as needed for the care of the patient in accordance with Federal and State Law. Update and summarize medical records, changes orders as appropriate and notifies the responsible physician of significant changes in the patient's condition. There must be documentation of consultation with the supervising physician. Document weekly/monthly or other progress notes and summaries in the patient's medical record. Assist in coordinating care and providing clinical support for patients in preparation for, and following, liver transplantation in conjunction with the Jesse Brown VAMC Transplant Coordinator. Provide education and counseling of patients and families as part of coordinating care of cancer, precancerous conditions, and/or pre-/post-transplantation. Facilitate patient's entry and exit from various health care systems by establishing and maintaining liaisons with a variety of medical specialists and associated staff. Utilize and promotes approved standards of care, procedures, methods and techniques, safety precautions and protocols in their application to the patients in all settings. Collaborate with other health care resources to ensure continuity of care. Keep abreast of latest trends, skills, procedures, and protocols relevant in the area of specialty and serves as a resource person for the medical center staff. After clinical competence has been gained in the evaluation and treatment of patients with the above conditions, the PA may develop skills in performing paracentesis, wireless capsule endoscopy, Fibroscan exams, or other techniques. Under the leadership of the Chief of Gastroenterology, the PA assists with achieving and maintaining quality measures, including but not limited to timeliness of Colorectal Cancer Screening, treatment of Colorectal Cancer, and follow-up of FIT+ patients requiring expedited evaluation Function as a primary resource for outpatient hepatology patients; assesses patient acuity and appropriately schedules evaluations. Monitor and maintains consult tracking package for outpatient clinic and colonoscopy referrals. Coordinate care with other members of patients' care teams as needed. Arrange for consultations and interventions with the Interventional Radiology and Surgery sections as needed. Oversee scheduling into the outpatient Gastroenterology and Hepatology clinics with resolution of scheduling conflicts. Promote and participates in the delivery of patient and family health education relevant to the medical conditions encountered. Participate, direct, and provide opportunities for staff development through in-service education as needed. Ensure ongoing self-development; maintains current knowledge of clinical gastroenterology and hepatology through participation in continuing medical education. Participate in Gastroenterology/Hepatology Section's clinical research programs when appropriate. Work Schedule: 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Physician Assistant Basic Requirements Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~ Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~ Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia. Grade Determinations: Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level PA. This practice may include, but is not limited to: i. Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. ii. Ability to perform patient history and physical. iii. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. iv. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) Experience and Education. The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below. Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving. Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by: i. Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency. OR iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II: i. Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. ii. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. iii. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. iv. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. v. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively. Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) Experience and Education. PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes. They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by: i. Three years of successful practice as a PA. OR ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA. OR iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-III: i. Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care. ii. Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE). iii. Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials. iv. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel. v. Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes. vi. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is PA-III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of PA-I to PA-III.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: Jacob Bower
• Phone: 352-562-1808
• Email: [email protected]