Physician Assistant (Lung Cancer Screening Program)

Summary The Lung Cancer Screening Program physician assistant (PA) is a position located in the Pulmonary Division of the Medicine Service. The physician assistant reports directly to Section Chief of Pulmonology. Duties Provides clinical and operational leadership for the Lung Cancer Screening and Pulmonary Nodule Program, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based patient care, regulatory compliance, program effectiveness, and continuous program improvement. Develops and leads educational programs for providers, nursing staff, trainees, and interdisciplinary team members related to Lung Cancer Screening and Pulmonary Nodule management. Provides leadership in strategic planning, program development, and implementation of initiatives that support the continued growth and effectiveness of the Lung Cancer Screening and Pulmonary Nodule Program. Leads program-wide quality improvement initiatives; analyzes program performance metrics; monitors compliance with national and local Lung Cancer Screening performance measures; identifies opportunities for improvement; and implements corrective actions to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Serves as the primary clinical consultant and subject matter expert for Lung Cancer Screening and Pulmonary Nodule management throughout the medical center and affiliated facilities. Participates in the development, implementation, and revision of clinical policies, protocols, clinical pathways, and standard operating procedures related to Lung Cancer Screening and Pulmonary Nodule management. Provides mentorship and professional development for Physician Assistants, Advanced Practice Providers, students, trainees, and other interdisciplinary staff. Works with local and national clinical applications coordinators to ensure clinical reminders and templates are implemented appropriately. Maintains pulmonary nodule and follow-up care databases. Optimizes patient-centered care practices through patient education, care management and appropriate utilization of system processes. Monitors and schedules screening examinations, procedures, and clinic appointments; assists with follow-up of abnormal findings; and provides primary. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: Monday

• Friday 0800
• 1630 Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: 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: Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. Ability to perform patient history and physical. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. 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: Two years of successful practice as a

Pa. or

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 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: Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. 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: Three years of successful practice as a

Pa. or

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 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: Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care. 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). Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel. 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. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records. Preferred Experience: Lung Ca