Physician Assistant - Carrell Clinic

Position Summary

The Physician Assistant (PA) supports orthopedic physicians in delivering high-quality musculoskeletal care to patients. This role includes conducting clinical evaluations, performing procedures, assisting in surgery, managing follow-up care, and coordinating treatment plans in accordance with Texas state laws and the supervising physician’s delegation.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Perform comprehensive patient histories, physical examinations, and orthopedic assessments.
• Order, interpret, and manage diagnostic tests including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, EMG/NCV, bone scans, and laboratory studies.
• Formulate differential diagnoses and develop treatment plans under physician supervision consistent with Texas Physician Assistant Board rules.
• Independently manage follow-up visits, post-operative checks, acute injury evaluations, and chronic orthopedic conditions within defined scope of practice.
• Perform in-office procedures such as joint injections and aspirations, splinting, casting, wound care, and suture/staple removal.
• Provide patient education on diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, rehabilitation, and preventive care.

Surgical Support

• Assist the supervising orthopedic surgeon in the operating room.
• Conduct pre-operative evaluations and contribute to surgical planning.
• Provide post-operative management including wound checks, medication management, and rehabilitation coordination.
• Conduct hospital rounds, write orders, take call, manage inpatient care, and document histories, H&Ps, and discharge summaries.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant medical records, ensuring documentation aligns with Texas Medical Board and Physician Assistant Board regulations.
• Complete billing and coding documentation consistent with practice policies and payer guidelines.
• Follow all Texas scope-of-practice requirements, including maintaining a written prescriptive authority agreement as required.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with physicians, medical assistants, imaging staff, therapists, and administrative teams to ensure effective patient flow.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case discussions and care coordination.
• Support patient triage and respond to clinical questions from staff and patients.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current, unrestricted Texas Physician Assistant License.
• NCCPA certification.
• Current DEA and DPS (Texas) registration for prescriptive authority, if applicable.
• BLS and ACLS certification (or willingness to obtain).

Preferred

• 1+ years of orthopedic PA experience.
• Surgical first-assist experience in relevant orthopedic subspecialties.
• Strong proficiency with EMR systems, specifically AthenaOne, and orthopedic documentation templates.
• Prior orthopedic or musculoskeletal experience or completion of orthopedic-focused clinical rotations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and orthopedic conditions.
• Ability to perform procedures with confidence and competency.
• Excellent communication and patient-relationship skills.
• Ability to work independently within the delegated scope while collaborating effectively with supervising physicians.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities; and strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced clinical environment with some extended or flexible hours depending on physician schedules.
• May include surgical days, evening clinics, or rotating call depending on practice needs.
• Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, lifting up to 25 lbs, and assisting with patient mobility.

Supervision

The Physician Assistant works under the supervision and delegation of the designated orthopedic physician(s) in accordance with the Texas Medical Board and Texas Physician Assistant Board rules.