A cardiothoracic physician assistant works with a cardiothoracic physician to prepare patients for surgery. This specialty operates on conditions of the lungs, heart, and chest wall. As a cardiothoracic physician assistant, you explain to the patient what to expect during the procedure, and you monitor the patient during and after the surgery. You do not participate in the operation, but you may perform of other procedures, such as chest tube insertions, endoscopic retrieval, thoracentesis, and the insertion of catheters. Other job duties may include taking patient histories and physicals, accompanying the physician on their clinical rounds, and may assist with discharging the patient, including writing prescriptions for explaining discharge instructions.