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Physician Assistant Thoracic Surgery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westchester Medical Center

NY · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Thoracic Surgery (Outpatient) Valhalla, NY base with system wide presence Primarily Schedule: 5 days/week Summary We are looking for a motivated APP ...

MedSource

Nurse Practitioner/Thoracic

Bridgeport, CT · On-site

$111K - $144K/yr

LOCUM Physician Assistant Thoracic Needed for Three Months Job Type Locum Tenens Specialty ... The majority of cases are minimally invasive, with some foregut surgery in addition to lung surgery.

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How much do physician assistant thoracic surgery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for physician assistant thoracic surgery in the United States is $164,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,000.00 and $173,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physician assistant in thoracic surgery?

A Physician Assistant (PA) in Thoracic Surgery is a licensed healthcare professional who works closely with thoracic surgeons to provide care for patients with conditions affecting the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, and other organs. They assist in surgeries, perform pre- and post-operative care, conduct patient assessments, and may help with diagnostic procedures. PAs in this specialty are trained to handle complex cases and often play a vital role in patient education and follow-up care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physician assistant in thoracic surgery?

To thrive as a Physician Assistant in Thoracic Surgery, you need a strong background in surgical procedures, patient assessment, and clinical decision-making, typically supported by a master's degree from an accredited PA program and national certification (PA-C). Familiarity with surgical instruments, electronic medical records (EMRs), and perioperative care protocols is essential. Excellent teamwork, communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring patient safety, effective surgical outcomes, and seamless collaboration within the surgical team.

What are some common challenges a physician assistant in thoracic surgery might face, and how can they be addressed?

Physician Assistants in Thoracic Surgery often encounter challenges such as managing high-acuity patients, adapting to rapidly changing surgical schedules, and balancing time between the operating room, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics. Collaboration and clear communication with surgeons, nurses, and other specialists are essential for seamless patient care. Staying organized, continuously updating clinical knowledge, and being adaptable can help PAs navigate these challenges while maintaining a high standard of care.
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Physician Assistant Thoracic Surgery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physician Assistant Thoracic Surgery job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,097 per year, or $78.9 per hour.

Physician Assistant - Thoracic Surgery

Catholic Health

East Hills, NY • On-site

$71.98 - $93/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Catholic Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 896 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Details
Physician Assistant - Thoracic Surgery
Service Line: Thoracic Surgery
Service Provided To: Thoracic Surgery Physician
Location: Catholic Health
Schedule: Full-Time
Position Overview
About Dr. Laurence N. Spier, MD
Dr. Spier is an experienced, board-certified thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeon with extensive expertise in minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery. His background includes cardiothoracic surgery fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and general surgery residency at North Shore University Hospital.
His clinical philosophy is centered on compassionate, individualized patient care, clinical excellence, and teamwork. He believes in caring for the whole patient-both physically and emotionally-and is committed to combining advanced surgical techniques with thoughtful, personalized care. His work has included research and clinical advancement in robotic and minimally invasive thoracic surgery
This opportunity is ideal for a PA who is passionate about thoracic surgery and believes that excellent clinical care extends beyond treating a condition-it means caring for the whole patient, both physically and emotionally.
The thoracic surgery practice is grounded in a commitment to compassionate, individualized care, strong teamwork, clinical excellence, and helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes while returning to their normal lives as quickly and safely as possible.
The practice has a strong focus on minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery, including procedures such as lung resection, lobectomy, and segmentectomy. The PA will work closely with the thoracic surgeon and a multidisciplinary team to provide coordinated, high-quality patient care.
Our Clinical Philosophy
We believe that the best patient care begins with compassion, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to helping others. Every patient deserves individualized attention and care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs.
The thoracic surgery service is committed to maintaining the highest standards of clinical and technical excellence while continually advancing surgical knowledge and skills. Our goal is to provide comprehensive surgical care using appropriate minimally invasive and robotic techniques whenever possible, with a focus on excellent outcomes and helping patients return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
The Physician Assistant will be an integral member of the surgical team, working closely with the thoracic surgeon throughout the patient's surgical journey and developing advanced clinical and technical expertise in thoracic surgery.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical & Surgical Care
  • Provide comprehensive preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care for patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures.
  • Obtain detailed medical histories and perform physical examinations.
  • Review diagnostic studies and assist with the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans.
  • Serve as first or second surgical assistant during open, minimally invasive, VATS, and robotic-assisted thoracic procedures.
  • Participate in robotic thoracic surgical procedures, as appropriate to training and credentialing.
  • Assist with procedures including lung resection, lobectomy, segmentectomy, and other thoracic surgical procedures.
  • Coordinate preoperative evaluations, including laboratory testing, imaging, specialty consultations, and medical optimization.
  • Participate in inpatient rounds and assist with the ongoing management of postoperative patients.
  • Manage postoperative needs, including chest tubes, drains, wounds, medications, and other routine surgical care within the PA's scope of practice.
  • Provide outpatient preoperative and postoperative follow-up care.
  • Monitor patient progress and communicate changes in clinical status to the surgical team.
  • Provide patients and families with education regarding surgical procedures, recovery, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up care.
  • Facilitate communication and continuity of care between the surgical team, patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

Collaboration & Patient Care
  • Work closely with the thoracic surgeon, nursing staff, anesthesiology, pulmonology, radiology, and other healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions as appropriate.
  • Assist with coordination of diagnostic evaluations and treatment plans.
  • Promote seamless transitions between preoperative, inpatient, surgical, and outpatient care.
  • Serve as a consistent clinical resource for patients throughout the surgical process.

Quality, Education & Professional Development
  • Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, clinical outcomes, and evidence-based practice initiatives.
  • Support education and mentorship of APPs, nurses, students, and other healthcare professionals as appropriate.
  • Maintain current knowledge and technical skills related to thoracic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and robotic surgical techniques.
  • Participate in continuing education and professional development activities.

Documentation & Administrative Responsibilities
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive documentation in the electronic medical record.
  • Ensure compliance with Catholic Health policies, regulatory requirements, scope-of-practice standards, and applicable payer requirements.
  • Assist with the development and implementation of clinical pathways, protocols, and quality initiatives within the thoracic surgery service.
  • Contribute to the continued growth and development of Catholic Health's Thoracic Surgery program.
  • Perform other clinically appropriate responsibilities consistent with education, training, credentialing, and scope of practice.

Qualifications
  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
  • Current NCCPA certification.
  • Current New York State Physician Assistant license and applicable registrations.
  • Thoracic or cardiothoracic surgical experience strongly preferred.
  • Surgical experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated first-assist experience and appropriate surgical credentialing.
  • Robotic and/or minimally invasive surgical experience highly preferred.
  • Current BLS and ACLS certification.
  • Excellent clinical assessment, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative surgical environment.
  • Strong commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
  • Demonstrated interest in developing advanced clinical and technical expertise in thoracic surgery.

Posted Salary Range
USD $71.98 - USD $93.00 /Hr.

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About Catholic Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Formed in 1998 under four religious sponsors, Catholic Health in Buffalo, NY is a non-profit healthcare system that provides care to Western New Yorkers across a network of hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, physician practices, and other community based ministries. Today, the system has two religious sponsors, the Diocese of Buffalo and the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, who carried on its Mission across the Buffalo-Niagara region. Our mission sets us apart. It's the human side of healthcare – the touch, smile or comforting word that can help make your healthcare experience better. It's treating all people with respect and dignity, and providing comfort in times of greatest need. Catholic Health is making the largest investment in its history, dedicating more than $100 million in state-of-the- art technology that will connect our hospitals, home care, long-term care, clinician offices, health centers and ancillary services with patients throughout the area. This transformational investment marks a major milestone for our healing ministry, which dates back more than 165 years.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Buffalo, NY, US

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