Surgical First Assistant Training Program Jobs in Washington

Capital Region Health is seeking a highly motivated Physician Assistant to join our expanding Acute Care Emergency Surgery (ACES) team in Largo, Maryland. This unique position offers the opportunity to provide comprehensive care to trauma and acute care surgery patients while working closely with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses, and specialists.

The successful candidate will primarily provide coverage for 24-hour ACES shifts, caring for patients across the continuum of surgical and trauma care. In addition to acute care surgery and trauma services, providers may support urology, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, and thoracic surgery as operational needs require.

This role is ideal for physician assistants seeking a high-acuity, procedure-focused practice with opportunities for surgical first assist, leadership development, and cross-training across multiple specialty service lines.

Position Highlights:

• Primary coverage of 24-hour Acute Care Emergency Surgery shifts
• Work within a Level II Trauma Center environment
• Manage complex trauma and acute surgical patients
• Perform advanced bedside procedures
• First assist in the operating room
• Exposure to multiple surgical specialties
• Cross-training opportunities with additional APP service lines
• Collaborative, physician-led practice environment
• Strong commitment to professional development and career growth

Primary Responsibilities:

In collaboration with the physician care team, the Physician Assistant will:

• Provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services to trauma and critically ill surgical patients
• Obtain comprehensive medical histories and perform physical examinations
• Conduct daily patient rounds and coordinate care plans
• Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic testing and imaging studies
• Formulate diagnoses and initiate evidence-based treatment plans
• Manage trauma and acute care surgery patients throughout hospitalization
• Communicate effectively with attending physicians, consulting services, nursing staff, patients, and families
• Perform advanced procedures as credentialed, including:
• Central venous catheter placement
• Chest tube insertion
• Trauma and acute care surgical procedures
• First assist in operative cases
• Provide patient and family education regarding diagnoses, treatments, and recovery plans
• Participate in discharge planning and care coordination
• Support quality improvement initiatives and patient safety programs

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking abilities
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Confidence in autonomous decision-making while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent procedural and technical skills
• Strong organizational and time-management capabilities
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
• Ability to work effectively with diverse patient populations and healthcare professionals
• Dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care

Commitment to Clinical Excellence:

The Physician Assistant will:

• Practice in accordance with Maryland Board of Physicians standards and approved collaborative practice agreements
• Maintain competency in trauma, acute care surgery, and procedural skills
• Meet all organizational and departmental performance expectations
• Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives
• Identify and communicate potential patient safety concerns and process risks
• Maintain procedural complication rates below national benchmarks
• Consistently support evidence-based clinical practice standards

Leadership and Professional Development:

As a valued member of the APP team, you will:

• Participate in APP Council meetings and service-line meetings
• Attend organizational educational programs and professional development activities
• Engage in committee participation and leadership opportunities
• Support the education and mentorship of APP colleagues, students, and trainees
• Participate in specialty-specific educational initiatives and training programs
• Contribute to organizational goals and strategic initiatives

High Reliability Organization Culture:

Capital Region Health is committed to:

• Patient Safety and Zero Harm
• Clinical Excellence
• Professionalism and Accountability
• Collaboration and Mutual Respect
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement

The Physician Assistant will support and uphold these principles while delivering exceptional care to patients and families.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current NCCPA certification
• Current Maryland Physician Assistant licensure and registration
• Credentialing through the University of Maryland Capital Region Health Medical Staff Office
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications
• ATLS certification required (may be obtained after hire)
• Participation in approved continuing medical education programs

Preferred

• Minimum of one year of experience in:
• Trauma Surgery
• Acute Care Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Critical Care
• General Surgery

Continuing Education Requirements:

• Complete a minimum of 50 Category I CME hours every two years
• Complete 32 hours of trauma-related CME
• Maintain competency in all required subspecialty areas and procedural skills
• Participate in ongoing APP educational opportunities and training programs

Why Join Capital Region Health?

At Capital Region Health, you'll become part of an innovative and growing surgical program dedicated to providing exceptional care throughout the region. Our team offers a supportive environment where advanced practice providers are empowered to practice at the top of their training while advancing professionally through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and continuous learning.

Compensation: Salary is competitive and commensurate with clinical experience.

Join our Acute Care Emergency Surgery team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of trauma and surgical patients every day.

We are not accepting inquiries or solicitations from 3rd party recruiters/search firms.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.