Physician Assistant (Gastroenterology)

Duties

This position service as a medicine service Physician Assistant working to provide the full range of hepatology services emphasizing quality, timeliness, and the advancement of the VA mission. This clinical position involving the provision of Gastroenterology and Hepatology services to an both new consults and an assigned panel of patients in the inpatient and outpatient setting to include use of Clinical Video Telehealth. The GI Physician Assistant reports clinically and administratively to the Chief of Gastroenterology and works in close collaboration with Attending Gastroenterologist, Hepatologists, and support staff.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Receive, triage, prioritize and schedule consults for Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic.
• Triages elective, urgent and emergent Gastroenterology and hepatology patients and provides follow up of pertinent labs, tests and procedures.
• Assists with the coordination of transplant care, in collaboration with Medicine Service Transplant Coordinators and the Community Care Transplant Coordinator RN, for patients who are either: undergoing transplant work-up, currently listed for transplant, or are status posttransplant.
• Evaluate patients for endoscopic procedures, educate on potential risks versus benefits of procedures, complications of procedures, and obtain consent for procedures.
• Identifies and prescribes appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents Identifies medical and health risks and needs of the individual and family because of the evaluation of collected data.
• Makes appropriate referrals to other health professionals and community agencies Consults with collaborating health care professionals when doubt exists as to the diagnosis, when expected improvement is not soon apparent and when specialized therapeutic or diagnostic techniques are indicated.

Work Schedule: Full time; 7:45am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

VA offers a comprehensive PA total rewards package .
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinators at visn6salemsbu@va.gov, for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Roanoke and Salem Virginia local information:
The Roanoke Valley is conveniently located off Interstate 81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway at the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley . Surrounded by scenic beauty, the Roanoke region is a perfect Place to live for those wanting a little of everything. The region offers affordable housing, low taxes, some of the finest public and private schools in Virginia. Roanoke Valley also offers numerous opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, Smith Mountain Lake, beautiful mountainside wineries and golf courses, and a variety of National parks and wildlife areas.The Valley includes attractions such as the Taubman Museum of Art , Virginia Museum of Transportation , Mill Mountain Zoo and Center in the Square . In the center of it all is the Historic Market District including a Farmers' Market, unique shopping, several restaurants, art and entertainment venues, museums, galleries, symphony, ballet, and competitive youth sports for the family.

75 Reasons to Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains (visitroanokeva.com)
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Outdoor Activities, Events & Advice | Roanoke Outside | Trails
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Arts
Jefferson Center - Roanoke's Premiere Performing Arts and Cultural Center (jeffcenter.org)
Berglund Center Performing Arts in Roanoke, Virginia
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Schools:
Home - Salem City Schools
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Blacksburg:
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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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)
a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements
b) 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)
a) 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

b) 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)
a) 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.

(b) 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.

References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005/78 SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 PART II APPENDIX G8 II-G8., Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements:
The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position may involve standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and turning. The work may involve going up and down flights of stairs.

References:
VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

The full performance level of this vacancy is PA-III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of PA-I to PA-III.

Physical Requirements:
This work is mostly sedentary and requires some standing, bending and carrying light items. The incumbent must have the ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time to interact with the patients and other services.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .