Chief Physician Asst - Inpt

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

JOB TITLE:                             Chief Physician Assistant - Inpatient

JOB CODE:                            4724

GRADE:                                  59

FLSA STATUS:                       Exempt

DEPARTMENT:                     Medical Oncology

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In addition to the duties and responsibilities associated with Inpatient Physician Assistants, the Chief Physician Assistant:

• Manages schedule and coverage for inpatient services based on established ratios. Collaborates with staff PAs, chief of the day and triage to help ensure plan for overnight admissions prior to leaving for the day.
• Establishes a work environment that supports teamwork and a collegial atmosphere. Builds trust and encourages collaboration within and among teams and between departments. Keeps staff and leadership informed on DF/BWCC business and other information on a regular basis. 
• Develops and refines tools and processes for effectively tracking and assessing staff performance, including FPPE and OPPE. Works with supervising physicians to identify PAs with performance issues and establish proctoring as appropriate. Identifies metrics and develops scorecards to track critical performance metrics across all PA teams.
• Collaborates with other DF/BWCC Chief PAs to ensure that the proper billing and compliance standards are being followed.
• Drives ongoing strategic initiatives and ensures adherence to policies and continuous quality improvement. Ensures hospital initiatives are meeting leadership defined targets. Serves as liaison to Attendings (both supervising and delegate Attending of record) nursing, RNCC and other support services. Participates as PA program representative on committees as needed.
• Reviews and provides feedback to PAs about proper documentation for continuity of care through chart reviews during rounds and off rounds. Encourages one-on-one follow-up between PAs covering patient during hospital stay.
• Actively participates in and facilitates the recruitment and training of PAs. Reviews applications and participates in interviews.  Establishes training process/methods and weekly/monthly goals with real time follow-up.
• Oversees the development of PA special projects roles, including the PA educators and procedure PAs. Provides guidance for PAs pursuing professional development opportunities.
• Rounds at least once per week per team and incorporate teaching on rounds. Acts as a resource to PAs during rapid responses and codes; debrief to establish teaching points.
• Facilitates meetings to foster communication, collaboration and accountability across all PA teams. Identifies staffing for next day, reviews census, throughput, and addresses issues for patient coverage. Discusses programmatic/ institute announcements and invites visitors presenting outside work impacting PA program.  Attends weekly Chief meetings.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Expert knowledge of general medicine and preferable exposure to hematology/oncology and/or inpatient medicine. Ability to incorporating knowledge of general internal medicine and medical complications unique to oncology patients in day to day management of patients will be required.
• Must be professional, quality driven, and have the proven ability to work well within a cohesive group of peers. Exercises the highest level of professional judgment and will exercise independent originality in solving problems. Strong communication skills and sound judgment.
• Possesses the maturity and confidence to work closely with clinicians, therapists, and team members across the organization. Ability to build working relationships amongst his/her peers and other team members working with inpatient oncology patients.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing clinical education and training and exhibits expert knowledge of inpatient oncology and general medicine.
• Able to accept instruction and guidance and assume graded responsibility in complex teamwork, while demonstrating an understanding of procedures, policies and documentation required to facilitate PA compliance with hospital standards of care.
• Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively with all members of the care team and all DF/BW staff.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

PATIENT CONTACT:

Provides direct patient care to adult patients

DISCLAIMER:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s Degree and successful completion of an AAPA/NCCPA accredited Physician Assistant Studies program are required along with three years experience working as a Physician Assistant in an inpatient oncology environment, a least 1 of which is at DFCI. Supervisory experience and teaching experience preferred.  Must be NCCPA Certified and licensed to practice as a Physician Assistant in Massachusetts.  Must maintain current DEA and Massachusetts Controlled Substance Licenses and complete 100 hours of CME according to national and state regulations during each 2 year period of employment.

The Inpatient Chief PA will have both clinical and administrative responsibilities. The list below details administrative duties; clinical duties are the equivalent of a Physician Assistant III.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.