Physician Assistant, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic

Date Posted: 10/25/2024

Requisition Number: CHAP-2299

Cambridge Health Alliance is an award-winning public healthcare system, recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Places to Work in Massachusetts. We are a mission-driven organization that is passionate about serving our ethnically and socio-economically diverse patient population. Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) is affiliated with Harvard Medical School and Tufts University School of Medicine, and the PA student programs at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Northeastern University. Join us in setting the standard for metabolic and bariatric health at CHA, where you can grow professionally within a supportive and patient-centered environment.

We are seeking a part-time Physician Assistant to join our Department of Surgery. 

This will be a dual role as both a Clinical PA and Program Coordinator within our MBSAQIP-accredited Bariatric Surgery Clinic. This position offers a unique balance of patient care and program leadership, supporting CHA’s commitment to excellence in bariatric and metabolic healthcare.

Position Overview:

Hybrid position in which the PA will dedicate 50% of their time to clinical responsibilities and 50% as program coordinator. The PA will be a core care team member, reporting to the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery. This position is designed to offer flexibility, with some responsibilities onsite at Cambridge Hospital and some responsibilities completed virtually.

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Part-time position working 16 hours per week, with the potential for increased hours over time.
• No call.
• Conduct pre and post operative patient evaluations, including initial assessments, follow ups and patient education.
• Provide individualized care for metabolic and bariatric patients, including pre operative counseling, medical management, and postoperative support.
• Work in collaboration with the bariatric surgery team to develop patient-centered care plans and ensure quality of care.
• Serve as a resource for patients and families, offering guidance and education about the bariatric surgery process and recovery.
• Provide personalized care to a culturally diverse adult population, both pre and post bariatric surgery.
• Document patient encounters and care in EPIC in compliance with CHA and MBSAQIP standards.

Program Coordinator Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary liaison between CHA’s Bariatric Surgery Clinic and MBSAQIP, ensuring compliance and timely reporting for accreditation.
• Collaborate with the MBS Committee, including scheduling and documentation of all required meetings, such as the annual comprehensive review.
• Coordinate with the MBS Clinical Reviewer to submit timely outcomes data to the MBSAQIP Registry.
• Maintain program pathways, protocols, and patient education initiatives, ensuring alignment with MBSAQIP standards and quality improvement goals.
• Facilitate developing and maintaining written protocols for nursing staff related to rapid response and critical patient care.
• Track and document the call schedule for all covering surgeons, ensuring accessibility across departments involved in metabolic and bariatric patient care.
• Participate in and prepare for MBSAQIP site visits, and provide essential program documentation and reporting as required.
• Conduct 1:1 and group educational sessions, both in person and virtually.
• Collaborate closely with the bariatric dietician, psychologist, and the bariatric surgery director to ensure high-quality care.
• Play a vital role in maintaining the program’s accreditation and assisting in quality improvement initiatives.
• Work with the medical weight management and pharmacy programs within CHA’s dynamic weight management department.

Qualifications:

• Licensed Physician Assistant in Massachusetts with experience in metabolic or bariatric patient care is preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational and communication skills to balance both clinical and administrative responsibilities.
• Familiarity with MBSAQIP standards and accreditation processes preferred.
• Experience with EPIC is advantageous.
• Demonstrated commitment to patient safety, quality care, and teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment.

Make a lasting difference in patients’ lives through this unique role at CHA! For more information on CHA and to apply, please visit www.CHAproviders.org. Qualified candidates may also submit their CV and cover letter to Mary Cummings in the CHA Provider Recruitment Department via email at ProviderRecruitment@challiance.org. 

In keeping with federal, state and local laws, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) policy forbids employees and associates to discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, relationship identity or relationship structure, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to establishing and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination. We are fully committed to equal employment opportunities. We will not tolerate unlawful discrimination in the recruitment, hiring, termination, promotion, salary treatment or any other condition of employment or career development. Furthermore, we will not tolerate the use of discriminatory slurs, or other remarks, jokes or conduct that, in the judgment of CHA, encourage or permit an offensive or hostile work environment.

Cambridge Health Alliance brings Care to the People – including your neighbors, friends and family. Our local hospitals and care centers serve our vibrant, diverse communities, and play an integral role in improving health. As passionate advocates for the underserved, we actively partner with our communities to take on challenging public health issues, and conduct important research to help reduce barriers to care. We believe that everyone deserves access to high quality, convenient health care. This is why our employees believe in where they work and why many build long, rewarding careers at CHA.

Healthcare is changing rapidly. CHA has a strategic plan that charts a proactive course for our future. It is built on a vision of equity and excellence for everyone, every time. It also recognizes that our workforce is our most valuable asset and prioritizes competitive salaries, benefits and professional development opportunities for employees. The strategic plan is changing the way we provide care and improving the health and experience of our patients; we are looking for smart, committed, compassionate people who want to be part of making our vision of better health and equity a reality.

At CHA, you can believe in where you work and go home every day knowing you made a difference. Join our team and help us bring Care to the People.

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