PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT - Surgical 1st Assist
District Medical Group·Phoenix, Arizona
District Medical Group·Phoenix, Arizona
The Physician Assistant provides first-assist support for cardiothoracic surgical procedures and manages patient care in the clinic and hospital settings. Responsibilities include performing physical exams, assisting in the operating room, and coordinating continuity of care between the OR and ICU.
District Medical Group (DMG) is well known as a respected leader in the healthcare industry in the Phoenix area, with a reputation for outstanding leadership, innovation and dedication to the patients and communities we serve.
DMG is one of the largest physician groups in the Valley, with over 450 dedicated physicians/APP’s, supported by approximately 100 skilled professional/administrative team members.
DMG is actively recruiting for a Physician Assistant (PA) 1st Assist, in the department of Surgery of DMG.
The PA will assist cardiothoracic in delivering high quality care to patients being evaluated by or admitted to Valleywise Health Medical Center (VWMC).
VWMC is a public hospital that is both American College of Surgeons verified, and State designated as an Adult Level I Trauma Center.
Responsibilities include: Clinic & patient prep: · Perform history and physical examinations of patients · Participate in hospital rounds, and prepare documentation of daily progress notes as assigned · Enter patient orders as directed · Review and discuss results of medical imaging and laboratory studies with attending physician, fellow/resident/hospital staff, and/or patients as appropriate Surgical Assistance · Assist in staffing minor procedures and operative procedures in main operating room, as assigned Assist with suturing and knot tying, anastomoses support (CABG, valve, etc.), wound closure (sternum, soft tissue, skin) Advanced CT-specific tasks (varies by privilege) · Conduit harvesting (e.g., saphenous vein), placement of chest tubes, central/arterial lines, pacing wires · Assist with bypass initiation/decannulation, valve repairs/replacements, lung resections · Immediate postop (OR → ICU): Assist with patient transfer and handoff, apply dressings and ensure wound integrity · Assist with hospital-based continuity of care with knowledge of all patients on service and consult list · Assist with coordinating resident education, ER consults and be available for nursing questions regarding service patients · Assist with coordinating operative schedule for both elective and emergent/urgent procedures · Serve as a liaison with other services, answer pages and phone calls and take appropriate action with patients, under the supervision of attending staff · PA may be requested on an “as needed basis” to be available for first call (pager), on evenings, weekends, or holidays, to be determined and as mutually agreed and scheduled by division Chief or designee DMG continuously strives for and succeeds in providing a strong and positive work environment through employee appreciation, team collaboration, competitive compensation, mentoring, and great benefits including: A strong healthcare package inclusive of medical, dental, vision – eligible DAY ONE A rich 401(k) with employer match, increasing annually up to 6% Four weeks PTO + 10 paid holidays One week of CME with allowance Paid Sick Time Qualifies for participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) and more For consideration, please forward CV by email to: practice@dmgaz.org EOE
Candidates must be a qualified Physician Assistant capable of performing advanced cardiothoracic surgical tasks and patient management. The role requires the ability to handle emergent procedures and participate in on-call rotations.
Market context
In Arizona, physician openings are often shaped by ongoing demand in hospitals, clinics, and specialty care settings, especially where patient volume and care coordination are high. These roles are competitive because employers typically look for strong clinical experience, state licensure, and specialty background; in this posting, the requirements are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review fit faster. If you are considering applying, confirm your Arizona license status and align your experience with the listed respiratory care and vascular access background before submitting.
