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MedStar Health

Cardiac Surgery First Assist- Washington D.C.

Pay: $115,000–$190,000/yr

Posted: 6 days ago

Location: Washington, DC (Onsite)

Last Updated: 2 days ago

Hours: Full-Time

Expires: 10/15/2026

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What they do

A Surgical Physician Assistant provides medical care to patients, under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Works in surgical operating rooms and surgery departments, and is licensed to practice medicine but has less formal certification than a physician. Performs duties delegated by a physician such as recording patient medical histories, ordering diagnostic tests, or giving immunizations.

$128,374 / year median in Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia)

+11% projected growth

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Job Description

About the Job The incumbent of this role works as a first or second assistant during open-heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. The primary focus of this position is the cardiac surgery operating room. The PA/APP will work closely with cardiac surgeons and experienced APPs while developing skills in first assisting, conduit harvesting, surgical exposure, and perioperative care. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Reviews relevant patient history, diagnostic studies, and imaging in preparation for surgery. Participates in a structured orientation and competency-development program. Assists in the cardiac surgery operating room. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Assisting cardiac surgeons during open and/or minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures. Serving as a first or second assistant based on experience and demonstrated competency. Participating in procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement, aortic surgery, mechanical circulatory support, and other cardiac surgical procedures. Developing skills in endoscopic and open saphenous vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting. Working collaboratively with surgeons, APPs, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, and other members of the cardiac surgery team. Minimum Qualifications Education Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program. RN First Assistant (RNFA) program required for Nurse Practitioners. Experience Previous operating room, cardiac surgery, cardiovascular, or related clinical experience preferred but not required.

Licenses and Certifications Physician Assistant:

Current or eligible for Physician Assistant licensure in the District of Columbia.

Nurse Practitioner:

Current or eligible for Nurse Practitioner licensure in the District of Columbia and completion of an RN First Assistant program. Compensation Total compensation for this position is a combination of base salary, a first-assist adjuster, and an off-shift adjuster. This position has a hiring range of USD $115,000.00 - USD $190,000.00 /Yr.

Qualifications:

UNAVAILABLE