Physician Assistant--Spine

Job Summary

Partner with Dr. Ken Hood, a nationally regarded orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine care and surgery, including the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine.  Dr. Hood focuses on minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, including robotic spinal fusions and complex spinal reconstructions.  His practice treats a broad array of spinal conditions and injuries.

Dr. Hood's established team is looking for a highly skilled and motivated Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to support the pre- and post-operative patient's needs.  The ideal candidate will manage an independent patient schedue in the office.  This role is integral to ensuring high-quality, patient-centered spine care in a collaborative, team-based environment. 

PA/NP has the administrative and clinical support of an LPN to assist as needed, scribe, RN Triage Nurse who screens and handles calls prior to forwarding to the PA/NP, surgery scheduler, and appointment scheduler. Excelsior is a comprehensive practice with pain management, nutritional and physical therapy services on-site. The qualified candidate will be patient-centered and passionate about restoring function and enhancing the quality of life of our patients. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of two (2) years related work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of pre-operative and post-operative spine patients.
• Obtain patients complete medical history and physical data.
• Assess patient for developing and updating of treatment plans; implement treatment plans that have been reviewed and approved by supervising physician.
• Order diagnostic tests, including but not limited to radiology exams and laboratory studies.
• Provide patient education, effectively explaining the necessity, preparation, nature, and anticipated effects of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Review patient records, interpreting and integrating data to determine appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures needed, including but not limited to radiology and laboratory tests.
• Prescribe drugs, schedule III, IV and V controlled substances to the extent permitted by licensing and administer prescribed medications as directed; observe, record, and report patients condition and reaction to drugs and treatments to physician.
• Work closely with clinical support:
  • Triage Nurse (RN) to ensure all patient questions and concerns are addressed, such as making recommendations to address medical or post-operative complications or following up to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Scribe to handle chart prep and scribe notes while accompanying office visits.
  • Other support including:  Surgery Scheduler, DME Specialist, and LPN
• Share on-call responsibilities with team.
• Attend continuing education courses as requested.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited physician assistant or nurse practitioner program required.
• Current NYS Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner License required.
• Prior experience in spine, neurology, or orthopedics preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining collaborative relationships with the surgeon and team.

Physical Demands

• Position requires full range of body motion

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health (with employer contribution), dental, and vision insurance, employer paid base life, and other voluntary benefits*.  Time off benefits include paid combined time off (CTO) and seven paid holidays, plus a floating holiday after one year of service.  Retirement benefits include a 401(k) with company contribution and profit sharing after one year of service.  Qualified team members become eligible to participate in medical benefits on the 1st of the month following date of hire, and retirement benefits after 90 days.   

We also provide professional development opportunities, flexible work schedules, wellness incentives, healthy vending options, and relaxed dress code on Fridays. Our community-focused culture encourages participation in local events, fundraisers, and causes chosen by our team.  We are committed to providing our team members with the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally. 

*Other voluntary benefits include Voluntary Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, and legal and identity protection and pet insurance.

Who We Are

Excelsior Orthopaedics is a multi-specialty orthopedic practice that has been providing comprehensive care since 2002.  We have multiple locations throughout the Western New York region and a free-standing ambulatory surgery center, Buffalo Surgery Center.  Excelsior Orthopaedics offers a suite of in-house services including general orthopaedic evaluation and treatment, podiatry, physical & occupational therapy, nutrition counseling, sports training, outreach athletic training, orthopaedic express care, imaging, durable medical equipment, and an outpatient total joint program.  Buffalo Surgery Center provides surgical and procedural treatments for orthopaedic, pain and spine, podiatry, total joint replacement, and gastrointestinal patients.  Our mission is to transform the lives of our patients by restoring function and enhancing quality of life.  We are committed to innovative care that is driven by patient needs and supported by the most skilled, experienced team in Western New York.

The pay range for this position is determined based on several factors, including the candidate’s years of experience, qualifications, training, licenses, designations, and the overall market conditions.

This job description does not state or imply that the duties and responsibilities listed are the only ones required of this position.  Team members in this role will be required to perform other job-related duties at the discretion of the employer and may have additional duties assigned as necessary.  

Excelsior Orthopaedics and Buffalo Surgery Center are committed to the full inclusion of all applicants.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.