The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for working with the Attending Physicians in the medical and/or surgical management of hematologic (including BMT) and solid tumor oncology patients. The PA has expert knowledge of medical and/or surgical oncology, incorporating knowledge of general internal medicine and medical complications unique to oncology patients in day-to-day management of patients. The PA works closely with the physician and multidisciplinary team to develop and coordinate a plan of care designed to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of patients and their families. Professional collaboration between inpatient and the ambulatory setting is expected by all PAs.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is honored to be one of the organizations to receive the American Academy of PAs? (AAPA) Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management (CHLM) 2020-2021 Employer of Excellence Award. The EOE Awards, the first and only PA-specific award program for organizations, is designed to showcase employers that have implemented practices that create positive work environments for PAs and encourage collaborative provider teams.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

The Adult Oncology Consult Service PA will be responsible for working with the Attending Physicians in the management of solid tumor oncology patients and will serve as the key contact for all inpatient solid tumor consult requests. The PA will staff the consult pager, responding to all requested consults on patients with an Inpatient Oncology Consult order. The PA will work as a team in staffing consults and maintaining a list of patients on the consult service. They will be expected to communicate with the appropriate Attending Oncologist to staff consults and communicate recommendations to the requesting team. The PA will be involved in patient communications, family conversations, and patient follow-up to ensure continuity of care.

In addition to consult responsibilities, the Adult Oncology Consult Service PA may support the triage and management of new ambulatory patients.

Professional collaboration between inpatient and the ambulatory setting is expected by all PAs.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

A Masters Degree and successful completion of an AAPA/NCCPA accredited Physician Assistant Studies program are required.   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. Candidates must have 2 or more years of qualifying professional Physician Assistant experience within a medical oncology practice setting.

PA I:      No professional experience required.

PA II:     2 years of qualifying professional Physician Assistant experience 

PA III:    5 years of qualifying professional Physician Assistant experience

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Adult Oncology Consult Service PA ("Consult PA") will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities during their shift:

• Sign in and respond in timely manner to consult pager daily during consult hours.
• Complete requested consults and staff with appropriate Oncology Attending, including but not limited to executing on the following:
  • Obtains, compiles, and records patient medical data and presents to the appropriate ambulatory consult attending.
  • Examines patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
  • Makes recommendations to inpatient team regarding work-up of new cancer diagnosis.
  • Facilitates patient and family decision making regarding complex treatment
• Maintains communication with patients, families, and inpatient team through regular follow-up visits throughout the patient?s length of stay.
• Follows up on pathology and other testing pending at the time of patient discharge, ensuring patients receive communication of new findings after discharge.
• Orders additional testing and referrals that may be needed in between hospital discharge and establishment of care with the appropriate ambulatory provider(s).

In addition to consult responsibilities, the Consult PA may assist with navigation and establishment of care for ambulatory consults and program development activities. This position will be integrated into the Center for faculty Well-Being and will have a role in well-being initiatives focused on Physician Assistants.

Physician Assistant I

• Manages all aspects of patient care in collaboration with his/her supervising MD.
• Examines patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
• Orders and interprets diagnostic test results to obtain pertinent medical information.
• Obtains, compiles, and records patient medical data which may include previous notes, consultations, treatment flow sheets, and laboratory, radiology and pathology data.
• Prescribes therapy or medications and performs procedures according to DFCI privileges, this may include chemotherapy ordering in a medical oncology practice.
• Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively with all members of the care team and all DF/BW staff to promote excellence in patient care.
• Responds appropriately to difficult situations, personalities, and is able to maintain composure and work with all members of the healthcare team
• Attends disease center staff meetings, tumor boards, and conferences. Completes required training/PA program activities.
• Practices in an efficient manner without compromising high level of patient care
• Completes documentation of notes based on standard practice of institute.
• PA will always ensure coverage for themselves when they are out of the hospital.
• The PA will work collaboratively with MD on new patient visits to establish MD/PA team concept and expectations with patient early in care.
• At 3 months (earlier if applicable), the PA will begin to see patients independently and will develop and maintain an independent schedule. 30 - 32 hours per week of scheduled clinical time is expected with remainder of the time for administrative tasks/documentation/patient follow-up and coordination of care.
• At 6 months (earlier if applicable), the PA will provide coverage for MD when he/she is out of the hospital. They will see acute/walk-ins independently, cross cover for NP/PA disease center team.

Physician Assistant II

In addition to the duties and responsibilities of the PA I, the PA II also:

• Shows excellence in clinical work and participates in program enhancement
• Acts as a role model to less experienced PAs
• Displays flexibility and a willingness to adapt to the needs of the PA program and disease center as a whole

Physician Assistant III

In addition to the duties and responsibilities of the PA II, the PA III also:

• Sub-specialty PA clinical expert who provides leadership in program enhancement
• Assists DFCI leadership in achieving PA program and disease center goals
• Involved in institute initiatives, QI projects, and committee work

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Expert knowledge of general medicine and hematology/oncology. Ability to incorporate knowledge of general internal medicine and medical complications unique to oncology patients in day-to-day management of patients.
• Must be professional, quality driven, and have the ability to work well within a cohesive group of peers. Exercises highest level of professional judgment and will apply independent originality in solving programs. 
• Strong communication skills.
• Possesses maturity and confidence to work closely with clinicians, therapists, and team members across the organization. Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively with all members of the care team and DF/BWH staff.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing clinical education and training.
• 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 standards of care.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

PATIENT CONTACT:

Provides direct care to patients

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in an ambulatory hospital based clinic with possible exposure to infectious diseases through airborne transmission or contact with blood or body fluids.

Works in an ambulatory hospital-based clinic and an in-patient hospital unit (BWH) with possible exposure to infectious diseases through airborne transmission or contact with blood or body fluids.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

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.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

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 characteristics protected by law.

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