Physician Assistant

The Physician Assistant (PA) will provide comprehensive care to patients with acute and chronic pain conditions and provide advanced clinical support to orthopaedic physicians by performing examinations, diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions, developing treatment plans, assisting in surgical procedures, and delivering patient education under the supervising physician’s direction.

This position requires a highly skilled, autonomous clinician with specialized knowledge in orthopaedics, sports medicine, trauma, spine, hand, total joints, or pain management.

This position ensures high-quality, patient-centered care consistent with California’s Physician Assistant Practice Act, Medical Board of California guidelines, and organizational protocols.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This role requires a highly skilled, autonomous clinician with specialized knowledge in orthopaedics, sports medicine, trauma, spine, hand, total joints, or pain management. The PA works collaboratively with physicians and multidisciplinary teams and must demonstrate strong procedural competency, clinical judgment, and the ability to function efficiently in a fast-paced environment with diverse patient needs.

Key Responsibilities

Comprehensive Assessments: Conduct thorough evaluations of patients with pain conditions, including detailed medical histories and perform physical exams, and interpret diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, labs)

Diagnosis and Treatment: Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments, incorporating pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies.

Pain Management Strategies: Utilize various modalities for pain relief, including medication management, physical therapy referrals, interventional procedures, and complementary therapies.

Provide pre-operative and post-operative patient evaluations, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.

Patient Education: Educate patients and families about pain management options, coping strategies, and lifestyle modifications to improve quality of life.

Follow-Up Care: Schedule and conduct follow-up appointments to monitor treatment efficacy and adjust plans as needed.

Collaboration: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, physical therapists, and psychologists, to provide comprehensive pain management.

Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, treatment plans, and outcomes in accordance with healthcare regulations.

Emergency Response: Respond to acute pain crises and implement appropriate interventions as necessary.

Research and Quality Improvement: Participate in clinical research initiatives and contribute to quality improvement projects within the pain management program. Continuous Education: Stay informed on the latest advancements in pain management and participate in ongoing professional development activities.

Conduct in-office procedures within PA scope (e. g., joint injections, aspirations, splinting, casting, wound care, suture/staple removal).

Support care across multiple subspecialties as needed (sports, trauma, adult reconstruction, spine, pain managementetc.).

Patient Education & Communication

• Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatment options, medications, and post-operative expectations.
• Communicate clinical updates clearly and timely to physicians, nursing staff, and care teams.
• Provide empathetic, culturally competent care aligned with California patient rights and privacy requirements.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document all encounters in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in accordance with organizational, CMS, and California regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate charting to support billing, coding, and medical necessity guidelines.
• Adhere to California PA supervising requirements, standardized procedures, and DEA/Board of Pharmacy regulations for prescribing.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, infection control protocols, and all clinic safety standards.

Operational Support

• Coordinate patient flow efficiently to reduce wait times and support clinic productivity.
• Review imaging, labs, referrals, and patient messages to prepare physicians for daily clinic.
• Participate in quality improvement, peer review, and performance initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current California PA License through the Physician Assistant Board.
• Current NCCPA certification.
• Pain management: 1 year experience (Required)
• Previous experience in pain management, palliative care, or a related field preferred.
• DEA registration (or eligible to obtain).
• BLS and ACLS certifications required; PALS preferred depending on specialty.
• Minimum 1–2 years’ experience in orthopaedics or a related surgical specialty preferred; new graduates with strong clinical rotations may be considered.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (SKAs)
• Thorough understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy, orthopaedic pathology, and surgical principles.
• Strong clinical evaluation, diagnostic, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with casting, splinting, injections, and other orthopaedic procedures.
• Ability to interpret imaging studies and correlate clinical findings.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and patient-care skills.
• Ability to function independently and collaboratively under standardized procedures.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency with EHR systems and documentation best practices.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and California patient-care regulations.

Work Environment

• Clinical offices, procedure rooms, and operating rooms.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, radiologic equipment, and standard medical hazards.
• Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility and adaptability.
• Occasional travel to multiple clinic locations within the medical group.

Physical Demands

• Frequently standing, walking, lifting, and bending in a clinical and surgical environment.
• Ability to lift, position, or assist patients up to 50 lbs.
• Manual dexterity for procedures, suture, and equipment handling.
• Visual acuity for reviewing imaging, charts, and surgical work.

Certificates, Pre-employment Requirements

• Required to submit and obtain a negative result in the pre-employment drug screening.
• Ability to pass a background check.

E-Verify Participation Notice

AO is an E-Verify employer. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified in accordance with applicable federal requirements.

Travel Requirement: This position requires travel to other AO locations, including Hemet, Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga, and Redlands.