Physician Assistant

The PA role provides specialized care to high-risk surgical patients across two connected outpatient services in the Department of Anesthesiology: the Pre-operative Clinic and the Transitional Pain Service (TPS). In both settings, the PA works independently and in collaboration with an anesthesiologist to prepare patients for surgery.In the Pre-operative Clinic, the PA sees high-risk patients in person, performs histories and physicals, and evaluates for cardiopulmonary disease, frailty, anemia, malnourishment, diabetes, and anesthesia-specific concerns like airway placement. Other work includes coordination of care, ordering labs for basic optimization, and follow-up of referrals and studies.In the Transitional Pain Service, the PA focuses on the perioperative management of high-risk, complex pain patients. Patients are seen virtually or in person for a comprehensive assessment that includes a detailed pain and substance use history, medication review, prior surgical and pain-management experiences, and evaluation of anesthesia-specific factors that may affect perioperative pain management. Using this information, the PA develops an individualized perioperative pain-management plan that considers the patients medical history and comorbidities, prior experiences and preferences, current medications and allergies, the planned surgical procedure, and the anticipated postoperative course. The PA also manages the TPS referral workqueue, communicates care plans with the pain service, anesthesia, and surgical teams, and coordinates care with the patients chronic pain or substance use disorder provider.The role requires learning the basic management of key risk factors for poor surgical outcomes and developing a working knowledge of acute-on-chronic pain management, addiction medicine, perioperative and anesthetic pain considerations, and expected postoperative recovery. Experience in or around operating rooms, perioperative medicine, acute pain or regional anesthesia services, chronic pain clinics, addiction medicine, family practice, oncology, or internal medicine is preferred.As a patient-focused organization, the University of Utah Health Sciences exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The Department of Anesthesiology seeks faculty and staff who are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission.