Physician Assistant - Neurology

The residents of the Island come from all walks of life and so do we at Health PEI, we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes our organization stronger. We recognize we have work to do but finding intentional ways to grow our understanding and support of those who have faced barriers due to accessibility, ethnicity, ancestry, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, language, or other grounds is a key priority for us. We encourage underrepresented groups to join our team, be yourself, and help us achieve our vision of an inclusive workplace and healthcare system.

Physician Assistants are regulated health care professionals who practice under PEI's Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) - Physician Assistants. Under the supervision of a Physician, the Physician Assistant (PA) will coordinate, evaluate, and provide high quality care to patients in various medical settings across Health PEI (HPEI). The activities performed by the Physician Assistant are determined by their scope of practice and the agreement established with the supervising medical practitioner or medical practitioners subject to approval by Health PEI & the College of Physicians & Surgeons PEI.

The ideal candidate for the Physician Assistant - Neurology position would be a licensed Physician Assistant with either experience in a Neurology clinic or having a significant interest in the field of Neurology. This position will provide the opportunity to develop neurology-specific skills under the guidance of the supervising neurologists. The primary location for this position is the Charlottetown Polyclinic, however, some travel to Queen Elizabeth Hospital will be required on an as-needed basis.

Working with the supervising physician, and in consideration of the PA's training, experience, and practice setting, PA responsibilities may include the following:

Direct Patient Care:

• With adequate training with the neurologist and with ongoing mentorship and support, the PA will conduct and/or assist with assessment and/or follow-up appointments with patients of the Neurology clinic, including but not limited to:
  
• Interpreting echocardiogram or Holter monitor results with stroke patients
• Performing return to work after stroke assessments
• Preliminary review of seizure/epilepsy patients to ensure appropriate testing ordered and to provide counseling/documentation for driving restrictions or return to work assessments
• Communication of MRI results to MS patients
• Perform neurological physical examinations/determination of EDSS score with MS patients
• Review of symptom management for MS patients (bladder, spasticity, arranging support for increased care needs, etc.)
• Assessments for review of symptom management or adjustment of medications for Parkinson's patients
• Completion of special authorization forms for high-cost drug applications
• Completion of disability application paperwork
• Consult patients including obtaining clinical history, collecting information from all available resources, meeting with family members, and actively working within the Neurology team to develop care plans
• Educate and follow-up with patients to support continuity of care and support
• Conduct physical assessments and summarize findings
• Assist patients in accessing community supports for those living with disability (i.e. Home care referrals, SW referrals, referral to community programs, etc.).
• Complete diagnostic work-up including ordering diagnostic tests, lab work, and procedures, as agreed upon with supervising physician
• Monitor patient progress and response to treatment
• Perform reserved activities as specified by the RHPA, Physician Assistant Regulations

Communication:

• Provide relevant information and explanations, including proposed treatment plans to the supervising physician and seek further direction where appropriate.
• Provide education to patients, families, and other health providers as appropriate to the clinical setting.

Medical Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Complete assessment and reassessment notes, critical care documentation, procedure notes and discharge instructions
• Dictate records as appropriate
• Complete consultation requests
• Ensure accurate medical billing and coding
• Assist with completion of high-cost drug applications (i.e. MS, migraine, and ALS specific treatments)
• Complete other types of documentation as required by the practice setting

Qualifications:

• The applicant must meet the criteria for Physician Assistants specified by the Regulated Health Professions Act, Physician Assistant Regulations, and approved by the PEI College of Physicians and Surgeons including, but not limited to:
  
• Registered or be eligible for General registration with the CPSPEI (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Prince Edward Island) as a physician assistant
• Education:
  the candidate must have:
  

(a) A post-secondary program in physician assisting recognized by the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada or accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant in the United States of America; or

(b) An education program that the Council considers to be substantially equivalent (must be approved by the College of Physicians and Surgeons PEI)

• Demonstrate alignment with Health PEI's mission, vision, and values, including honesty, integrity in personal and professional behavior.
• Be capable of sustained physical activity.
• Must have a good previous work and attendance record.
• Demonstrate a professional presence and model professional behavior.
• Must be able to work well independently and under supervision.
• Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Demonstrate effective time management and organizational skills.
• Able to provide physical, psycho, social, emotional, and spiritual care to a patient being care for.
• Eligible to work in Canada
• Competent in using Electronic Medical Records, Office 365, and other digital platforms
• The incumbent must provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search, Adult Abuse and Child Abuse Registry Checks.

Salary Range:
$54.44 - $62.42 per hour

Bi-Weekly Hours:
75 Hours Bi-weekly / Days, Evenings, Weekends

Posting ID:
167100-0325PMPE