Description

Spine Surgical First Assist & Clinical PA / NP

Job Overview
We are seeking a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with a spine/ortho/neuro surgical first assist and clinical background to join Colorado Comprehensive Spine Institute. The ideal candidate will have surgical first assist skills with the spine in the OR, diagnostic and spine management skills in the clinic setting, and the availability to round post surgical patients in the hospital. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with and learn from Dr. George Frey, a premier complex and orthopedic spine surgeon in the Denver market. The Physician Assistant will play a vital role in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic spine conditions, ensuring optimal patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and a multidisciplinary approach to spine care.

Performs first assistant duties in the OR with spine surgical cases including but not limited to: Independent Exposure/ Closure, Complex Fusions, Laminectomies, Revisions, Osteotomies, etc.
Conduct thorough clinical patient assessments, including history-taking and physical examinations.
Medical imaging diagnostic interpretation and evaluations.
Practice with the autonomy to make recommendations for multidisciplinary care and or surgery.
Rounding post surgical patients and making recommendations for discharge.
Manage acute pain and provide pain management strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
Participate in discharge planning, post-acute care coordination, and follow-up care for patients with complex spine or trauma conditions.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation treatment options to optimize patient care pathways.
Support triage processes in urgent care settings or emergency rooms for spine-related injuries or acute conditions.
2-3 days a week in the OR and 1-2 days a week in clinic

Requirements

Strong knowledge of medical terminology, physiology, anatomy, and diagnostic evaluation methods relevant to orthopedic spine conditions.
Experience administering injections, performing physical examinations, and conducting patient assessments in hospital or outpatient settings.
Excellent patient communication skills for education with medical diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and effective post surgery recovery instructions.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across various hospital departments including ICU, NICU/PICU, nursing homes, or outpatient clinics. This position offers the opportunity to be part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to excellence in orthopedic spine care while advancing your clinical expertise through diverse case management and procedural responsibilities.