Summary

The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center is seeking a motivated and dedicated Physician Assistant (PA) to join the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and Advanced Heart Failure program within the Cardiothoracic Surgery Section of Surgical Service.

Duties

• This position offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in the longitudinal care of Veterans with advanced heart failure and mechanical circulatory support
• The PA will work closely with cardiac surgeons - advanced heart failure cardiologists - nursing staff - and other members of the multidisciplinary heart team to provide coordinated care across the inpatient and outpatient settings
• The successful candidate should have a strong interest in cardiovascular medicine - advanced heart failure - and evolving medical technology
• Previous LVAD experience is desirable but is not required
• Candidates with a strong cardiovascular foundation and an interest in developing specialized expertise in mechanical circulatory support are encouraged to apply
• LVAD-specific education and training will be provided as appropriate
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package
• Duties include but are not limited to: Participate in the comprehensive evaluation and longitudinal management of patients with advanced heart failure and LVADs
• Perform focused histories and physical examinations and participate in developing diagnostic and treatment plans in collaboration with supervising physicians and the multidisciplinary heart team
• Participate in preoperative evaluation and preparation of patients being considered for durable mechanical circulatory support
• Participate in postoperative and inpatient management of LVAD patients in collaboration with cardiac surgery - advanced heart failure cardiology - critical care - and nursing teams
• Provide longitudinal outpatient follow-up for patients receiving LVAD support
• Review and interpret laboratory studies - ECGs - imaging - hemodynamic information - and other relevant clinical data within the PA scope of practice
• Develop expertise in LVAD function - parameters - alarms - troubleshooting - and recognition of device-related complications
• Assist in identifying and managing complications associated with mechanical circulatory support - including bleeding - infection - thrombosis - arrhythmias - right ventricular dysfunction - and other clinical issues - in collaboration with the treating physicians
• Provide pre- and post-implant education to patients and caregivers regarding LVAD therapy - medications - driveline care - device management - and recognition of potential complications
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds - conferences - and treatment planning
• Coordinate care and transitions between the inpatient - outpatient - rehabilitation - community - and home settings
• Communicate and coordinate - when appropriate - with LVAD manufacturers and technical representatives regarding device-related issues
• Assist with development and implementation of LVAD clinical pathways - protocols - quality-improvement initiatives - and programmatic activities
• Maintain current knowledge of advances in mechanical circulatory support - advanced heart failure - and cardiovascular medicine
• Participate in the continued development and growth of the Cleveland VA LVAD and Advanced Heart Failure program
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.