Physician Assistant

The University of Calgary Division of Spine Surgery is excited to invite applications for a full-time Physician Assistant (PA) to join our dynamic and collaborative team of surgeons based primarily at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. This role offers a diverse clinical experience with a focus on providing inpatient care to a complicated patient group in addition to contributing to the coverage of our acute care coverage. There may be additional opportunities over time for work in the outpatient setting in subspecialty clinics. Working closely with spine staff surgeons, residents, and other allied health professionals, the PA will play a critical role in delivering high-quality, multidisciplinary, patient-centred care in primarily the inpatient setting. This position also offers opportunities to teach students in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program who have clinical rotations with the group, contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives, and support continuity of care for complex patient populations. The PA will be a valued team member with clear boundaries and supervision structures in place to foster independence, mentorship, and professional growth. Setting: The position will primarily be based at the Foothills Medical Centre, a level 1 trauma centre, and the largest single spine referral centre in Western Canada. The Spine Surgery team based at Foothills provides coverage to a large catchment area for all of southern Alberta. Our care includes degenerative spinal disorders as well as spinal deformity, oncology, and trauma (including acute spinal cord injury). Our surgical team is a leader in innovative surgical techniques including anterior and anterolateral lumbar surgery, minimally invasive and endoscopic spinal procedures as well as complex deformity reconstruction.

Description of Roles and Responsibilities: The Physician Assistant (PA) will provide comprehensive clinical care in the field of Spine Surgery. The PA will have ample opportunity to onboard with a carefully thought-out transition plan toward independent practice under the supervision of up to 7 attending physicians. The PA will work to full scope of practice, including: Performing and documenting comprehensive spine assessments and consults from inpatients and emergency room patients. Participating in the emergency care of patients with a variety of acute and subacute conditions including spinal trauma and spinal cord injury, metastatic disease, infection, and acute neural element compression. Participating in the management and care of post-operative spine surgery and trauma patients on the ward. Assisting with surgical procedures in the operating room alongside fellows and residents. Reviewing and discharging inpatients, following up on investigations, and coordinating care. Participating in after hours and overnight coverage for spine surgery, not to exceed 4 shifts per month. Providing patient education, documenting care, and contributing to discharge planning and follow-up care. Opportunity to accrue CME hours through both informal learning opportunities as well as structured lectures and teaching rounds. Opportunity to attend both local and national conferences related to the specialty. Regular performance and role evaluations. Additional Responsibilities: Carry first-line pager for PA-specific inquiries (dedicated PA pager). Participation in teaching including with the U of C Masters of Physician Assistant Studies program, medical students and rotating learners. Collaboration with residents. Research opportunities.

Graduate from a recognized Physician Assistant Education Program. Certified as a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA) by PACCC or PA-C by the NCCPA (U.S.). Registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Current independent liability insurance.

Current certification in CPR (HCP level). Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning, communication, and collaboration skills. Demonstrated enthusiasm for learning and being reliable. Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid Canadian work permit.

ACLS is preferred. Experience or interest in Spine Surgery is an asset but not required.