Physician Assistant - Plastic Surgery

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Department of Plastic Surgery provides comprehensive care for cancer patients while advancing innovation in reconstructive surgery. The department includes 32 surgeons performing more than 4,000 procedures annually, including over 1,000 micro-reconstructive surgeries, and delivers consultations and outpatient evaluations to support post-treatment needs. With faculty involvement in 55% of operating room cases requiring multidisciplinary collaboration, the team plays a critical role in complex cancer care.

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Physician Assistant role within this high-performing department is integral to delivering patient-centered care across the continuum, including outpatient clinics, the operating room, and inpatient settings. The Physician Assistant practices with increasing independence, performing tasks traditionally carried out by physicians while supporting exceptional clinical outcomes. This Physician Assistant position is essential to maintaining continuity of care and advancing surgical excellence.

The ideal candidate brings a strong educational foundation as a Physician Assistant, along with relevant licensure in Texas and experience in surgical or plastic surgery settings, preferably with exposure to oncology. Candidates who demonstrate advanced clinical judgment, technical surgical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams will be well suited for this role.

Salary Range: Minimum $117,500  – Midpoint $146,500 – Maximum $176,500
Work Location: Houston Area Locations (HALs) with required travel

Why Us?
This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of reconstructive oncology while contributing to life-changing patient outcomes. UT MD Anderson empowers Physician Assistants to practice at the top of their license, with meaningful involvement in the operating room and continuity of care across settings. The collaborative, team-oriented environment supports professional growth, skill development, and long-term career advancement while maintaining a strong commitment to patient-centered care and work-life balance.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
 

Key Responsibilities
Surgical Assistance
• Perform first- and second-assist duties in the operating room daily or as directed by physician
• Demonstrate manual dexterity with surgical instruments including scalpel, needle-driver, forceps, and cautery
• Tie sutures using both hand and instrument techniques
• Perform retraction, suture cutting, direct hemostasis, drain placement, and multi-level closures
• Assist with complex flap harvests, graft procedures, and wound dressing placements
Perioperative Patient Management
• Assess patients preoperatively and complete H&P updates in a timely manner
• Coordinate with anesthesia team, nursing staff, and surgical personnel
• Ensure availability of supplies, equipment, and medications prior to procedures
• Assist with patient positioning in the operating room
• Write postoperative orders and transition patients to PACU or ICU
• Provide reports to recovery staff and communicate with assigned family members
• Perform post-operative patient checks as directed by attending physicians
Inpatient Care
• Conduct daily inpatient rounds with or without faculty prior to other duties
• Provide hands-on care including wound care, dressing changes, and drain or suture removal
• Communicate clinical findings promptly to attending physicians and care teams
• Coordinate inpatient consultations with other specialists as needed
• Facilitate communication between patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team
• Support discharge planning and anticipate post-discharge needs
• Arrange home health services and follow-up care
• Complete discharge summaries within 24 hours per medical record standards
Outpatient Care
• Evaluate patients during consults, second opinions, and pre/postoperative follow-ups
• Obtain patient histories and perform physical examinations for surgical planning
• Ensure clinical data is complete, accurate, and aligned with institutional documentation standards
• Communicate findings clearly to attending physicians and care team
Continuity of Care & Collaboration
• Provide continuous care from outpatient setting through surgery and inpatient recovery
• Collaborate with a large, cohesive team of Physician Assistants and multidisciplinary providers
• Support high-quality clinical and administrative care across settings
• Contribute to a collaborative environment focused on excellence in patient outcomes