Physician Assistant - Trauma & Neurosurgery

Physician Assistant - Trauma & Neurosurgery (Job ID: 9031)

The Neurovascular Program, a specialized service within the Department of Trauma & Neurosurgery, is led by Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira, an accomplished Endovascular Neurosurgeon. He collaborates with a team of skilled neuro-interventionalists, each bringing expertise in distinct areas of care, including Dr. Julian Spears (Neurosurgery), Dr. Thomas Marotta (Neuroradiology), and Dr. Jose Danilo B. Diestro (Stroke & Neurology). The program is further supported by a clinical nurse specialist, a research team, and administrative personnel. Focused on the endovascular treatment of a wide range of conditions, the program addresses complex cases such as brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), dural arteriovenous fistulas, cerebral venous disorders (including pulsatile tinnitus and idiopathic intracranial hypertension), carotid and intracranial revascularization (e.g., carotid stenting), and intricate vascular malformations affecting the face and spine. Driven by innovation, we leverage cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, and groundbreaking research to continuously enhance patient care. In recognizing the complex and multifaceted nature of our patient's needs, the program also works closely with a team of specialists, such as plastic surgeons, neuro-ophthalmologists, vascular surgeons, and otolaryngologists, to provide seamless, coordinated care. Please note this is a Full-time Temporary contract that will end on November 8, 2026

Job Summary

The Physician Assistant is an employee of Unity Health Toronto who reports to the Clinical Leader/Manager. The Physician Assistant is an unregulated health care provider who has successfully completed an accredited physician assistant training program. The Physician Assistant is accountable for following the national competency standards of practice for Physician Assistants set by the Canadian Association for Physician Assistants (CanMEDS-PA, 2015). The Physician Assistant applies medical knowledge, clinical skills and professional attitudes in the provision of high quality and safe patient-centered care under the direction and supervision of a physician. This Physician Assistant position works collaboratively within the Trauma & Neurosurgical team in the Surgery & Critical Care Program with a specific focus in the Neurovascular Program to provide advanced care that optimizes patient outcomes and enhances safety, efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility to care for patients that reflects the vision, mission and values of St. Michael's Hospital.

Responsibilities:

• Performing a complete and appropriate assessment of a patient and formulates a clinical treatment plan for direct patient care, when and as directed by a supervising physician.
• Implementing an effective management plan that includes preventive and therapeutic interventions, when and as directed by a supervising physician.
• Demonstrating appropriate procedural skills, both diagnostic and therapeutic, when and as directed by a supervising physician.
• Develops professional rapport, trust and ethical therapeutic relationships with patients, families and caregivers, when and as directed by a supervising physician
• Accurately eliciting and synthesizing relevant information and perspective of patients, families, caregivers and other health care professionals
• Accurately conveys relevant information and explanations to patients, families and other health care professionals
• Communicates patient diagnosis to patients/families
• Provides relevant information and explanations, including a proposed treatment plan, to health care providers
• Accurately conveys information about medical encounters both orally and in writing
• Communicates information to a client, when and as directed by a supervising physician, including:
• Communicating a diagnosis to the client and/or /family
• Providing relevant information and explanations, including a proposed treatment plan, to the Supervising Physician seeking further direction, where appropriate
• Provides education to patients, families and other health providers, as appropriate to the clinical setting

Opportunities:

• Observe and participate in Neurovascular Procedures
• Attend International Conferences for Interventional Neuroradiology (i.e. LINNC)
• Engaging in groundbreaking research alongside the RADIS Lab, co-led by Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira, Chief of the Neurovascular Program
• Observe and utilize the RADIS Lab's Customized Simulation Lab
• Observe and participate in innovative neurovascular procedures (i.e. Remote Robotics, First-in-Human procedures)
• Attend Research Retreats hosted by the RADIS Lab/Neurovascular Program

Qualifications:

• Graduation from a fully accredited Physician Assistant Training Program in Canada or the United States
• A member in good standing of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants
• Certified by the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada of a recognized Physician Assistant Degree program
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills and judgment to implement medical directives during probationary period
• Certification and/or Current BCLS, ACLS, PALS, NALS Certification required
• Strong interpersonal, communication and telephone skills with the ability to speak/read English to effectively perform the essential requirements of the job required - Excellent organizational and time management skills required
• Effective prioritizing, critical thinking and decision making skills required
• Effective clinical practice, technical and leadership skills required
• Demonstrated proficiency working with computer applications relevant to electronic health records required
• Demonstrated commitment to the visions, goals, Mission and Values of St. Michael's Hospital required
• Ability to perform in a stressful, critical/emergency situations with the ability to be flexible and adapt to change
• Ability to be an effective team member and communicator who motivates and inspires others to deliver optimal quality of care to patients required;
• Ability to promote a fair culture of patient/staff safety that encourages open discussion of issues and reporting of incidents required;
• Ability to anticipate needs/obstacles and sets realistic goals that lead to optimal results, enhanced patient satisfaction and quantifiable service improvements based on evidence based practice required
• Ability to work flexible hours and schedule required
• Clinical experience working as a Physician Assistant in a progressive hospital environment and/or acute care setting preferred

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