Physician Assistant - Orthopedic Surgery (Shoulder & Elbow)

Physician Assistant - Orthopedic Surgery (Shoulder & Elbow)

Baylor Scott & White Health | The Shoulder Center at Baylor University Medical Center | Dallas, Texas

About Us

Here at Baylor Scott & White Health, we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott & White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.

Our Core Values

- We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
- We never settle by constantly striving for better.
- We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
- We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experiences.

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. Benefits may include:

- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition Reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1

Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.

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Job Summary

Baylor Scott & White Health is seeking a Physician Assistant First Assist to join The Shoulder Center at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas . This full-time position supports a highly specialized orthopedic shoulder and elbow practice alongside Dr. Butch Krishnan and Dr. Eddie Lo .

This newly created role offers a unique blend of operative and non-operative orthopedic care. The Physician Assistant will provide comprehensive patient care across the continuum of treatment, including outpatient clinic, inpatient rounding, perioperative management, and surgical first assist responsibilities. Approximately 60% of the role will involve operative support and first assisting in the operating room.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and have a passion for delivering exceptional patient-centered care. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons while caring for patients with a wide range of shoulder and upper extremity conditions.

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Essential Functions of the Role

- Assess patients through comprehensive and focused orthopedic evaluations, medical histories, and physical examinations.
- Evaluate, diagnose, and manage shoulder and upper extremity conditions in collaboration with supervising physicians.
- Order, interpret, and evaluate laboratory studies, imaging, and diagnostic testing.
- Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans for surgical and non-surgical orthopedic patients.
- Conduct new patient consultations and follow-up visits.
- Review surgical clearances and ensure patients are medically optimized for surgery.
- Provide pre-operative and post-operative patient education and management.
- Perform approved injections and procedures within scope of practice.
- Serve as first assist in orthopedic surgical procedures involving the shoulder and upper extremity.
- Participate in daily inpatient rounding and hospital-based patient management.
- Enter and manage order sets within the electronic medical record.
- Conduct medication management activities, including prescription monitoring reviews when appropriate.
- Support peer-to-peer reviews and authorization processes.
- Assist with research initiatives, surgical database management, and outcomes tracking activities.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant medical documentation.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
- Participate in shared APP call coverage as assigned.

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Practice Details

Location

The Shoulder Center at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas

Position Type

Full-Time

Practice Setting

- Outpatient Clinic
- Inpatient Hospital Rounding
- Operating Room

Physician Team

- Dr. Butch Krishnan
- Dr. Eddie Lo

Surgical Focus

The practice specializes in:

- Shoulder replacement surgery
- Revision shoulder arthroplasty
- Rotator cuff repair
- Sports medicine injuries
- Shoulder instability
- Fracture management
- Complex shoulder reconstruction

Surgical Volume

- Approximately 500 shoulder procedures annually with Dr. Krishnan
- Approximately 250 surgical cases annually with Dr. Lo

Patient Population

Patients range from young adults to older adults and include those requiring:

- Shoulder replacement
- Revision shoulder replacement
- Sports medicine care
- Fracture treatment
- Rotator cuff management
- Complex reconstructive shoulder procedures

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Schedule & Call Expectations

The schedule is designed to provide exposure to both clinic and operative settings.

Call Responsibilities

- Shared APP weekend phone-call coverage approximately every other weekend
- Typically 1–5 calls per weekend
- Phone-call coverage only; no routine in-house call requirement
- Calls generally involve Emergency Department physician consultations and post-operative patient questions

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Key Success Factors

- Knowledge of orthopedic surgery principles, musculoskeletal disorders, and perioperative patient management.
- Strong assessment, diagnostic, and clinical decision-making skills.
- Ability to function effectively in clinic, hospital, and operating room environments.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Proficiency with electronic medical records and healthcare technology.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced specialty practice.
- Commitment to delivering exceptional patient outcomes and experiences.

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Qualifications

Required

- Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program
- Current Texas Physician Assistant License
- Current NCCPA Certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire or transfer
- Eligibility for orthopedic surgical credentialing and privileging
- Ability to obtain First Assist privileges

Preferred

- One to two years of orthopedic surgery experience
- Orthopedic First Assist experience
- Experience with shoulder and upper extremity surgery
- Sports medicine experience
- Inpatient rounding experience
- Perioperative patient management experience

New Graduate Consideration

New graduates may be considered if they possess a strong orthopedic background through:

- Orthopedic Medical Assistant experience
- Orthopedic or shoulder research experience
- Orthopedic fellowship participation
- Extensive orthopedic-focused clinical rotations

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Why Join The Shoulder Center?

- Join a high-volume orthopedic shoulder program performing more than 750 surgical procedures annually.
- Work directly alongside fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder and elbow surgeons.
- Gain significant operative exposure with approximately 60% first assist responsibilities.
- Participate in the full continuum of patient care, from initial evaluation through recovery.
- Gain experience in advanced shoulder arthroplasty, revision surgery, fracture management, and sports medicine procedures.
- Participate in research and surgical outcomes initiatives.
- Enjoy a collaborative practice environment with strong physician mentorship and professional development opportunities.

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Belonging Statement

We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued, and supported. Baylor Scott & White Health is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every team member can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

QUALIFICATIONS

- EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
- EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience
- CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -

Physician Assistants (PA)

Basic Life Support (BLS): Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire or transfer.