Explore a dynamic and critical career path with locums cardiothoracic physician assistant jobs. These specialized roles place advanced practice providers at the heart of surgical teams dedicated to treating diseases of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels. As a locum tenens professional in this field, you step into temporary assignments that offer both high-level clinical engagement and unparalleled schedule flexibility, filling essential staffing needs at hospitals and surgical centers nationwide. This career is ideal for those seeking variety, challenging cases, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients undergoing life-saving procedures. Professionals in these jobs function as integral members of the cardiothoracic surgical team. Their typical responsibilities are extensive and perioperative. In the preoperative phase, they conduct patient evaluations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and assist in developing surgical plans. Intraoperatively, they serve as first or second assistants during complex surgeries, which may include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repairs and replacements, lung resections, and aortic aneurysm repairs. A specialized skill often required is endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH), a minimally invasive technique to obtain conduit for bypass grafts. Postoperatively, their duties frequently include managing patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), performing procedures like chest tube insertion and closure, conducting rounds, writing orders, and managing pain and recovery protocols. Many positions involve rotating call schedules to provide 24/7 surgical coverage. The typical requirements for securing locums cardiothoracic physician assistant jobs are rigorous, reflecting the high-stakes nature of the specialty. Candidates must be graduates of an accredited physician assistant program and hold national certification (NCCPA). State licensure is mandatory, and locums roles often require the ability to obtain licenses in multiple states efficiently. Most positions demand prior surgical first-assist experience, specifically within cardiothoracic or cardiovascular surgery. Proficiency in endoscopic vein harvesting is a highly sought-after and often required technical skill. Additional qualifications include Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, strong critical thinking abilities for fast-paced environments, and excellent communication skills for collaborating with surgeons, perfusionists, nurses, and patients. A successful professional in this field is adaptable, detail-oriented, and thrives under pressure. Choosing a career in locums cardiothoracic surgery offers a unique blend of clinical excellence and professional autonomy. These jobs allow physician assistants to maintain and expand their surgical expertise across different practice settings and geographic regions without long-term commitment. It is a pathway defined by continuous learning, procedural mastery, and the profound satisfaction of contributing to transformative patient care during critical health journeys.
