Physician Assistant - Head and Neck Inpatient

Position Summary

The Department of Head & Neck Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Inpatient Physician Assistant (PA) to support the comprehensive care of adult and pediatric otolaryngology patients across inpatient and perioperative settings.

This position plays a critical role in enhancing inpatient efficiency, care coordination, discharge planning, patient safety, and continuity of care while supporting the department's mission of clinical excellence, education, innovation, and compassionate patient-centered care.

The PA will work closely with attending surgeons, residents, fellows, nurses, case managers, speech-language pathologists, and multidisciplinary teams to optimize inpatient management and improve operational outcomes, including length of stay, transitions of care, and communication across care settings. The role is intended to complement and support resident education and workflow while maintaining a collaborative academic environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Critical Care Coordination: Manage ED consults and respond to floor airway emergencies; coordinate care for critically ill patients in the ICU alongside residents and fellows.

Care Coordination and Operational Excellence

• Participate in multidisciplinary care conferences and discharge huddles as appropriate.

Documentation and Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients and families regarding care plans and expectations.

Education and Academic Environment

• Contribute to a culture of professionalism, belonging, teamwork, and excellence.

About the Department

The UCLA Department of Head & Neck Surgery is nationally recognized for excellence in clinical care, education, research, and innovation. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to improving lives through compassionate care, scientific discovery, and the training of future leaders in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

Salary range: $83.46- $112.31/hourly

Required

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program (Masters Degree)
• NCCPA certification
• Eligible for CA PA License
• BLS and ACLS certification, PALS, NRP (where applicable)
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced academic medical center environment.

Preferred

• Interest in quality improvement, operational efficiency, and academic medicine.

Core Competencies

• Patient-centered care
• Clinical judgment and professionalism
• Team collaboration
• Operational efficiency
• Communication and care coordination
• Adaptability and accountability
• Commitment to excellence and continuous improvement