Description
The Department of Cardiac Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center — the largest heart transplant center in the nation — is seeking a Physician Assistant (PA-C) to join our world-class surgical team. This is a unique opportunity to provide first-assist coverage in high-acuity cardiac surgery and participate in independent donor heart procurement for transplantation.
No prior donor procurement experience required — we are committed to providing comprehensive, hands-on training until you are fully autonomous in donor heart recovery. You will gain skills few PA-Cs ever acquire, working alongside a cardiac surgery team at the forefront of organ preservation techniques.
Key Responsibilities
Operating Room – First assist in adult cardiac surgical cases, including CABG, valve surgery, and heart transplantation.
Donor Heart Procurement – Participate in organ recovery missions (including travel by ground or air), with full autonomy after training.
Perioperative Care – Manage pre- and post-operative patients in the ICU and step-down units in collaboration with attending cardiac surgeons.
Collaboration – Work closely with cardiac surgeons, anesthesia, perfusion, critical care, and nursing teams to ensure seamless patient care.
Documentation – Complete timely, accurate medical records and procedural notes.
Why This Role is Unique
Largest Heart Transplant Center in the Nation – Join a high-volume program performing more heart transplants than any other center.
Rare Training Opportunity – Learn donor heart procurement and achieve full autonomy.
Cutting-Edge Practice – Be part of a program pioneering new organ preservation methods and recovery strategies.
Professional Growth – Gain skills that few cardiac surgery PA-Cs in the country possess.
Collaborative Culture – Work in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and your autonomy is encouraged.
Requirements
Qualifications Required:
NCCPA-certified Physician Assistant with Tennessee licensure (or eligibility).
At least 1 year of cardiac surgery operative/first-assist experience.
Willingness and ability to travel on short notice for procurement missions.
Preferred:
Previous organ recovery or transplant surgery experience.
Familiarity with advanced organ preservation technologies.
Strong procedural and critical care skills.
