Med Ninjas is seeking an experienced Physician Assistant specializing in Cardiothoracic Surgery for PRN locum coverage in Lexington, Kentucky. The selected PA must be proficient in first assisting with CABG, AVR, MVR, thoracotomy, and lung resection cases, as well as vein harvesting, chest-tube placement, telemetry, and ICU care.
Assignment Snapshot
Specialty Cardiothoracic Surgery
Provider Type Physician Assistant
Assignment Type Locum Tenens / PRN
Location Lexington, Kentucky
Setting Inpatient, Operating Room, Telemetry, and ICU
Providers Needed 1
Primary Need Weekend and vacation coverage
Weekday Schedule 7:00 AM 7:00 PM, with 7:00 PM 7:00 AM night call
Weekend Schedule 7:00 AM 7:00 AM, 24-hour coverage
Call Frequency 1 2 call days per week
Weekend Call Approximately one weekend per month
Surgical Volume Approximately 1 2 surgeries daily
EMR Epic
Board Status Board certification required
License Kentucky preferred; candidates willing to obtain may be reviewed
Credentialing Approximately days
Temporary Privileges Not available Coverage Schedule
The primary need is for weekend and vacation coverage.
Weekday Coverage
- Day shift: 7:00 AM 7:00 PM
- Night call: 7:00 PM 7:00 AM
Weekend Coverage
- 24-hour shifts
- Weekend coverage generally begins at 7:00 AM Friday and concludes at 7:00 AM Monday
- Weekend responsibilities include inpatient rounding, procedures, and surgical coverage
Currently Listed Coverage Dates
- November , 2026
- December , 2026
- January 29, 2027
- February , 2027
- April 3 11, 2027
- May , 2027
- Additional dates to be determined
Candidates should clearly identify which dates and coverage blocks they can commit to.
Clinical Responsibilities
- First assist during CABG procedures
- First assist during aortic valve replacement procedures
- First assist during mitral valve replacement procedures
- First assist during thoracotomy and lung resection procedures
- Perform surgical vein harvesting
- Perform chest-tube placement
- Provide postoperative cardiothoracic surgical care
- Complete inpatient rounding
- Support telemetry and ICU patient management
- Provide weekday night-call coverage
- Provide weekend inpatient, procedural, and surgical coverage
- Support cardiothoracic surgeons across the operating room and inpatient units
Required Experience
Candidates must be independently proficient in cardiothoracic surgical procedures, particularly:
- CABG first assisting
- AVR first assisting
- MVR first assisting
- Thoracotomy and lung resection first assisting
- Vein harvesting
- Chest-tube placement
- Cardiothoracic postoperative management
- Telemetry and ICU care
Candidates unable to perform the required procedures will not be considered.
Candidate Requirements
- Certified Physician Assistant
- Board certification required
- Cardiothoracic surgery experience required
- Kentucky license highly preferred
- Candidates willing to obtain a Kentucky license may be reviewed
- ACLS required
- BLS required
- Active DEA required
- Clean malpractice history preferred
- Must provide confirmed availability
- Must be eligible for credentialing at the Lexington hospital
- Must be comfortable providing call, weekend, OR, ICU, and inpatient coverage
Practice Environment
- Hospital-based cardiothoracic surgery service
- Operating room, telemetry, and ICU responsibilities
- Epic EMR
- Approximately 1 2 surgeries per day
- PRN coverage supporting an established cardiothoracic surgery team
- Current need is related to a staffing vacancy and vacation coverage
Credentialing
- Estimated credentialing timeframe: days
- Temporary privileges are not available
- The selected PA must complete credentialing at the assigned hospital before beginning coverage
Because of the credentialing timeframe, candidates available for later 2026 and 2027 coverage blocks may be the most practical matches.
Travel Considerations
Local and drive-in candidates are preferred.
Preferred lodging options identified by the client include:
- The Campbell House using the hospital s discounted rate
- Tru by Hilton University Medical
- Candlewood Suites Lexington Medical District
Any anticipated travel exception should be disclosed before presentation, along with the candidate s city of origin.
Compensation
Competitive compensation is available for:
- Regular clinical hours
- Night call
- 24-hour call
- Callback hours
- Holiday coverage, when applicable
Specific provider compensation and travel arrangements will be discussed directly with a Med Ninjas recruiter.
Apply
If you are a certified Physician Assistant with current cardiothoracic surgery experience and proficiency in CABG, AVR, MVR, thoracotomy, lung resection, vein harvesting, and chest-tube placement, apply with:
- Current CV
- Kentucky license status
- Board-certification details
- ACLS, BLS, and DEA status
- Confirmed coverage dates
- Preferred contact number
A Med Ninjas recruiter will contact qualified applicants to discuss compensation, travel, credentialing, and available coverage blocks. (AD)
