Step Into the OR with Confidence -- A Surgical Physician Assistant Opportunity in Des Moines, Iowa

Overview

There is a certain kind of professional who belongs in the operating room -- someone whose instincts are sharp, whose hands are steady, and whose heart is fully invested in the person lying on the table. If that sounds like you, then this opportunity was built with you in mind.

We are actively seeking a skilled and driven Physician Assistant to join a high-performing surgical team in a full-time capacity. This is not a role where you clock in and blend into the background. From the moment a patient walks through pre-op to the final follow-up appointment, your presence will shape their entire experience. You will stand beside accomplished surgeons, collaborate with a nursing team that takes pride in what they do, and serve patients who genuinely need your expertise and your compassion in equal measure. If you are looking for a role where your work matters -- visibly, measurably, and meaningfully -- this is where you belong.

What You Will Do

• Perform thorough patient assessments that include physical examinations and in-depth review of medical histories prior to surgical procedures
• Assist in identifying and diagnosing surgical conditions through careful analysis of laboratory findings and diagnostic imaging
• Work directly alongside surgeons to develop and carry out individualized treatment and surgical care plans
• Provide hands-on intraoperative support, including room preparation, patient positioning, and instrument handling throughout procedures
• Deliver attentive pre- and post-operative care encompassing medication management, wound care protocols, discharge coordination, and patient and family education

Education

• Master's degree from a fully accredited Physician Assistant program
• Clinical rotation experience with a focus in surgical settings is strongly preferred

Certifications

• Active and unrestricted PA-C certification in good standing
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications
• Valid state licensure in Iowa or demonstrated eligibility to obtain it

Skills and Strengths

• Solid foundational knowledge of surgical principles, sterile technique, and intraoperative workflows
• Ability to interpret complex diagnostic data and contribute meaningfully to high-stakes clinical decisions
• Polished communication skills and a collaborative spirit that strengthens the team around you
• Composure and clarity under pressure, especially during fast-moving surgical cases
• A genuine bedside manner rooted in empathy, dignity, and patient-centered values

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with performance-based incentive opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous paid time off and continuing medical education reimbursement
• A collaborative team culture backed by exceptional resources and facilities
• Clear pathways for career growth within an expanding and forward-thinking healthcare organization

More Than a Title -- Your Role in Every Patient's Recovery

What makes a great Surgical Physician Assistant is not just what they do in the OR -- it is what they bring to every moment surrounding it. It is the calm explanation given to a nervous patient the night before their procedure. It is the keen eye that catches something in a post-op wound before it becomes a complication. It is the voice that advocates clearly and confidently in a room full of specialists.

In this role, you will be part of a broad spectrum of surgical care -- from minimally invasive laparoscopic cases to complex inpatient procedures that demand the very best of your clinical training. And when the surgery is done, your job is far from over. Recovery consultations, long-term planning conversations, and the quiet moments of reassurance you offer to a patient's family -- those matter just as much as anything that happens inside the operating room.

This is a team that operates on mutual respect. Your instincts are trusted. Your clinical perspective carries weight. And your contribution to every successful outcome is recognized and appreciated by everyone around you.

Discover Des Moines -- A City That Surprises, Delights, and Welcomes You Home

Des Moines, Iowa is one of those cities that earns loyal fans the moment people actually spend time there. It has a way of exceeding expectations -- and then quietly becoming the place people cannot imagine leaving.

Start with the food scene, which has blossomed into something genuinely exciting. From award-winning farm-to-table restaurants sourcing ingredients from just down the road to vibrant international eateries tucked into walkable neighborhoods, Des Moines feeds its residents well. The weekend farmers markets along the riverfront draw thousands of locals who gather not just to shop, but to connect -- over fresh produce, handmade goods, and conversations that feel unhurried and real.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of ways to decompress after a demanding week in the hospital. The High Trestle Trail Bridge -- one of the most iconic pedestrian bridges in the entire country -- offers a cycling and walking experience unlike anything you have seen. Greenways and trails wind through the city and its surrounding areas, making it easy to run, bike, or simply walk beneath a canopy of Midwestern sky. Come winter, the city transforms into a surprisingly energetic hub of ice skating, holiday festivals, and cozy neighborhood bars where craft beers and warm conversations flow freely.

Des Moines consistently earns recognition as one of the most livable and affordable cities in the nation -- and for good reason. The cost of living is refreshingly manageable, meaning your paycheck goes meaningfully further here than it would in most major metropolitan areas. You can own a beautiful home in a tight-knit neighborhood without stretching your finances thin, and still have the resources to travel, save, and truly enjoy your time off.

The arts and culture scene punches well above its weight, with the Des Moines Art Center drawing nationally recognized exhibitions, a thriving theater community, and a music calendar that keeps evenings interesting year-round. And the people -- warm, grounded, and genuinely welcoming -- have a way of making newcomers feel like they have lived there for years.

This is a city with momentum. It is growing, evolving, and drawing talented professionals from across the country who want the energy of opportunity without sacrificing the quality of a life well-lived.

The Kind of PA We Are Looking For

We are not interested in checking boxes. We are looking for someone who arrives every day with intention -- a Physician Assistant who finds energy in complexity, comfort in collaboration, and purpose in the details that others might overlook.

Whether you are an early-career PA who completed a surgical-heavy training program and is hungry to grow, or an experienced intraoperative provider ready to bring that depth to a new team, we want to hear from you. What matters most is not the length of your resume -- it is the quality of your presence. Show up curious, stay humble, and bring everything you have to the patients who need you most.

A Mission That Extends Beyond the Operating Room

Every great surgical team shares a common belief -- that their best work happens when every member of the team is invested, respected, and supported. That is exactly the kind of environment we have built here, and it is the kind of environment we are committed to protecting.

If you are ready to take your surgical career to the next level in a city that offers both professional excellence and a deeply rewarding personal life, we would love to connect. Come join a team where the work is meaningful, the culture is strong, and the impact you make is felt long after a patient leaves the building.