Cardiothoracic Surgery APP | Blue Ridge Mountain Living | Outdoor Lifestyle + Career Growth

Job Summary:

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) to join our growing team in Lynchburg, VA. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced cardiothoracic surgeons performing advanced procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacements, aortic repairs, and the maze procedure.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, high-acuity environment and be eager to participate in both surgical and patient care responsibilities. This position offers hands-on training, strong team support, and the opportunity to deliver comprehensive care across the full continuum.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in cardiothoracic surgical procedures including CABG, valve replacements, and aortic repairs
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative patient care, including rounding and care coordination
• Participate in inpatient care with a half-day outpatient clinic per week
• Collaborate closely with surgeons and fellow APPs to ensure optimal patient outcomes
• Take part in on-call rotation (1:3 to 1:4), including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Perform patient assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop treatment plans
• Document patient care accurately in the electronic medical record
• Participate in OR block scheduling and perioperative workflow

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Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner program
• National certification as a PA or NP required
• Active or eligible for Virginia licensure
• Active DEA license (or ability to obtain)
• Strong clinical judgment and ability to work in a fast-paced surgical environment
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care

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Work Environment & Schedule:

• Full-time schedule: 5 days per week, typically 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Mix of inpatient care with limited outpatient responsibilities
• Call schedule: 1:3 to 1:4 rotation (nights, weekends, holidays)
• Work alongside 2 surgeons and 3 Advanced Practice Providers
• Structured, hands-on training with strong team support

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Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation including base salary, hourly excess, and incentive pay
• Student loan reimbursement opportunities
• Relocation assistance
• CME allowance
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans with immediate employer match
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, and more
• Short-term disability coverage

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Location & Lifestyle:

Lynchburg, VA offers an exceptional quality of life with a population of ~85,000 and a low cost of living. The region is known for its outdoor recreation, including hiking the Appalachian Trail, biking along Blackwater Creek Trail, and enjoying nearby Smith Mountain Lake. Residents enjoy a family-friendly environment with excellent schools, cultural attractions like the Academy Center of the Arts, and community events such as minor league baseball games and seasonal festivals.

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Why Join Us:

• Supportive, team-oriented cardiothoracic program
• Hands-on training and mentorship with experienced surgeons
• Opportunity to work in a high-acuity, rewarding surgical specialty
• Strong compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Career growth through structured APP development programs
• Work-life balance in a vibrant, affordable community

About Centra Health, Inc.

Centra Health (Centra) is a regional nonprofit healthcare system based in Lynchburg, Virginia, serving over 500,000 people as the dominant provider of critical medical services in central and southern Virginia.