Physician’s Assistant, Wound and Burn Centers of America

Physician’s Assistant at Wound and Burn Centers of America

About the Position 

A physician’s assistant (PA) specializing in burn and wound care and surgery, the role offers a unique variety of clinical expertise, surgical skills, and compassionate patient care under a medical provider. I would be working closely with a team of providers, NPs, MAs, and scribes to develop personalized treatment plans that address the patient’s physical and emotional needs. With burn wounds, there are many procedures ranging from debridement procedures to skin grafting and reconstructive surgeries. This work is focused on helping individuals heal and regain their quality of life. The complexity of burn and wound care, along with the rewarding outcomes achieved through helping patients overcome life-altering obstacles, make this a truly fulfilling and challenging career.

Question & Answer

What are the minimum requirements for this position?

Having excellent bedside manner, excellent communication skills (verbal and written), strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and a background in medical terminology in a different language. The preferred qualifications for this position are Valid California State Licensing (PAC-C), and experience in wound care, plastic surgery, and/or dermatology. Other skills that are important for success in the field of plastic surgery and dermatology are critical thinking, the ability to communicate through writing, having a desire to work in the field, and ethical decision-making.

Where was this position found? 

Through Indeed.com.

Summarize the Preferred Qualifications in your own words and emphasize the skills relevant to language majors.

The preferred qualifications for this position are Valid California State Licensing (PAC-C), and experience in wound care, plastic surgery and/or dermatology. There is not a preferred qualification that is relevant to language majors.

What are some other skills that are important for success in this field? Where possible, try to highlight the skills listed on page six of the 2021 Association of American Colleges and Universities Report, How College Contributes to Workforce Success.

Other skills that are important for success in the field of plastic surgery and dermatology are critical thinking, ability to communicate through writing, having a desire to work in the field, and ethical decision
making.

What might be helpful to prepare for a language major to prepare for this field or position?

A helpful way to prepare for a language major in the field of medicine and being a PA-C would be to earn another degree in biology or chemistry.

How is proficiency in another language useful or important in this position?

Fluency in a second language is useful and important in this position because it allows for there not to be an interpreter. This is because the PA-C would not only act as the provider but also the interpreter. This then leads to a more personable encounter. The ability to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds is very useful in this position because being in California there is a large percentage of people from Spanish-speaking cultures that have different views and opinions on medicine.

How is the ability to communicate and work with people from different cultural
backgrounds useful or important in this position?

The ability to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds are very useful in this position because being in California there is a large percentage of people from Spanish-speaking cultures that have different views and opinions on medicine

Anything else interesting to share about the position?

I find this position extremely interesting as I have always had a passion for dermatology and surgery. I hope to be able to apply my knowledge and education of the Spanish language in this role with patients.

Why is there a large need for PAs? 

It is so hard to fill the position because to be a PA-C the provider must have the proper credentials, experience, and education.

About the author

name: Megan Kelly

institution: Boise State University

Senior dedicated to studies in Biology, focusing on Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) and Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) tracks. In addition to science and medicine, I am passionate about the Spanish language, which I have studied for 11 years. Fluent in both English and Spanish, I aim to leverage my language skills in my future career in healthcare, bridging communication gaps and enhancing patient care.