Instructor/ AA Program Director

Job Summary:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Department of Anesthesiology seeks an individual with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds.

The Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has an opening for a full-time Instructor, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA), to serve as the Program Director of the University of Colorado Master of Science in Anesthesiology Program (40% Instructor/CAA & 60% Program Director for a 1.0FTE). The chief responsibility of the department is to assure the best possible outcomes for our patients having surgical operations, painful invasive procedures, and childbirth. Additionally, the Program Director directly reports to and supports the Medical Director for the Master of Science Program in fulfilling the requirements for the Master of Science in Anesthesiology program as defined by CAAHEP, the ARC-AA, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

The University of Colorado affiliated hospitals have top nationally-recognized physicians delivering the best possible anesthetic care as well as a full range of perioperative care.

Responsibilities:

Faculty Role

Duties of the Instructor (CAA) include, but are not limited to:

• Administer patient care under the supervision and medical direction of an attending Anesthesiologist to include all levels of care
• Provide direct patient care daily, including:




• Monitoring of patient vital signs
• Conducting patient assessments
• Overseeing patient safety before, during, and after surgery
• Titrating anesthetic gases to patient vital signs
• Transfusing blood products
• Fluid management
• Administering narcotics
• Placing invasive monitors (central lines, arterial lines, etc.)




• Document preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care appropriate to the case
• Cooperate with the requirements of the Department's quality assurance review process
• Work shifts at any of the University-affiliated hospitals (UCH Anschutz, Inverness, etc.) to which an individual will be assigned by the scheduler and/or the APP Co-Chiefs
• Work shifts of various length and complexity, sometimes up to 24 hours straight, including nights, weekends, and various call shifts. Note: some shifts, such as night and weekend call shifts, require the ability to work more independently, with less attending supervision than others and may require the CAA to be called in from home multiple times for emergent OR cases.
• Appropriately handle and administer controlled substances such as fentanyl, dilaudid, midazolam, propofol etc. Note: some locations, such as Highlands Ranch Hospital, do not have a centralized pharmacy for returning and wasting of controlled substances and instead use a witness system.
• Work and function in a care team model to formulate anesthetic plan for best patient outcomes. This model requires great communication before, during, and after each anesthetic.

Faculty Administrative Role

The Program Director for the AA Program will:

Administrative

• Perform the CAAHEP program and accreditation requirements
• Work closely with Program Leadership to determine:




• Areas for strategic growth
• Support curricular and educational development
• Identify and resource specific needs in program




• Determine and monitor ongoing Program objectives, priorities and budgets
• Participate in Curriculum Committee and curricular innovation
• Identify and review student applications and conduct interviews with applicants as a member of the Admissions Committee
• Coordinate activities to ensure stated program goals are achieved
• Provide regular updates to the Progress & Promotions Committee regarding student clinical performance, ensuring s/he is consistently aware of the clinical standing of each student
• Assist Program Coordinators with prospective student inquiries regarding academic requirements and programmatic fit
• Provide current student body with direction and be available to provide resources when emergencies arise which impact the student's education. This may be on off hours, and it is expected that the program director either be available or provide coverage for student issues at all times throughout the year.
• Identify and manage issues which occur while students are on away rotations to assist with maintaining safety of the student and integrity of their education.
• Actively manage and mentor APDs to ensure they are completing their responsibilities in a timely fashion

Educational

• Ensure student performance on NCCAA board certification examination remains at or above the national average
• Develop and implement clinical training goals and objectives
• Ensure the provision of appropriate opportunities to gain clinical competencies and maintain program standards
• Ensure educational adequacy at outside training sites and monitor student progress and clinical experience at those sites
• Develop metrics to evaluate success of clinical curricula
• Directly oversee student clinical evaluations, competencies, and progress
• Develop and implement a student-to-faculty pipeline
• Provide guidance to students on application and interview process for future positions
• Inform Program Leadership of any clinical concerns and collaborate to develop remediation policies when needed
• Serve as main contact for all students and faculty regarding clinical concerns
• Manage clinical assignments of all students rotating at UCH and other locations
• Collaborate with "offsite" specialty rotations to convey student goals and expectations as well as coordinate a schedule that is appropriate for all involved
• Work with hospital leadership and staff to assess various learning needs and competency gaps
• Participate in leading senior seminar sessions, literature reviews and professional development discussions
• Serve as didactic instructor for at least one semester per calendar year

Leadership/Development

• Promote instructor development




• Provide oversight for clinical faculty specific to clinical curriculum development, implementation and educational objectives
• Collaborate with clinical faculty in regards to their evaluations and student feedback
• Facilitate regular instructor meetings to provide feedback on student performance and updates on expectations




• Advise, teach and mentor students to instill sound professionalism and work ethic
• Attend conferences and workshops to enhance knowledge and experience regarding educating AA students
• Actively mentor APDs and core instructors

The Program Director for the AA Program is an at-will position that can be changed at any time based on performance of specified duties.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Department of Anesthesiology is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative education, science, medicine, and healthcare. The Department of Anesthesiology has several clinical specialties and is a nationally recognized leader in anesthesiology and perioperative medical education. We are dedicated to developing leaders in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine who demonstrate clinical excellence, professionalism, and a commitment to life-long learning. Our faculty have a resolve to create an exciting academic environment that will build upon what is already recognized as one of the finest residency programs in the country, and by advancing education within our specialty, we continue to improve the lives of learners and patients in a complex and evolving world of medicine.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Successful completion of an accredited Anesthesiologist Assistant program
• Active certification by the NCCAA with ongoing re-certification as required (currently every two years).
• A minimum of 1 year of clinical experience
• Licensed to practice in the state of Colorado
• Current appointment or be able to be appointed to the University of Colorado School of Medicine faculty

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership and education experience is preferred in consideration of the Program Director role

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Honest and ethical
• Reliable, conscientious, and responsible
• Able to learn from experience
• Able to react to stressful situations in an appropriate manner
• Maintains proper professional decorum
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and additional members of the health care team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, nurses, and other hospital employees in the workplace. Ability to recognize self-limitations and request assistance if needed
• Excellent problem solving and conflict mediation skills

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: David.Feenstra@CUAnschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

This is an open-ended posting used to recruit multiple candidates throughout the year. We will contact candidates when there is an opening.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$220,000 - $245,000

The stipend for the Program Director for the AA Program role has been established at $15,000. Additionally, the Program Director will receive 0.60FTE of protected time.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.