Physician Assistant - Job Opportunity at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

Toronto, Canada
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: June 29, 2025
On-site
CAD 85,000 - 105,000 annually based on Canadian physician assistant compensation in specialized hospital settings, with SickKids likely offering competitive compensation given its status as a leading pediatric institution and the specialized nature of oncology care

Benefits

Comprehensive employee benefits coverage package providing financial security and health protection beyond standard market offerings
Innovative Staff Health and Well-being Strategy focused on employee wellness, demonstrating organizational commitment to work-life balance and mental health support
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion focused workplace culture that promotes professional growth and inclusive career development opportunities
Access to world-class pediatric healthcare facility resources and cutting-edge medical technology for professional development
University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine teaching hospital affiliation providing continuous learning and academic advancement opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive daily clinical assessments of pediatric oncology patients, directly impacting treatment outcomes and patient care quality in one of North America's largest pediatric hematology-oncology divisions
Perform detailed physical examinations critical to daily care decisions, contributing to the diagnostic and treatment processes for children with complex medical conditions
Execute medical directives including ordering essential diagnostic tests, imaging, medications, and life-saving transfusions, playing a crucial role in patient treatment protocols
Generate comprehensive clinical documentation and reports using advanced electronic medical record systems, ensuring continuity of care and compliance with medical standards
Coordinate with specialist consultant services to optimize patient care delivery and facilitate multidisciplinary treatment approaches
Participate in patient care rounds and educational sessions including specialized chemotherapy curriculum, contributing to both patient outcomes and institutional knowledge development
Engage in optional advanced procedural training including lumbar punctures, bone marrow aspirates, and skin biopsies, expanding clinical capabilities and patient care capacity

Requirements

Education

Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHScPA) or Master's degree (MPAS) from a university level program. Note: Individuals with medical degrees (MDs or equivalent) are not eligible.

Experience

Clinical experience in pediatric healthcare environment preferred

Required Skills

Ability to work in a busy clinical environment with a high degree of attention to detail Capacity to assist with patient care in a manner that emphasizes quality and safety Ability to recognize clinical scenarios that require immediate attention from the staff physicians and other team members Respect for patient confidentiality and awareness of issues around age of consent Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with children and their family members as well as members of the multidisciplinary team Willingness to work according to the hospital's policies, procedures, and practice guidelines Strong IT (Information Technology) Proficiency and experience with EPIC (Electronic Patient Information Chart) considered an asset

Certifications

Active registration or eligibility for registration as a Physician Assistant with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Pediatric healthcare is experiencing significant expansion in specialized care delivery models, with physician assistants increasingly integrated into multidisciplinary teams to address physician shortages and improve patient access to specialized care. This trend is particularly pronounced in oncology settings where complex care coordination is essential. Healthcare technology integration, particularly electronic medical record systems like EPIC, is becoming fundamental to modern medical practice, with institutions investing heavily in digital health solutions to improve care coordination and patient outcomes. There is a growing emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare settings, driven by recognition that diverse healthcare teams provide better patient outcomes and more culturally competent care, especially in pediatric settings serving diverse urban populations.

Role Significance

Typically works within a multidisciplinary team of 8-12 healthcare professionals including attending physicians, residents, nurses, social workers, and other specialists, with direct collaboration involving 3-5 core team members on daily patient care
Mid-level clinical role with significant autonomous decision-making authority under physician supervision, requiring advanced clinical judgment and the ability to manage complex pediatric oncology cases while coordinating care across multiple specialties

Key Projects

Implementation of standardized care protocols for pediatric leukemia and lymphoma patients to improve treatment outcomes and reduce care variability Development and participation in quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing hospital-acquired infections and improving patient safety metrics in the oncology ward Contribution to clinical research studies and data collection efforts supporting evidence-based pediatric oncology care advancement

Success Factors

Exceptional clinical assessment skills combined with the emotional intelligence required to work effectively with children and families during highly stressful medical situations, as pediatric oncology requires both technical competency and compassionate care delivery Strong collaborative abilities and communication skills to function effectively within complex multidisciplinary teams where care coordination across multiple specialties is essential for optimal patient outcomes Adaptability and continuous learning mindset given the rapidly evolving nature of pediatric oncology treatments and the need to stay current with latest protocols and research developments Resilience and emotional stability to handle the psychological demands of working with seriously ill children while maintaining professional effectiveness and personal well-being

Market Demand

High demand for physician assistants in pediatric specialty care, particularly in oncology settings, driven by increasing complexity of care, physician workforce shortages, and proven effectiveness of PA-led care models in improving patient access and outcomes

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Pediatric clinical assessment expertise is absolutely essential as children present with different physiological responses and communication challenges compared to adult patients, requiring specialized knowledge of pediatric normal values, developmental considerations, and age-appropriate examination techniques Electronic medical record proficiency, particularly with EPIC systems, is crucial for effective care coordination in complex hospital environments where accurate documentation and communication across multiple providers directly impacts patient safety and care quality Interpersonal communication skills tailored to pediatric populations are fundamental, as effective interaction with both children and their families requires unique approaches to build trust, provide reassurance, and facilitate understanding of complex medical information during emotionally challenging situations

Beneficial Skills

Research methodology and data analysis skills would enhance career prospects given SickKids' strong research focus and opportunities to contribute to clinical studies that advance pediatric oncology care Leadership and mentoring abilities would support career advancement opportunities and enable contribution to the development of other healthcare professionals within the multidisciplinary team environment Quality improvement and process optimization knowledge would be valuable for contributing to institutional initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and operational efficiency in the clinical setting

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work within one of the largest pediatric hematology-oncology divisions in North America, providing exposure to the full spectrum of pediatric blood disorders and cancers with access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials
Integration with the SickKids Research Institute and Garron Family Cancer Centre, offering unique opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research that directly translates to improved patient care and treatment outcomes
Teaching hospital affiliation with University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine provides continuous educational opportunities and exposure to the latest medical knowledge through interaction with medical students, residents, and faculty researchers
Optional advanced procedural training opportunities that extend beyond typical PA scope of practice, allowing for professional growth and expanded clinical capabilities in specialized pediatric procedures

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing PAs in specialized hospital settings, with opportunities for increased responsibilities and leadership roles developing as clinical expertise and institutional knowledge expand

Potential Next Roles

Senior Physician Assistant with expanded procedural responsibilities and mentorship duties for junior PAs and medical trainees Clinical Coordinator or Team Lead positions overseeing PA services across multiple departments or specialties within the hospital system Specialized roles in pediatric transplant services, intensive care, or other highly specialized pediatric subspecialties requiring advanced clinical expertise

Company Overview

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

SickKids is internationally recognized as one of the world's premier pediatric healthcare institutions, serving as both a quaternary care hospital and a leading research center affiliated with the University of Toronto. The organization combines clinical excellence with cutting-edge research and medical education, positioning it at the forefront of pediatric healthcare innovation globally.

Market leader in pediatric healthcare in Canada and among the top pediatric hospitals globally, with particular strength in complex subspecialty care including oncology, cardiology, and transplant services. The institution's reputation attracts top-tier medical professionals and researchers from around the world.
Serves as the primary referral center for complex pediatric cases across Ontario and eastern Canada, with patients traveling internationally to receive specialized care. The Toronto location provides access to a major metropolitan healthcare ecosystem with numerous collaborative opportunities.
Academically-oriented environment that emphasizes evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and research collaboration. The culture promotes professional development through teaching opportunities, research participation, and access to the latest medical technologies and treatment protocols.
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