Unit Summary

The Cancer Genetics Clinic at the Juravinski Cancer Centre provides genetic counselling and risk assessment for individuals with a personal or family history of cancer. The clinic helps patients understand inherited risk factors, screening options, and genetic testing eligibility.

Position Summary

Hamilton Health Sciences is seeking a licensed Physician Assistant (PA) to join the Cancer Genetics program in an outpatient capacity. Reporting to the Medical Director of Cancer Genetics (or designate), the PA will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary genetics team to provide comprehensive assessment and care to patients with, or at risk for, hereditary cancer syndromes. This role combines clinical assessment, risk evaluation, and care coordination to support timely and appropriate genetic testing and cancer screening for patients and families.

Clinical Assessment
• Assess patients with suspected or confirmed hereditary cancer syndromes in the outpatient setting.
• Conduct physical assessments of patients with known or suspected hereditary cancer syndromes.
• Evaluate personal and family history to determine eligibility for genetic testing based on established clinical guidelines and criteria.
• Assess individual risk factors for breast, ovarian, colorectal, and other hereditary cancers.

Care Coordination
• Coordinate appropriate cancer screening and surveillance tests based on identified risk level and syndrome-specific guidelines.
• Develop and communicate individualized screening and follow-up plans in collaboration with the genetics team.
• Ensure timely referrals for genetic testing, imaging, and specialist consultations as needed.

Interprofessional Collaboration
• Liaise closely with the genetics team, including genetic counselors, genetic assistants, and oncologists, to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
• Participate in case discussions and multidisciplinary rounds/conferences as required.
• Communicate findings, risk assessments, and management plans clearly to referring physicians and other members of the care team.

Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation in accordance with HHSC policies and regulatory requirements.
• Practice in accordance with the standards, scope of practice, and regulations set by the relevant licensing/regulatory body for Physician Assistants in Ontario.

Schedule Work Hours

Monday to Sunday, days, evenings, nights, weekends, on-call (as applicable)

Qualifications

1. Graduate of Physician Assistant Program

2. Prior experience in general surgery setting an asset

3. Demonstrated ability to make decisions in times of emergencies

4. Demonstrated ability to work alongside Intensivists, Nurses and other Health Care Professionals

5. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills

6. Demonstrated ability to promote professional development

7. Demonstrated leadership and critical thinking skills

8. Demonstrated commitment to patient and family-centered care

9. Demonstrated ability for independent action, initiative, problem-solving, organization and prioritization