Physician Assistant (PA) / Clinical Assistant (CA)

Location: C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre, Winkler, Manitoba 
Department: Surgical Services/Primary Care / Family Medicine 
Reports To: Supervising Physician / Chief Operating Officer (COO) 
Employment Status: Part-time 

1. Position Purpose 

The Physician Assistant (PA) / Clinical Assistant (CA) supports the delivery of comprehensive, patient-centred primary care under the supervision and delegated authority of a licensed physician. Working as an integral member of the clinic team, the PA/CA assists with patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, preventive care, and chronic disease management to improve access, continuity, and efficiency of care. The position is intended to enhance physician capacity, improve access to timely care, support continuity of care, and contribute to the efficient operation of the clinic.  

The Clinical/Physician Assistant will practice under supervision in the field of family medicine providing primary care services at the C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre and on occasion may provide some in-patient care at the Boundary Trails Health Centre under the direction of the supervising physician. 

 
The Clinical/Physician Assistant must practise within their authorized scope of practice, registration conditions, demonstrated competence, and applicable College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) requirements. The position does not involve independent medical practice. 

2. Key Responsibilities - Primary Care 

• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and compassionately with patients and, where appropriate and authorized, their families or caregivers. 

• Explain clinical findings, investigation results, treatment options, and follow-up instructions within the individual's role and authority. 

• Obtain medical histories, conduct physical examinations, assess patients, and develop clinical impressions and management plans within authorized responsibilities. 

• Assess and assist with the management of common acute and chronic medical conditions. 

• Order or facilitate laboratory tests and diagnostic investigations where authorized, review results, and escalate significant findings to the supervising physician. 

• Prescribe or administer medications and treatments, and perform clinical procedures, where permitted by applicable requirements and delegated authority. 

• Support preventive healthcare, routine examinations, immunizations, screening, patient education, and lifestyle counselling. 

• Monitor treatment outcomes and coordinate follow-up appointments, referrals, investigations, and ongoing care. 

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation using the clinic's electronic medical record (EMR) system. 

• Collaborate with physicians, clinic staff, specialists, and other healthcare providers to support coordinated patient care. Assist with coverage for physician absences. 

• Follow applicable legislation, CPSM requirements, clinic policies, infection prevention standards, and patient safety protocols. 

• Participate in quality improvement, clinical meetings, and continuing professional development. 

• Perform other related duties consistent with qualifications, authorized scope of practice, and supervisory arrangements. 
   

4. Key Responsibilities – Surgical Services – Minor Procedures 

• Assess patients and assist with determining suitability for minor procedures, as delegated by the supervising physician. 

• Assist with and/or perform minor procedures, as authorized and within the individual’s scope of practice, training, and applicable regulatory requirements, including skin lesion excisions, biopsies, wound management, and other office-based procedures. 

• Prepare patients, procedural instruments, equipment, and supplies, ensuring appropriate infection prevention, sterilization, and aseptic technique. 

• Assist with local anesthesia administration and other procedural requirements, as delegated and authorized. 

• Maintain accurate clinical documentation, including procedure notes, consent, and relevant patient information. 

• Provide pre-procedure counselling, patient education, and instructions regarding wound care, recovery, and potential complications. 

• Assess patients following procedures and monitor for immediate complications. 

• Provide wound assessments, dressing changes, suture removal, and follow-up care, as appropriate. 

• Communicate procedural findings, pathology results, and follow-up recommendations in collaboration with the supervising physician. 

• Recognize and escalate complications or clinical concerns promptly. 

• Coordinate referrals, investigations, and follow-up appointments as required. 
   

5. Qualifications and Registration 

Physician Assistant (PA) 

• Graduate of a Physician Assistant education program acceptable to the CPSM. 

• Eligible for or holding the applicable CPSM registration required for the position. 

• Meets applicable national certification requirements and ongoing professional practice standards. 

Clinical Assistant (CA) 

• Graduate of an accredited medical school in Canada or internationally. 

• Eligible for or holding the applicable CPSM registration as a Clinical Assistant. 

• Has completed an assessment or qualification recognized by the CPSM for the applicable registration pathway. 

All candidates must maintain required registration, credentials, certifications, and continuing professional development. 

6. Required Skills and Competencies 

• Strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. 

• Effective communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management abilities. 

• Ability to prioritize competing demands and recognize when physician consultation is required. 

• Ability to work collaboratively and manage assigned responsibilities within established supervisory arrangements. 

• Commitment to patient-centred care, confidentiality, cultural safety, and professional ethics. 

• Proficiency with EMR systems and clinical documentation. 

• Previous experience in primary care, family medicine, or a comparable clinical setting is preferred. 

• English proficiency is required. 
   

7. Supervision and Performance 

The PA/CA reports to the supervising physician or Chief Operating Officer (COO) and is accountable for practising within applicable registration conditions, clinical competence, delegated authority, and clinic protocols. 

Performance will be reviewed periodically and may include clinical quality, documentation, patient safety, communication, teamwork, efficiency, and adherence to professional and regulatory requirements. 

8. Conditions of Employment 

The successful candidate may be required to provide verification of education, credentials, registration, and professional references; complete appropriate background checks; meet applicable immunization and occupational health requirements; and complete clinic orientation and competency assessments. 

9. Working Conditions