The advance practice practitioner (APP) is a clinician who demonstrates clinical expertise and leadership skills. The APP uses clinical and academic skills in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer or hematologic disorders.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

The advanced practice practitioner (APP) is a licensed provider who has acquired a broad range of knowledge and skills through the successful completion of a physician assistant program.  The APP provides the highest level of preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative and outpatient care of Dana-Farber breast surgery patients under the direction of the supervising physicians. Serves as a bridge between the Breast Surgery Service other subspecialties within the Breast Oncology Program (Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Radiology and Pathology). Participates in the ongoing clinical research activities within the Breast Oncology Disease Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and certain affiliated research programs.  Takes a leadership role on new initiatives related to improving patient care, workflows or education as determined by the growing needs and opportunities within the division of breast surgery. The APP works under the supervision of an attending physician and reports directly to the department administrator, nursing director, or chief physician assistant administratively. 

Principle Clinical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a primary clinical point of contact for patients with breast cancer treated in the Division of Breast Surgery under direction of supervising physicians.
• Works together with providers in other subspecialties to ensure a smooth transition of care for patients receiving multimodality treatment at DF/BWCC (all locations).
• Performs follow-up assessments of patients after surgery, including history, physical exam in a physician-supervised clinic at DFCI (all locations).
• Orders, interprets, and evaluates appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests
• Develops appropriate plans of care and follow-up based on the outcomes of diagnostic, laboratory, and physical examination findings
• Orders medications and writes prescriptions according to organizational and regulatory policies and procedures
• Consistently provides high quality and timely documentation including admission and progress notes, procedure notes, operative notes and discharge summaries
• Assists with outpatient and inpatient surgical procedures under the direct supervision of breast surgeons.
• Performs outpatient management for removal of drains, sutures, and staples.
• Facilitates referral of surgical patients to the DFCI BOC program by consultation with referring providers.
• Practices cost effective medicine in an efficient manner, maximizing available resources
• Demonstrates expert clinical judgment skills to function in an independent role
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required by the department/division

Non-Clinical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates professional collaborative and consultative relationships with other providers
• Follows all designated prescriptive practices and monitoring requirements with the designated supervising physician and administrative report
• Participates in departmental and organizational committees and programs as appropriate and attends all required meetings, in-services, and professional trainings
• Maintains superior interpersonal and communication skills as a member of the healthcare team in order to collaborate effectively with patients, families, staff, and community health workers
• Remains actively involved in continuing education with a commitment to self and departmental growth
• Adheres to all established safety policies, procedures, and precautions; identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation
• Demonstrates understanding of procedures, policies, and documentation required to ensure compliance with hospital standards of care
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required by the department/division

Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required:

• Must have the ability to work in a high stress, dynamic, busy clinical setting with changing organizational climate
• Must have the ability to be self-directive and to demonstrate initiative in addressing the responsibilities of the position
• Must have the ability to utilize appropriate problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Must be energetic and quality driven and have a proven ability to be a productive member of a team dedicated to providing optimal patient care
• Must be proficient with DFCI and BWH computer systems as needed to independently perform daily tasks (EMR, Epic preferred)
• Must maintain the highest degree of professional judgment under the supervision and guidance of a licensed physician

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

NP Qualifications:

• Authorization to practice in an expanded role as a Nurse Practitioner in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Current certification from a nationally recognized accrediting body approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for Nurse Practitioners
• Minimum of 24 contact hours beyond generic education in pharmacotherapeutics
• Masters degree in Nursing
• Minimum of 1 year oncology nursing experience or 1 year Nurse Practitioner experience
• Oncology Nurse Practitioner experience preferred
• In possession of Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Federal DEA numbers
• Certification in Oncology Nursing preferred - OCN, AOCN, CPON, BMTCN, CPHON 

PA Qualifications:

A Masters Degree and successful completion of an AAPA/NCCPA accredited Physician Assistant Studies program are required.   Must be NCCPA Certified and licensed to practice as a Physician Assistant in Massachusetts.  Must maintain current DEA and Massachusetts Controlled Substance Licenses, and complete 100 hours of CME according to national and state regulations during each 2 year period of employment.

PA I:      No professional experience required.

PA II:     2 years of qualifying professional Physician Assistant experience 

PA III:    5 years of qualifying professional Physician Assistant experience 

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is honored to be one of the organizations to receive the American Academy of PAs’ (AAPA) Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management (CHLM) 2020-2021 Employer of Excellence Award. The EOE Awards, the first and only PA-specific award program for organizations, is designed to showcase employers that have implemented practices that create positive work environments for PAs and encourage collaborative provider teams.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.

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