Heather Preisser
Panama City,FL
Summary
Dedicated and experienced Physician Assistant with over 20 years of surgical experience in a variety of surgical settings and specialties. Highly skilled, motivated, and personable with strong attention to detail, compassionate bedside manner and significant ability to work well under pressure.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Surgical Physician Assistant
Dermatology Specialists Of Florida
Panama City, FL
12.2007 - Current
- Independently performed simple and complex reconstruction of surgical defects following Mohs procedures for the treatment and removal of skin cancer, including the utilization of reconstructive flaps, as well as split and full thickness skin grafts, in order to achieve optimal wound healing and superb cosmetic results.
- Performed routine medical procedures such as injections, biopsies and surgical excisions.
- Skilled in the injection of Botox and cosmetic fillers.
- Performed laser procedures utilizing multiple state of the art lasers for the treatment of both cosmetic concerns and medical conditions.
- Performed comprehensive patient exams and assessments to formulate, implement and continuously update individualized plans of care.
- Documented all patient visits in an electronic medical record system using appropriate coding and maintained strict patient privacy and confidential patient information, taking care to meet HIPAA guidelines and statutes for data security.
- Interpreted diagnostic test results and pathology reports to determine deviations from normal and recommended the appropriate individualized treatment plan according to diagnostic test results and biopsy proven diagnoses.
Surgical Physician Assistant
Cardiovascular Surgeons, Inc.
Orlando, FL
06.2006 - 12.2007
- Performed pre-operative assessments, including obtaining patient history and physicals, ordering and evaluating laboratory studies and imaging tests to determine if further intervention is needed.
- Documented patient encounters in electronic medical record systems according to standards of practice guidelines, as well as dictation of surgical and bedside procedures.
- Performed preoperative arterial cannulation of the distal ascending aorta for cardiopulmonary bypass.
- Performed endoscopic vein harvesting in the operating room and preparation of vessel conduits for use during coronary artery bypass grafting.
- First assisted cardiothoracic surgeons during surgical procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting, cardiac valve repair/replacement, correction of various cardiac and vascular defects, carotid endarterectomies and thoracic procedures.
- Performed multilayer surgical closures including wire approximation of the sternum and primary closure of fascia, subcutaneous tissue layers and skin.
- Assessed patient progress during recovery from surgery by conducting rounds in the hospital setting and assisting physicians with skilled support during complicated medical and surgical procedures.
- Performed postoperative removal of temporary cardiac pacemaker lines and chest tubes placed during surgery.
- Ordered laboratory testing and radiologic imaging studies, interpreted results and consulted with attending physicians and surgeons regarding recommended patient care.
- Coordinated with ancillary staff such as nurses, radiologists and pharmacists to ensure proper care was provided to patients throughout their surgical experience and maintained availability to take emergency calls after hours from nurses and other medical providers.
- Provided education regarding postoperative treatment plans, medication side effects, home care instructions and office follow-up appointments to patients and families prior to completing their discharge orders from the hospital setting.
- Assessed, diagnosed, treated and delivered postoperative follow-up care in the outpatient clinical setting.
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
Tallahassee, FL
07.2001 - 08.2003
- Collaborated with operating room staff to cultivate efficiency and preparing for scheduled and emergency procedures, including setting up and maintaining sterile surgical field.
- Demonstrated knowledge of principles of asepsis while preparing and caring for patients undergoing surgery.
- Provided surgical first assistance during operative procedures, provided exposure to critical anatomic structures via the proper use of sterile surgical instruments, retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to produce unobstructed views and access to the entire operating field.
- Utilized hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment to control bleeding and achieve optimal hemostasis.
- Performed multilayer wound closure, including suture approximation of fascia, subcutaneous tissue, subcuticular dermis and superficial skin incisions.
- Maintained aseptic technique throughout the procedure and applied surgical wound dressings to incision sites postoperatively.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Physician Assistant Studies
Miami Dade College, Medical Center Campus/Nova
Miami, FL07-2006
Associate of Science - Exercise Physiology
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL06-2003
Skills
- General Dermatology
- Surgical Procedures
- Cosmetic Injectables
- Medical & Cosmetic Laser Treatments
Certification
- NCCPA Board Certification 2006
- Florida Physician Assistant License 2006
Timeline
Surgical Physician Assistant
Dermatology Specialists Of Florida
12.2007 - Current
Surgical Physician Assistant
Cardiovascular Surgeons, Inc.
06.2006 - 12.2007
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
07.2001 - 08.2003
Associate of Applied Science - Physician Assistant Studies
Miami Dade College, Medical Center Campus/Nova
Associate of Science - Exercise Physiology
Florida State University
- NCCPA Board Certification 2006
- Florida Physician Assistant License 2006
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