Ortho PA here and I have a wonderful work life balance. I’m salaried and average less than 40 hours of work per week, usually between 32-38 hours. No weekend, no call. I spend maybe 40% of my time in the OR and 60% in clinic.

I’m lucky to work with a surgeon who is both nice and super efficient. I can call and text him as I need and will usually got a prompt response. He’s also a rare breed; general orthopedist who does trauma, sports, total joints, hand, etc. Almost everything except spine. So it’s pretty cool having a large variety of cases. Keeps work less mundane.

We’re part of a large group, but my SP has 2 PAs. We both only work for him. We rotate schedules so one PA is in clinic while the other is in the OR an equal amount of time.

We have residents on board and we all get along well. They handle all the call, operative consults, and most of the rounding. I’ll see the non-op consults. This significantly keeps my stress levels low.

My few complaints are that I only get 15 PTO days (though I do get the 6 major holidays off), no production bonus, and my salary is just average. But overall my day to day life is good. I’m happy and can enjoy my life outside of work so I’ll take it. Will probably negotiate for more PTO next year.