Meet Truly Ambitious Director of Physician Assistant Services Thomas Bily

Throughout his career with Northwell, Thomas has participated in many ACP system initiatives and covered for other clinical services wherever there was a need. While working as a critical care PA at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC), he began to volunteer for both clinical and non-clinical responsibilities including becoming a PA clinical preceptor. This was his first opportunity to have an administrative role within the department and it provided him with skills he needed to help him succeed such as coordination, effective communication and organization.

Along with being a PA clinical preceptor, Thomas participated in a critical care microsystem workgroup at LIJMC. These workgroups help improve quality of patient care alongside collaborative workflow. The opportunity helped him further mold his communication skills while building on his ability to take ownership of group projects.

Most recently he’s led the re-design of the Northwell Health ACP Surgical System Orientation. The new orientation was designed to provide a surgical ACP or registered nurse first assistant with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the periOperative environment. “Leading this redesign gave me my first opportunity to lead and collaborate with other ACP leaders in the health system outside my building,” says Thomas.

As Director, Thomas was proud to work with the surgical PAs to develop a 24/7 surgical PA service at Plainview Hospital. “This was a measurable change in culture within the department of surgery at Plainview Hospital. There is more collaboration and education within the department as well as improvement in the quality of care we bring to our patients.”

Alongside his work at Plainview, he has the opportunity to be a part of an excellent surgical and orthopedic team at Syosset Hospital. He enjoys working with each ACP individually to lead them through their careers in any way possible, believing it’s an essential leadership trait to mentor and support your team.

The advice he gives them? “There was a quote that was told to me once that I truly believe in, ‘if you’re always comfortable in what you are doing you will never grow.’ This is what I live my career by and share it with others whenever I can.”

An avid gym go-er, and photographer, Thomas stays just as active and well-rounded in his life outside of Northwell. For him, success is all about finding new ways to inspire himself and others to achieve their best. “Northwell Health has provided me and many other ACPs with opportunities for growth in our careers. Work hard, never be complacent, place yourself in unfamiliar situations, and look for opportunities to be visible throughout Northwell. Believe in yourself and the opportunities will follow.”