Joe-Michael Zaarour
San Pedro,CA
Summary
Psychiatric Physician Assistant experienced in high-volume outpatient psychiatry and addiction medicine. Skilled in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and maintenance therapy with LAIs and MAT. Dedicated to patient-centered, evidence-based care with a focus on underserved populations and integrated behavioral healthcare.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
ISL Psychiatry
12.2024 - Current
- Conduct 8–12 comprehensive psychiatric evaluations weekly and manage 50–60+ weekly follow-up visits across pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.
- Diagnose and treat conditions including mood disorders, psychotic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and insomnia.
- Prescribe, monitor, and adjust medication treatments; administer ~10 long-acting injectable antipsychotics and MAT injections monthly for maintenance therapy.
- Provide patient and family education on diagnoses, medications, and coping strategies to improve adherence and engagement in treatment.
- Collaborate with psychiatrists, therapists, and families to coordinate care and optimize outcomes.
- Maintain 100% timely completion of EMR documentation within 24 hours of all encounters.
Physician Assistant, Internal Medicine (PRN)
Fairmount Behavioral Health
12.2024 - Current
- Conduct initial histories and physicals for psychiatric inpatients across the lifespan.
- Manage acute conditions such as seizures, acute dystonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, injuries from falls, and complications from altercations.
- Order, interpret, and follow up on laboratory testing, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostics.
- Ensure continuity of care by managing chronic medical conditions alongside acute stabilization.
- Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians, and technicians to provide safe, integrated care.
Emergency Medical Technician
PRN Ambulance
10.2019 - 08.2022
- Responded to medical emergencies with composure and rapid decision-making.
- Safely transported patients and collaborated with EMTs, paramedics, and physicians across BLS, ALS, PICU, and NICU units.
Education
Master of Medical Science (MMS) - Physician Assistant Studies
Salus University
Elkins Park, PA10.2024
B.S. - Psychobiology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
06-2019
Skills
- Psychopharmacology
- Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations
- Crisis Intervention
- MAT & LAI Injections
- EMR Documentation (Epic, Cerner, Practice Fusion)
- Patient & Family Education
- High-Volume Outpatient Care
- Collaborative Care
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Suicide risk assessment
Affiliations
American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
Certification
- Certified Physician Assistant – Active in CA, PA, NJ
- National Provider Identifier: 1457178188
- Basic Life Support (BLS) — 12/2024
Languages
Arabic
Professional Working
Timeline
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
ISL Psychiatry
12.2024 - Current
Physician Assistant, Internal Medicine (PRN)
Fairmount Behavioral Health
12.2024 - Current
Emergency Medical Technician
PRN Ambulance
10.2019 - 08.2022
Master of Medical Science (MMS) - Physician Assistant Studies
Salus University
B.S. - Psychobiology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Training
Rotations in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and LGBT Community Health, with additional training in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, and OB/GYN (2023–2024).
Research
- Neurobiochemistry and Molecular Genetics Lab, UCLA – Undergraduate Research Assistant (2017–2018)
- Researched oligodendrocyte survival in zero-gravity conditions.
- Presented findings at UCLA undergraduate research symposium, reinforcing a strong foundation in neuroscience relevant to psychiatric care.
Awards
Care Extender of the Summer Rotation — Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, 2016