Island Health is looking for Physicians to provide locum full-time or part-time inpatient care at Cowichan District Hospital. Family medicine inpatient care at Cowichan District Hospital is a highly valued and rewarding service in our community hospital.

We have a 148 bed community hospital including general medical/surgical, ICU, perinatal, psychiatry and a range of surgical services.

Inpatient care is provided by family physicians seeing their attached patients and physicians working in a hospitalist-like team for unattached patients.

As an unattached inpatient team physician you would provide coverage to range of inpatients.  Full and part time shifts are available with load limits of 10 / 15 / 20 patients based your preference and other commitments.  Most physicians work for 7 days at a time, but some work shorter shifts if needed.  We pride ourselves in being flexible and supportive.  Many physicians provide longitudinal care, maternity or other work in addition to this service.  Unattached inpatient care is supported by our family practice community and we work collegially with family physicians seeing their own patients.

As an inpatient provider you are well supported by our specialists and work in a high functioning interdisciplinary team.  Billing templates and support are in place.  Compensation is competitive with hospitalist contracts and fee for service primary care.

Approximately 10% of the local population is Indigenous and an openness to learning to provide culturally safe care is essential.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical Education is an important part of our practice – with 4 x third year Integrated Clerkship (ICC) students per year as well as Indigenous Family Medicine residents and a new Family Medicine Residency program coming in 2024.

Benefits

May be eligible for additional remuneration in accordance with the Rural Subsidiary Agreement (RSA), including (subject to change): 

Fee Premium: 4.20%

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/physician-compensation/rural-practice-programs 

Community Information

Located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, the City of Duncan enjoys Canada’s most temperate climate. Characterized by diverse landscapes from lush countryside to scenic coastal villages and charming inland communities, the Cowichan Valley, encompasses freshwater lakes, saltwater beaches and marinas, and farmland. The area offers a wide variety of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts including great hiking and biking trails, golfing, sailing, canoeing and ocean kayaking. In addition to many local artisans and attractions, the South Cowichan Valley boasts five top vineyards and wineries.

Public education in Duncan is complemented by renowned local private schools and located only 45 minutes south, Victoria also offers excellent educational, cultural and recreational opportunities.

Vancouver Island, one of Canada’s most livable regions, provides the very best in both urban and rural living. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Vancouver Island offers an opportunity to combine a rewarding career with an enviable quality of life.