In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Associate Physician, Emergency, performs clinical duties and responsibilities within the scope of an Associate Physician as defined by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Clinical care provided by the Associate Physician will occur in select facilities across the organization under the leadership of an Associate Physician Medical Leader. The Associate Physician reports to an Administrative Leader, but is accountable to the Associate Physician Medical Leader or delegate for overall provision of quality of care and professional development.
The Associate Physician supports the provision of continuous care in a team-based environment working collaboratively with the Emergency Department attending physicians (ED Physicians), medical residents, nursing, and allied health professionals to care for patients.

The Associate Physician has demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with other health professionals and disciplines. The Associate Physician must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work productively under supervision and within a team environment. The Associate Physician also has demonstrated ability to document in accordance with the CPSBC and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Under the oversight of an ED Physician, with the level of oversight relative to the severity of the patient's condition, Associate Physicians are licensed to: 

Assess and treat all ED patient presentations, including: history and physical, medical orders, certification under the Mental Health Act, consultation with other services, and response to changing patient condition.

Order and follow up on diagnostics.

Complete disposition and discharge planning.

Engage effectively with the supervising emergency physician to ensure appropriate collaboration relative to the condition of the patient.

Performs procedures within the scope of their demonstrated competence, and with oversight relative to the severity of the patients condition, including: procedures involved in diagnosis and treatment of all acute illnesses; procedural sedation, anxiolysis, and analgesia; synchronized cardioversion; initiation of cardiovascular resuscitation; emergency airway management; insertion and management of central lines; tube thoracotomy, including chest drains; point of care ultrasound; insertion of naso-gastric tubes; suture repair of simple lacerations; simple foreign body removal;
nasal packing and removal; reduction of long bone fractures; casting and splinting; and gynecologic examinations.

In any and all of the above, the Associate Physician will not proceed until competence has been established with sign-off by the Associate Physician Medical Leader or their delegate. 

2. Communicates effectively and expeditiously with the ED Attending for significant changes in patient medical condition.

3. Functions as an effective member of the multidisciplinary team, including nursing, respiratory therapists, and allied health professions to ensure high quality patient care.

4. Actively participates in patient sign over both at the beginning and end of shift with respective Attendings.

5. Communicates effectively with patients, families, and care givers in a culturally sensitive and compassionate manner, ensuring patients are engaged and involved in their care.

6. Participates in Emergency Department quality improvement initiatives.

7. Participates in standardized reporting, evaluation, and professional development activities as required by the CPSBC and Island Health.

Skills And Abilities

Proficient English communication skills, including with patients, families, care givers, and other health care professionals.

Effective and efficient computer and written communication skills including order entry and clinical documentation.

Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment and under the leadership of the assigned leader.

Carries out professional duties in the face of multiple, competing demands.

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position, including evening and overnight shifts.

ASSESSMENT AND PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

During a 12-week probationary period, the Associate Physician will undergo assessment and evaluation of their competence to perform the duties in the intended specialty areas under a Medical Leader. The evaluation will include assessment of:

Basic clinical skills

Communication skills

The ability and willingness to function as a member of a clinical team

Specialized knowledge and skills applicable to the intended clinical placement

Clinical decision-making and the appropriate use of clinical and diagnostic resources

Clinical documentation

Procedures required to function effectively within the team environment

Ongoing employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the probationary period, and subject to a six (6) and 12 month reviews and annual reviews thereafter.