This opportunity is ideal for Physicians with an interest in providing care for those with mental health and substance use concerns. Additional MHSU training is not required as this is a collaborative position with a supervising Psychiatrist, though additional training or experience is an asset. 

The GP Psych Physicians will work in collaboration with Psychiatry to provide mental health services to patients in Nanaimo to provide a patient assessment followed by in depth review with the supervising psychiatrist to develop diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. A consultation report is generated to be sent back to the referring primary care provider.

We welcome you to join with other GP Psych Physicians who provide an important service enabling patients with moderate MHSU concerns to be seen sooner rather than continue to remain on the Psychiatry waitlist.  This supportive role has reduced the waitlist for Psychiatry significantly and allowed patients with more urgent/severe conditions to be seen by a psychiatrist in a timely manner. Patients who need further urgent psychiatric care are booked directly with the Psychiatrist.

The GP Psych service is operated through Island Health, Mental Health and Substance Use with funding and supports from the Nanaimo Primary Care Network.  Cerner is the Electronic Medical Record used to support patient care.

 The Physicians are responsible for the development and management of their schedule, but the contracted shifts for both direct and in-direct patient care are expected to overlap with Psychiatrist’s availability.

There are no after-hours or on-call expectations and there are no patient attachment expectations in this service. 

Start Date

As soon as possible

Clinic

GP Psych Physicians can provide either virtual care (off-site) or in-person care located at MSHU Services at Brooks Landing.  

Community Information

Located on the unceded lands of the Snunéymuxw First Nation, he breathtaking oceanfront urban community of Nanaimo, population 97,000, is a short drive north of Victoria on Vancouver Island’s east coast and just 15 minutes by seaplane to downtown Vancouver.

Nanaimo offers a quality of life second to none. The surrounding waters and beaches of the Salish Sea, and adjacent numerous lakes and rivers offer an idyllic setting for family adventures. Enjoy year-round access to world class golf courses or visit Mount Washington resort for spectacular winter skiing and summer mountain biking. Dive to and explore three artificial reefs created by sunken wrecks or head to Vancouver Island’s West Coast to experience the Broken Island group, the Pacific Rim National Park, the West Coast Trail, and the famous surfing village of Tofino.

This vibrant growing city is home to a diverse collection of writers, artists, and musicians, boasts its own symphony and theater and offers post-secondary education at the Vancouver Island University. Its central location offers day trip opportunities to many arts and music festivals in surrounding villages and islands.

Nanaimo area residents are currently served by Island Health’s Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, a 345-bed acute care facility.