Associate Physician - Inpatient Care

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and 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, Adult In-Patient Care, 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 at West Coast general Hospital under the leadership of the Attending Physician(s). The Associate Physician reports to an Administrative Leader, but is accountable to the 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 Attendings, 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 supervision of the Attending staff:

Participate in patient rounds under the leadership of the Attending along with residents and other care team members.

Assesses the day-to-day care of patients, including writing medical orders, consultations with other services, and responding to changing patient conditions.

Develops treatment plans in response to changing patient conditions.

Follows through on investigations.

Provide medical consultation for specialty services or provide transfer of care if appropriate.

Assesses whether or not a patient requires involuntary admission under the Mental Health Act.

Conducts discharge planning including: reviewing medication reconciliation; patient teaching; liaising with community partners and booking follow up treatments as appropriate; documentation of a discharge summary.

2. Performs and documents admission history and physical examinations, progress notes, discharge summaries, and medication reconciliation as per CPSBC and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines.

3. Performs transfers of Care. Transfers of care include participating in the handover of patients to another qualified medical practitioner, including providing a summary of the patient care and plan of care.

4. Communicates with and responds in a timely manner to calls from the nursing staff and other care team members.

5. Communicates with patients, family members, other consulting services, and trainees concerning patient care plans, as appropriate.

6. Performs procedures within the scope of their demonstrated competence. The Associate Physician, will not proceed with performing any procedures until they have received a full orientation and their competence has been established with sign-off by the Associate Physician Medical Leader or their delegate.

7. Attends clinical rounds, morbidity and mortality rounds, and other educational/research sessions.

8. Participates in quality improvement projects relating to their patient or program.

9. Participates in professional development activities (a minimum of 50 hours per year, 25 hours of which must be accredited training recognized by the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons' Maintenance of Certification Program for healthcare professionals). Complies with Associate Physician programs CPD reporting requirements.

Skills And Abilities

Knowledge and skills to diagnose and manage common medical problems in the medical and perioperative patient, e.g. chest pain, dyspnea, hypertension, electrolyte abnormalities, pain control, delirium, etc.

Confidence and experience in recognizing and initiating response to emergency situations such as shock, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, etc. Ability to recognize medical instability and address initial priorities of resuscitation. Able to judge situations where discussion and reporting to senior and most responsible physicians is appropriate.

Understanding of withdrawal management and substances.

Excellent English communication, including with patients, families and other health care professionals.

Computer and written communication skills including order entry, clinical documentation, and ability to review relevant diagnostic information and health history.

Ability and comfort in working in a team-based environment.

Ability to carry out professional duties in the face of multiple, competing demands. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Experience managing complex patients and a high level of acuity specifically a familiarity with psychiatry.

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 supervising physician. 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-month and annual reviews.