In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety are 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, Radiology, 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 Radiology Departments attending 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 leadership 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:

Duties in medical imaging may be related to diagnostic and/or interventional radiology as per the needs of the department and aptitude/competence of the Associate Physician. The duties include:

1. Under the leadership of the Attending staff:

• Assess the day-to-day care of patients, including writing medical orders, consultations with other services, and responding to changing patient conditions.
• Develop treatment plans in response to changing patient conditions. Follow through on investigations.
• Performs in-patient and out-patient consultations referred to Interventional Radiology.
• Provide consultation to other specialty services, outside hospitals, and transfer of care if appropriate. Participate in patient rounds under the leadership of the Attending along with other care team members.
• Conduct discharge planning, including reviewing medication reconciliation, patient teaching, liaising with community partners, booking follow up treatments as appropriate, and preparing a discharge summary.

2. Within the scope of their demonstrated competence, and under the oversight of an Attending Physician, diagnose and/or treat conditions using imaging equipment, including: CT, Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, Nuclear medicine Imaging, and X-Rays.
3. Assess patient presentations, including history and physical exams, medical orders, consultation with other services, and response to changing patient conditions.
4. Order and follow up on
5. Engage effectively with the Radiology Attending staff to ensure appropriate collaboration relative to the condition of the patient.
6. Communicate effectively and expeditiously with the Attending for significant changes in patient medical
7. Function as an effective member of the multidisciplinary team, including nursing, respiratory therapists, and allied health professions to ensure high quality patient care.
8. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and care givers in a culturally sensitive and compassionate manner, ensuring patients are engaged and involved in their care.
9. Participate in Radiology Department quality improvement initiatives and attend clinical rounds, mortality and morbidity meetings, and other educational/research sessions.
10. Participate in standardized reporting, evaluation, and professional development activities as required by the CPSBC and Island Health.
11. In 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.

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 if required.

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.