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, Neurology, 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 supervision of the Attending Physician(s). 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 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 leadership of the Attending staff (Inpatient, Outpatient, Neurology Clinic):

• Attends to the day-to-day care of neurology patients by providing consultative care in the emergency room, in hospital setting or outpatient neurology clinic, under the leadership of the Attending Staff Physician.
• Orders appropriate investigations and develops treatment plans. Follows through on investigations.
• Participates in patient rounds, along with residents, nurses, and other care team members.

2. Performs and documents physical examinations, consult notes, progress notes discharge summaries, medication reconciliation, and assists with admission documentation, as per CPSBC and organizational standards, policies, and
3. Communicates with and responds in a timely manner to calls and messages from the nursing staff and other care team members.
4. Communicates with patients, family members, other consulting services, and trainees concerning patient care plans, as appropriate.

5. On occasion it will be desirable for the candidate to perform bedside procedures including lumbar punctures. These skills will initially be observed and improved upon by Attending Staff Physicians during the initial months of work to familiarize the applicant with available site equipment and standards, prior to independent performance.
6. In any and all of the above, the Associate Physician will not proceed until full orientation and competence has been established with sign-off by the Associate Physician Medical Leader or their delegate.
7. Participates in continuing professional development activities (CPD) (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) and complies with Associate Physician program reporting
8. Attends clinical rounds and makes an effort to attend morbidity and mortality rounds and teaching sessions when
9. Willingness to participate in quality improvement projects spearheaded by members of the Neurology

Skills And Abilities

Ability to apply knowledge of Neurologic conditions and clinical scenarios in order to plan investigations and management of admitted patients, generating differential diagnoses and management plans for common symptoms in neurology patients, including presenting signs of stroke, seizure, demyelination, headache, and cognitive decline.

Recognize clinical instability and emergent situations, with an understanding of when to reach out urgently for assistance to Attending Staff Physician, and when to alter therapy or monitor closely.

Excellent English communication, with (as circumstances demand) patients, families, and other health care professionals.

Computer-based written communication skills (additional Island Health specific computer training will precede start date) including electronic order entry and clinical documentation.

Comfort working in a team-based environment.

Ability to prioritize and time manage appropriately in order to carry out professional duties in the face of multiple competing demands in a busy regional hospital.

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position, bedside clinical skills and occasional minor bedside procedures including lumbar punctures.

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-month and annual reviews.