Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre is seeking a Family Physician to work as part of the team at Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic, located in the City of Duncan, British Columbia.
In the Hul’q’umi’num Language, “Slhexun” means “Medicine” and “sun’ts’a” meaning “a group of people doing something as one” in the context of paddling together in the same canoe. Innovative and supportive model of care based on Coast Salish values and teachings. Family Physicians at Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic work as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary care team to deliver comprehensive care to Community Members (patients) across the lifespan, with a focus on building lasting relationships.
The collaborative primary care team is comprised of Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Registered Dietitian & Diabetes Educator, Social Determinants of Health Workers, Chiropractor, Community Pharmacist, Substance Use Clinicians, Harm Reduction/Outreach Nurses, Medical Office Assistants, and a Clinic Manager. Visiting specialists and clinicians include Pediatrician, Internal Medicine and Rheumatologist. In addition to this team, the physician works in collaboration with other Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre programs such as the Su’hween (Elders) Program, Kwun’atsusutul (counseling), Hwialusmutul’ (community health), Dental, Youth, and clerical teams.
Key responsibilities:
- Comprehensive Patient Care: Diagnose, treat and manage acute and chronic health conditions for patients of all ages, including preventative care, health screenings, vaccinations and minor procedures.
- Chronic Disease Management: Oversee management of long-term health conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma, and Cardiovascular Disease.
- Mental Health and Substance Use Support
- Participates in policy-making activities that influence health services and practices. Participates in peer review and self-review to evaluate outcome of services at the patient, community and population level.
- Telehealth and In-person appointments: Both in-person and Telehealth services offered to meet diverse needs of patients.
- Electronic Medical Record: Clinic primarily uses Med Access EMR with full billing support.
Position Details:
- Full-time, permanent Family Practice Opportunity working in Primary Care Clinic.
- Typical clinic hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30PM with option to work some evenings. Daily lunch closure 12-1, closed all federal stat holidays and for annual Cowichan Tribes holiday office closure for two weeks at Christmas/New Years.
- Nearby facilities include LTC, Cowichan District Hospital, Hospice, Community Health Services. Hospital inpatient care not required. Locum and part-time opportunities also available.
Start Date: immediately
Benefits:
May be eligible for additional remuneration in accordance with the Rural Subsidiary Agreement (RSA) including:
Recruitment Incentive: $10,000 (pro-rated for full-time); Relocation Costs Reimbursement: up to $15,000 (amount based on location relocating from); Fee Premium: 4.20%; Annual Flat Fee: $6,508.80; Rural CME: starting at $2200/annum in year 3 & 4 to a maximum of $4400/annum after 4 years.
Above amounts current as of April 2025 and may be subject to change.
For more information, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-res…
Community Information:
With a total population of approximately 84,000, Cowichan encompasses several small communities, each with its own distinct character, including: Ladysmith, Chemainus, Crofton, Duncan, Cowichan Lake, Maple Bay, Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, and Cobble Hill.
Here's what sets Cowichan apart: The warmest mean year-round temperature anywhere in Canada; excellent public schools, complemented by private schools of international reputation; year-round recreation: golf, hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, equestrian sports, and plenty more; intimate performance venues such as the Chemainus Theatre and Cowichan Performing Arts Centre; renowned local food scene, including vineyards and bistros, farm markets, and award-winning fine dining; extensive cultural heritage; unique attractions; and numerous talented local artists; dense forests and lush countryside; pristine coastlines and rich marshlands; all populated by an abundance of wildlife. While offering a warm and welcoming small-town atmosphere, Cowichan is just a short distance to several main city centres: 45-minute drive south to the capital City of Victoria; 40-minute drive north to the harbour City of Nanaimo; and a two- hour drive to the spectacular Mt. Washington ski resort.
Cowichan residents are currently served by Island Health’s Cowichan District Hospital, a 148-bed acute care facility. The new Cowichan District Hospital is under construction now and is scheduled to open in 2027. The new hospital will be 56,448 square-metres (607,601 square-feet) in size, more than three times larger than the current facility and will have capacity for 204 beds.
Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre
Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic
Ingram St
Duncan BC V9L 1N8
Willow Last, Clinic Manager
Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic, Ingram St, Duncan BC V9L 1N8
Email: clinic@cowichantribes.com
Phone: (250)715-3322
Eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
- Knowledge of Coast Salish and Cowichan teachings, cultures, customs and language, or willingness to learn
- Graduate of a recognized Indigenous or rural residency program an asset
- Ability to communicate & collaborate with patients and families about health findings, diagnosis, treatment, self-care and prognosis
- Ability to collaborate, consult with and formally refer patients to physicians and other health professionals when appropriate
- Ability to critically assess and evaluate health research literature to determine best practices to introduce education and evidence-based research
- Ability to assess and recognize population health trends to plan and implement strategies for population-based prevention and health promotion.
- Ability to work as part of a team; supervise others and evaluate the care they deliver
- Ability to transfer knowledge, teach, coach and mentor others
- Ability to implement and evaluate planned change
- Ability to self-direct, interact and adapt effectively with other professionals in complex, dynamic situations
- Ability to identify and respond appropriately to legal and ethical issues that may arise in patient care
- Ability to self-assess performance and assume responsibility and accountability for own professional development, educational on consultative assistance when appropriate
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position