Associate Physician - Maternal, Newborn & Women's Health - VIHA-7721

ROLE SUMMARY

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, 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, Maternal, Newborn & Women's Health, 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 the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (Maternal, Newborn & Women's Health) under the leadership of the Attending Physician(s). The Associate Physician reports to an Administrative Leader and is professionally accountable to the Associate Physician Medical Leader or designate for the provision of quality patient care and ongoing professional development. The Associate Physician supports the provision of continuous care in a team-based environment, working collaboratively with the Attending Physician(s), medical residents, nursing, and allied health professionals to care for perinatal patients, particularly in
the postpartum period.

The Associate Physician has demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build collaborative relationships with other health professionals and disciplines. The Associate Physician must possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work productively under supervision and within a team environment. The Associate Physician also demonstrates the ability to document in accordance with CPSBC and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Under the supervision of the Most Responsible Physician (MRP) or designate, and within the scope of practice of an Associate Physician, the Associate Physician:
   • Participates in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing management of antepartum, postpartum, newborn, and gynecologic patients.
   • Performs patient assessments, orders investigations, writes medical orders, requests consultations, and follows up on investigations within demonstrated competence and physician supervision.
   • Performs consultation from midwives or primary care providers and reviews with appropriate physician (some cases OB, some cases pediatrician)
   • Participates morning report with Clinical Nurse Leader, patient handover, and transitions of care.
   • Assists with obstetrical and gynecological procedures following successful orientation, competency assessment, and authorization.
   • Recognizes clinical deterioration and promptly escalates concerns to the supervising physician.
2. Performs and documents, as appropriate, maternal and newborn discharge physical examinations, progress notes, consultations, discharge summaries, medication reconciliation, and other required clinical documentation.
3. Communicates effectively and responds in a timely manner to calls from nursing staff and other members of the interdisciplinary care team regarding patient care.
4. Communicates with patients, family members, consulting services, and learners regarding patient care plans, as appropriate.
5. May perform clinical procedures and provide first-assist support in obstetrical and gynecological procedures within demonstrated competence following successful orientation, competency assessment, and authorization by the Associate Physician Medical Leader or designate.
6. Participates in professional development activities in accordance with CPSBC Associate Physician licensure requirements (currently a minimum of 50 hours per year, 25 hours of which must be accredited training recognized by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's Maintenance of Certification Program).
7. Attends clinical rounds, quality assurance rounds, case reviews, and other educational and research activities.
8. Participates in quality improvement initiatives relating to patient care, patient safety, QA reviews and program development.

9. Complies with Associate Physician Program continuing professional development (CPD) reporting requirements.

    

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 within the intended specialty area under the supervision of the Associate Physician Medical Leader or designate. 

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.
• Competency in clinical procedures required to function effectively within the team environment.
• Ongoing employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the probationary period and is subject to six-month and annual performance reviews.