Associate Physician Acute (Emergency, Inpatient and Extended Care)

Position Summary

Within the context of a client and family centered model of care and, in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic directions of Northern Health Authority (NHA), the Associate Physician (AP) Acute (Emergency, Inpatient & Extended Care) serves as a physician extender to physicians and surgeons providing acute inpatient medical or surgical care; physicians providing care in the Emergency Department of the hospital; and patient care in Northern Health owned and operated Extended Care. On a day-to-day basis, the AP performs services within the scope of an AP’s clinical duties and responsibilities while under the supervision of an identified member of the hospital medical staff and is accountable to the Medical Director. The AP supports the provision of continuous care in a team-based environment working collaboratively with the Most Responsible Physician (MRP).

Consistent with the role of Family Physicians (FP) in the health system, the AP will work under supervision of the FP or Specialist to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and provide consultation to patients with acute, chronic and complex illnesses, diseases, injuries, and functional disorders of all body systems; this may include long term care, palliative care and addiction medicine. This may include perioperative care but generally excludes preoperative assessments of patients for determination of fitness for surgery and immediate post-operative care. The AP will provide history and physical examinations, advance care planning, the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic studies, including laboratory, diagnostic imaging, and electrocardiographic examinations, and the administration of medications normally considered part of the practice of hospital medicine. Working in collaboration with the Attending, the AP may provide care to patients in critical/acute care settings in conformance with unit policies and AP Program Accreditation. In collaboration with the Attending, the AP will assess, stabilize, and determine the disposition of inpatients with emergent conditions consistent with medical staff policy regarding emergency and consultative call services.

Northern Health Authority is recognized for its commitment to improving health outcomes in a geographically diverse and often remote region. We place a strong emphasis on collaborating with local communities, Indigenous populations, and healthcare providers to address the unique health needs and challenges faced by residents in the northern area, and are committed to our values of empathy, respect, collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
- Must be eligible for registration with the CPSBC in the Associate Physician – Acute class, under sponsorship of NHA. For further information on AP licensure, please visit Associate physician | College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (cpsbc.ca)
- Must hold Canadian Citizenship, be a permanent resident or be legally able to live and work in British Columbia.
- Qualified candidates will hold or achieve Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification prior to commencing orientation and maintain such certification throughout their employment.

Knowledge, 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 Attending Physician as appropriate.
- Ability to assess and initiate treatment of acute injuries and illnesses in the Emergency Department.
- 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.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, and has excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work within a team, and to build relationships with other health professionals and disciplines.
- Demonstrated ability to document in accordance with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.