Associate Physician - Surgery

at  Island Health

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 (AP), Surgery, 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 AP will occur in select surgical wards and operating rooms across the organization under the supervision of
the Attending Physician(s). The AP reports to a Clinical Manager, but is accountable to the AP Physician Supervisor or delegate for overall provision of quality of care and professional development. The AP 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 acute surgical patients.
The AP has demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with other health professionals and disciplines. The AP must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work productively under supervision and within a team environment. The AP also has demonstrated ability to document in accordance with the CPSBC and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines.

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 senior and most responsible physicians is appropriate.
• 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.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Under the supervision of the Attending staff:

• Assesses the day-to-day care of patients, including writing medical orders, consultations with other services, and responding to changing patient conditions.
• Develops treatment plans in response to changing patient conditions.
• Follows through on investigations.
• Participates in patient rounds under the supervision of the Attending along with residents and other care team members.
• Performs medical surgical consultations for in-patients and patients referred to the ER.

1. Performs and documents admission history and physical examinations, progress notes, discharge summaries, and medication reconciliation as per CPSBC and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines.
2. Communicates with and responds in a timely manner to calls from the nursing staff and other care team members.
3. Communicates with patients, family members, other consulting services, and trainees concerning patient care plans, as appropriate.
4. Performs procedures within the scope of their demonstrated competence, which may include: removing drains (not within scope of nursing), placing and removing NG tubes, wound debridement, drainage of superficial abscess, and simple wound repair.
5. In any and all of the above, the AP will not proceed until full orientation and competence has been established with sign-off by the AP Physician Supervisor or their delegate.
6. Participates in professional development activities (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).
7. Attends clinical rounds, morbidity and mortality rounds, and other educational/research sessions.
8. Participates in quality improvement projects relating to their patient or program.
9. Complies with AP programs CPD reporting requirements.

During a 12-week probationary period, the AP will undergo assessment and evaluation of their competence to perform the duties in the intended specialty areas under a supervising physician. 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 review