Position Summary

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Within the context of a client and family centered model of care and, in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic priorities of Northern Health Authority (NHA), working under the supervision of an attending physician, the Associate Physician (AP) serves as a physician extender to provide care to patients in the Kitimat General Hospital. 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 medical staff and is accountable to the Chief of Staff. The AP supports the provision of continuous care in a team-based environment working collaboratively with the attending physician.

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 palliative care and addiction medicine. This may also 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 Physician, 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 Physician, 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.


SUMMARY OF THE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Within the context of a client and family centered model of care and, in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic priorities of Northern Health Authority (NHA), working under the supervision of an attending physician, the Associate Physician (AP) serves as a physician extender to provide care to patients in the Kitimat General Hospital. 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 medical staff and is accountable to the Chief of Staff. The AP supports the provision of continuous care in a team-based environment working collaboratively with the attending physician.

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 palliative care and addiction medicine. This may also 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 Physician, 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 Physician, 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.


FUNCTIONAL REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Associate Physician, Acute Care reports to the Chief of Staff for Kitimat General Hospital, or delegate for all matters pertaining to their clinical practice. The Associate Physician, Acute Care administratively reports to the Regional Manager, Medical Administration and Medical Staff Supports.

The Associate Physician, Acute Care reports to the Chief of Staff for Kitimat General Hospital, or delegate for all matters pertaining to their clinical practice. The Associate Physician, Acute Care administratively reports to the Regional Manager, Medical Administration and Medical Staff Supports.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The AP has a 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. The AP also has demonstrated ability to document in accordance with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines

1. Participates in the evaluation of Emergency Department patients under the supervision of the Attending Physician along with other care team members.

2. Assesses the day-to-day care of patients, including writing medical orders, consultations with other services, and responding to changing patient conditions, in consultation with Attending Physician.

3. Performs and documents admission history and physical examinations, progress notes, discharge summaries, and medication reconciliation as per CPSBC and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines.

4. Develops treatment plans in response to changing patient conditions, where appropriate and in consultation with attending staff.

5. Follows through on investigations and in consultation with the Attending staff.

6. Communicates with, and responds in a timely manner to calls from, the nursing staff and other care team members.

7. Communicates with patients, family members, other consulting services, and trainees concerning patient care plans, as appropriate.

8. Provides surgical assistance, when required, under the direct supervision of surgeon in the operating room.

9. Participates in professional development activities consistent with the terms required by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.

10. Attends and participates where required in clinical rounds, morbidity and mortality rounds, and other educational/research sessions.

11. Participates in quality improvement projects relating to their patient or program.

In any and all of the following, the AP will not proceed until full orientation and competence has been established with sign-off by the appropriate medical leader.

1. Performs procedures within the scope of their demonstrated competence, which may include performing phlebotomy for diagnostic purposes, assessment of surgical wounds and soft tissue infections, suture repair of simple lacerations, suture removal, drainage of abscesses, removal of foreign bodies, removal of anterior nasal packing, injection of local anesthetic, aspiration/injection of joint, excision of skin lesions and punch biopsy, superficial foreign body removal, splinting of an injured limb, casting of simple fractures.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

- Must be eligible for registration with the CPSBC in the Associate Physician – Acute/Community class, under sponsorship of NHA. For further information on AP licensure, please visit Associate | College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (cpsbc.ca).

- Must have completed a minimum of one-year accredited training prior to applying for registration. The training must be from an accredited program from any country, verified to the satisfaction of the College.

- Must meet the CPSBC’s English language proficiency requirements.

- 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 outpatient/ER setting, e.g., chest pain, dyspnea, hypertension, diabetes, depression, anxiety, upper and lower respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, back pain, abdominal pain, joint injuries, pediatric presentations, elderly care, WorkSafe BC insurance and disability presentations, falls.

- Ability to recognize medical instability and address initial priorities or resuscitation. Able to judge situations where discussion and reporting to senior and most responsible physicians is appropriate.

- Technical ability to safely perform procedures commonly provided in an outpatient setting e.g. casting, splinting, suturing, incision and drainage of abscesses, wound management, etc.

- 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.

- Demonstrated ability to foster physical, psychological and cultural safety for patients and staff within a team-based care environment.

- 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.

Assessment and Probationary Period:

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 reviews.

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