Associate Physician, Mental Health

Salary range

Fraser Health (FH) is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to nearly 2 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations. The Fraser region is home to 32 First Nations communities and 6 Métis Chartered communities. Our team of nearly 45,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers is dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities to deliver on our vision: better health, best in health care.

We are seeking committed and driven Permanent Full Time Associate Physicians to support the provision of continuous care in a team-based environment working collaboratively with the MRP, Residents, nursing and allied care providers to care for psychiatry patients, including those admitted under the Department of Psychiatry.

Under the supervision of the Most Responsible Provider (MRP)/Attending, the Associate Physician (AP), Mental Health & Psychiatry would perform duties within the scope of AP clinical duties and responsibilities and serve as a physician extender to provide care to inpatients across the organization, including patients under the Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Program.

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Fraser Health values diversity in the work force and strives to maintain an environment of Respect, Caring & Trust. Fraser Health’s hiring practices aspire to ensure all individuals are treated in an inclusive, equitable and culturally safe manner.

Supporting the Vision, Values, Purpose and Commitments of Fraser Health including service delivery that is centered around patients/clients/residents and families:

Within the context of a client and family centered model of care, and in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic directions of Fraser Health Authority, the Associate Physician (AP), Mental Health & Psychiatry, performs duties within the scope of an Associate Physician clinical duties and responsibilities and serves as a physician extender to provide care to inpatients across the organization, including patients under the Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Program. The AP works under the supervision of the Most Responsible Provider (MRP)/Attending on a day-to-day basis and is accountable to the respective Physician Program Director or documented delegate for the 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 MRP, residents, nursing and allied care providers to care for psychiatry patients, including those admitted under the Department of Psychiatry.

1. Conducts psychiatric assessments and review of ongoing management of admitted patients under supervision using the biopsychosocial model of care.
2. Participates in patient rounds under the supervision of the Attending along with other care team members.
3. Performs physical and neurological examinations pertinent to the care of psychiatric patients on admission or in the outpatient clinic environment.
4. Orders appropriate medical investigations under supervision including appropriate use of the Mental Health Act, accessing appropriate community mental health resources, and executing quality improvement strategies.
5. Develops treatment plans including initiation, monitoring and supervising pharmacotherapy in collaboration with the Attending psychiatrist.
6. Maintains excellent clinical records of each patient, this includes obtaining collateral information from relevant support systems (substance use services, law enforcement, peer support counseling services, community mental health teams, primary care providers, CLBC, housing programs, etc.).
7. Provides clinical reviews of patients in collaboration with the Attending.
8. Provides discharge planning for patients to community-based resources.
9. Participates in case conferences with family and other significant people in the patient’s life regarding care, planning, diagnosis, treatment, risk assessment and community care plans.
10. Participates in case conferences and liaison with other physicians, family physicians, mental health centres, community agencies, police/law enforcement, etc.
11. Works collaboratively with multidisciplinary psychiatric care teams to plan and deliver care.
12. Adapts to complex and dynamic interprofessional and clinical situations.
13. 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).
14. Attends clinical department rounds, grand rounds, and other educational/research sessions.
15. Participates in quality improvement projects relating to their patient or program.
16. Complies with Associate Physician programs CPD reporting requirements.

Medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

Minimum of two (2) years of accredited postgraduate training as a medical or surgical specialist, verified by the CPSBC. Successful completion of Part 1 of the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) or Steps 1 through 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLEs). Must meet the CPSBC’s English language proficiency requirements.

Eligible for registration with the CPSBC in the Associate Physician class, under sponsorship by Fraser Health Authority.

Valid Canadian Citizenship, be a permanent resident or be legally able to live and work in British Columbia.

Proficiency in the English Language as established by the CPSBC and eligibility for registration with the CSPSBC in the Associate Physician Class, under sponsorship by Fraser Health.

Qualified candidates will hold or achieve BC College of Physician & Surgeons certification during the three-month training and orientation period.

COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrates the leadership practices of the Fraser Health Leadership Framework of Clear, Caring and Courageous and creates the conditions for people to succeed.

Professional/Technical Capabilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills to identify, diagnose and manage psychiatric conditions.
• Ability to judge situations where discussion and reporting to senior and most responsible physicians is appropriate.
• Confidence and experience in recognizing and initiating response to emergency situations.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with other health professionals, disciplines, and holds excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skill and ability to work within a team.