Associate Physician Cardiac Surgical Assistant

**HOW TO APPLY**

**ABOUT THE ROLE**:
In accordance with the established vision and values of the organization, the Associate Physician will work alongside the KGH Cardiac Surgery team, integrating themselves as part of the multidisciplinary team. The Associate Physician will conduct themselves as a Surgical Assist within the KGH Cardiac Operation Rooms, assisting with; preparation and positioning of the patient, helping to open and close the chest, cannulation/decannulation for Cardio-pulmonary Bypass, assist the surgeon during the operation, assist with conduit harvest and closing of the incisions and finally, helping to transfer the patient from the OR table to the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU).

In addition, the Associate Physician will support care of the patient outside of the Cardiac Surgery Operating Rooms in the following ways; ensure patients are ready for surgery (orders complete, investigations completed, consent obtained), round on post-operative patients, communicate with the Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner, Triage Surgeon and Most Responsible Physician (MRP) regarding the patients postoperative condition.

**SOME KEY DUTIES**:

- Performs surgical assist for open heart and other cardiac surgery procedures.
- Provides on-call services for the cardiac surgery program as a surgical assist.
- Performs other duties as required and for which they have been assessed to provide, within terms of employment, and all other statutory and regulatory standards, limits, and conditions.
- Is accountable for participation in all divisional and hospital quality activities as required by the Department Head.
- Participates in self evaluation and regular performance reviews, including structured feedback tools as identified by Department Head (Physician 360's, etc.).
- Performs other related duties as required.

Honouring Interior Health’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preferential consideration and/or hiring will be given to qualified applicants who self-identify as Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).

**Education, Training, and Experience**
Must be eligible for registration with the CPSBC in the Associate Physician class, under sponsorship of IHA. For further information on AP licensure, please visit Associate | College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (cpsbc.ca)

**Skills and Abilities**
- Certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), which may be achieved within the Assessment period and maintained annually thereafter.
- 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.

**ASSESSMENT AND PROBATIONARY PERIOD**
- During the 12-week probationary period, the Associate Physicians 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