Associate Physician

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), Adult In-Patient Care, 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 facilities across the organization under the supervision of the Attending Physician(s). The AP reports to a Site or Program Director, 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 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.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
1. Under the supervision of the Attending staff:
i. Participate in patient rounds under the supervision of the Attending along with residents and other care team members.
ii. Assesses the day-to-day care of patients, including writing medical orders, consultations with other services, and responding to changing patient conditions.
iii. Develops treatment plans in response to changing patient conditions.
iv. Follows through on investigations.
v. Provide medical consultation for specialty services or provide transfer of care if appropriate.
vi. Assesses whether or not a patient requires involuntary admission under the Mental Health Act.
vii. Conducts discharge planning including: reviewing medication reconciliation; patient teaching; liaising with community partners and booking follow up treatments as appropriate; documentation of a discharge summary.

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

3. Performs transfers of Care. Transfers of care include participating in the handover of patients to another qualified medical practitioner, including providing a summary of the patient care and plan of care.

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

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

6. Performs procedures within the scope of their demonstrated competence. The AP will not proceed with performing any procedures until they have received a full orientation and their competence has been established with sign-off by the AP Physician Supervisor or their delegate.

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. 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). Complies with AP programs CPD reporting requirements.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education, Training and Experience**

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.

Must be eligible for registration with the CPSBC in the AP class, under sponsorship by Island Health.

**Skills and Abilities**

1. 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.
2. 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 p