Associate Physician

The Associate Physician (AP), Critical 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 Critical Care units across the organization under the supervision of the Attending Physician. 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 Attending Physician, medical residents, nursing, and allied health professionals to care for patients admitted to a critical care unit (ICU or HAU).

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**:

- Under the supervision of the Attending physician:

- 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.
- Attends Code Blue response with the in-house response team.
- Performs and documents admission history and physical examinations, progress notes, discharge summaries, and
medication reconciliation as per CPSBC and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines.
- Communicates with and responds in a timely manner to calls from the nursing staff and other care team members.
- Communicates with patients, family members, other consulting services, and trainees concerning patient care plans, as appropriate.
- Performs procedures within the scope of their demonstrated competence, which may include: endotracheal intubation, central line insertion, lumbar puncture, thoracentesis, paracentesis, insertion of peripheral intravenous lines, initiation of intravenous medication, performing phlebotomy for diagnostic purposes to include arterial blood gases, insertion of naso-gastric tubes, assessment of wounds, removal of surgical drains/clips, removal of chest tubes, suture repair of simple lacerations, measurement of compartment pressures. 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.
- Attends and actively participates in patient sign over both at the beginning and end of shift with the respective Attending Physician(s).
- 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).
- Attends clinical rounds, morbidity and mortality rounds, and other educational/research sessions.
- Participates in quality improvement projects relating to their patient or program.
- Complies with AP programs CPD reporting requirements.

**Skills And Abilities**
- Procedural experience in endotracheal intubation, lumbar punctures, thoracentesis, paracentesis and central line insertion.
- Procedural experience and experience in Code Blue response and assessment and treatment of critically ill patients.
- 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.

**Start Date**

As soon as possible

**Community Information**

Victoria, British Columbia’s scenic Capital, is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and enviable quality of life, Victoria offers an opportunity