Care of the Elderly

About This Opportunity

Nova Scotia Health seeks a Family Physician with Certificates of Added Competencies (CACs) in Care of the Elderly (COE) to work with other family physicians, colleagues from other specialties, and other care providers to increase the capacity for the provision of care to older adults within the Annapolis Valley through direct patient care, consultations, peer support, and education. The successful candidate is a system leader and champion in their community.

Candidates must be able to commute independently to a variety of care settings served by this service; care is provided in all care settings in the area including hospital, home, long-term care, and assisted living residences. The physician works closely with the senior care team and provides liaison with the Western Zone Geriatrician(s).

The beautiful Annapolis Valley has community hospitals in Middleton and Annapolis Royal as well as Valley Regional Hospital (VRH) in Kentville. VRH serves a catchment area of 80,000, has 137 beds and provides the following services:

• ambulatory care
• cardiovascular services
• clinical dietetics
• community cancer services
• diagnostic imaging
• emergency medicine
• intensive care unit
• laboratory services
• medical and surgical unit
• mental health and addiction services
• obstetrics
• occupational therapy
• palliative care 
• pediatrics
• physiotherapy
• psychiatry
• rehabilitation services

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced-level patient care and consultation for issues commonly seen in older adults that affect health, physical and cognitive function, and independence
• Support peer-to-peer education/consulting.  Working with the primary care team to enhance continuity and capacity for comprehensive care in the practice and community
• Lead or act as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team - Long Term Care – advance Care by Design approach (Medical Directors)
• Provide leadership and education related to health care of the older adults to multiple levels of learners
• Work in hospital settings as a consultant or as the most responsible physician (e.g., rehabilitation, acute care, post-acute hospital facility, emergency room)
• Work in partnership with service providers (EHS, CC) and government authorities as appropriate - Hospital at Home (hospital avoidance strategies)
• Participate in research to advance the field of health care for the older adults

Expected Hours

• Full time, permanent

• Eligible for Licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS)
• Eligible for certification with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
• Certificate of Added Competencies in Care of the Elderly (COE) required
• Evidence of insurance with the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA)

Community Details

The beautiful Annapolis Valley spans across over 100 km between two parallel mountains - the north and south - and is rich in both history and culture. There is a diverse agricultural industry with an abundance of farmer markets in various communities. The Valley is home to several award-winning wineries as well as Acadia University. The Annapolis Basin is in the west and the Minas Basin - which boasts some of the highest tides in the world - in the east. There are many communities throughout the Annapolis Valley all with their unique qualities and charm Vibrant arts, museums, hiking & biking trails, live theatre, parks, recreational activities, cafes and restaurants, breweries and cideries along with specialty shops are just some examples of what you'll find. All of this is conveniently located approximately an hour to an international airport and the Halifax Regional Municipality where all cultural indulgences of a capital can be found. There is lots to do and see in the Annapolis Valley Watch:  Have It All

Physicians in Nova Scotia provide fulfilling patient care which embraces family life, professional development and community involvement. That's what makes practicing medicine in Nova Scotia unique. Physicians are increasingly attracted to practices that offer team-based care to their patients and allow them to consult with their peers. The size and scale of Nova Scotia allows for better connections across the health care system. Your practice of medicine and your life is richer here. Nova Scotia is more than medicine. 

Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. Our priority groups are Aboriginal People, African Nova Scotians, Persons with Disabilities and Recent Immigrants. Members of these groups are welcome to apply and self-identify if they wish to be considered under our Employment Equity policy.