Come work as an Associate Physician with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

The Associate Physician (AP), Infectious Diseases, performs services within the scope of an Associate Physician’s clinical duties and responsibilities and serves as a physician extender to provide care to patients of the Infectious Diseases Division.

The AP works under the supervision of the attending Infectious Diseases physician on a day-to-day basis and is accountable to the Division Head of Infectious Diseases 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 most responsible physician (MRP), fellows, residents, nursing, and allied care providers to care for patients seen by the Infectious Diseases Division.

The AP has demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with other health professionals and disciplines and holds excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team. The AP also has demonstrated ability to document in accordance with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines.
Organization

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is one of five regional health authorities that work under the Ministry of Health together, with the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), to provide high quality, appropriate and timely health services to British Columbians.

• VCH is a world-class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering care to more than one million B.C. residents living in Vancouver, the North Shore, Richmond, the Sea-to-Sky corridor, Sunshine Coast and the Central Coast. We are dedicated to providing exceptional care across the full continuum in areas including public health, primary care, acute services, community-based long-term care and home health, mental health, substance use, and research.

Education, Licensing, & 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 Associate Physician class. The AP must have Canadian Citizenship, be a permanent resident, or be legally able to live and work in British Columbia.

Knowledge & Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills to diagnose and manage common infectious diseases issues in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients (e.g. pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, bacteremia, intra-abdominal infections, fever of unknown origin, intracranial infections, line and catheter infections etc). This includes gathering an accurate history (including host/socioeconomic factors and relevant exposures), performing a physical examination, reviewing the results of pertinent investigations, synthesizing the information for an organized and concise presentation to a supervisor, documenting the assessment, and developing a complete and accurate management plan. An important aspect is recognizing relevant infection prevention and control considerations and taking appropriate precautions, as well as opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship.
• Recognizing life, limb and/or organ threatening presentations and initiating management by recognizing the potential severity of a patient’s presentation, performing a timely assessment and review of the case, initiating appropriate empiric management, and, where relevant, engaging other services in the patient’s care, working within one’s limits and contacting senior residents/staff when appropriate, and paying attention to aspects of personal and other caregivers safety (e.g., infection control, violent patient). Examples of life, limb, and/or organ threatening presentations include meningitis, necrotizing fasciitis, malaria, sepsis/septic shock, serious CLABSIs, and other emerging infections.
• Ability to perform within the scope of Associate Physician duties and responsibilities as
  well as be able to interact, and adapt effectively with other professionals in complex, dynamic situations.
• Confidence and experience in recognizing and initiating response to emergency situations such as respiratory and cardiac compromise, infection, metabolic disturbances and the like. Ability to recognize medical instability and address initial priorities of resuscitation and liaise with appropriate services in the hospital such as intensive care unit or internal medicine. 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. Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with families about health findings, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and follow up.
• 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. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team.
• 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 a 12-week probationary period, the AP 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
  
  

Ongoing employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the probationary period, and subject to a six month and annual reviews.

REMUNERATION

The AP is an employee of VCH and will be paid in accordance with the provincial guidelines established by the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) at the pay level of Range 9 following a successful 12-week orientation and assessment period, and receives requisite benefits, including four (4) weeks of paid vacation and extended health, dental, life and disability insurance. During the 12-week assessment and orientation period, the AP will be remunerated at pay level Range 8.

To apply now please visit Health Match BC (HMBC) via the link below:

 APPLY NOW

Please note that a resume and cover letter is required to apply for this position.

As per the current Public Health Orders, as of October 5, 2023, all employees working for Vancouver Coastal Health must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have received a single dose of the most-recent, updated COVID-19 vaccine. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our goals of creating a great place to work and delivering exceptional care. We acknowledge and accommodate unique differences and ensure special measures are in place so that all prospective and current employees are given an opportunity to succeed.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2023.