Come work as a Senior Medical Director with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Working within the governance framework of the Medical Staff Bylaws, Rules and Policies, and the strategic direction of the Vice President of Medicine and Academic Affairs (VP MAA), the Senior Medical Director (SMD) partners with the Vice President (VP) of Operations for Richmond Community of Care (CoC) to develop and implement strategic and operational plans.

This leadership role plays an essential role in setting the productive, respectful culture in a COC that is essential for safe, quality patient care. Through their dyad partnership, the SMD and VP Operations are jointly accountable to the President & CEO and Board of Directors for the provision and overall leadership of clinical services and operations in the COC.

The incumbent works with the VP Medicine and Academic Affairs, Senior Executive Team and other internal and external partners on all matters related to contracting of medical staff and medical leadership services. The SMD is a member of the Executive Medical Leadership Team and offers critical insight into the strategic operationalization of the Department as a whole. The SMD is specifically responsible for medical staff and medical leadership within Richmond COC. They guide the work of the local Medical Affairs Department and are an active member of the Richmond Senior Leadership Team.

The Senior Medical Director fosters relationships with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia and other professional associations, and acts as the primary administration link within the CoC with respect to medical staff activities to implement and record performance evaluation, credentialing, appointments and re-appointments.

Key Accountabilities:

• Models, shepherds, and champions a Medical Staff and Leadership Culture that is committed to Patient Safety and Quality.
• Works in partnership with the Co VP Acute, Richmond to provide active medical leadership in the ongoing operations as well as the development of the strategic direction for the CoC.
• Collaborates as an active member of the Richmond CoC Senior Leadership Team, the Health Authority Medical Advisory Committee (HAMAC), and participates in the Area Medical Advisory Committee (AMAC).
• When necessary, establishes clear processes, guidelines and policies that support outcomes consistent with Medical Staff Rules and By-laws.
• Provides overall leadership for medical activities within the CoC in accordance with the Standards and Codes of Ethics of the organization and the relevant regulatory colleges such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives.
• Works with key internal and external partners to aid the accomplishment of goals and objectives provided in the VCH Service Delivery Plan and ensures ongoing availability of qualified and technically competent medical staff.
• Collaborates with the Vice President Quality and Safety, Vice President Research, other Senior Medical Directors, Regional Department Heads, and local medical and operational leaders to enable the integration of quality and safety strategies across VCH to support integrated and coordinated patient safety activities, quality initiatives, proactive risk assessment and knowledge sharing in an accountable learning environment.
• Develops effective and integrated processes to implement and evaluate quality and safety strategic goals, address patient safety concerns and critical incident reviews with the COC. This includes collaborating with other members of the Executive Medical Leadership Team and the VP MAA to develop a strategy to share learning across the Health Authority. Accountability for related reporting to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Provides leadership in the planning, delivery, evaluation medical services and ensuring processes exist for effective engagement of medical staff.
• Guides, supports and enables Department and Division Heads; ensures that complaints, quality concerns and negative culture is addressed and resolved in constructive ways that have sustainable outcomes.
• Supports the productive working relationship between Department Heads and their Director Operational dyads.
• Provides oversight of the operationalization of strong medical governance that includes monitoring and assessing the competency of Medical Staff members through peer review; performance improvement; and review of contracts.
• In collaboration with the VP Medicine and Academic Affairs (VP MAA) and the Health Authority Medical Advisory Committee (HAMAC), participates in the development of VCH medical staff Health Human Resources plan.
• Ensures delivery of effective medical services for the CoC in accordance with the established service delivery plan and in compliance with budget, volume and quality targets and overall CoC contributions to the VCH Service Delivery Plan.
• Works in collaboration with VP Medicine and Academic Affairs and members of the Executive Medical Leadership Team to establish organizational goals and objectives for Quality Improvement (QI); Utilization Management (UM); and system transformation initiatives consistent with the corporate vision and strategic direction of VCH.
• Works closely with VP Operations dyad and Executive team to address and oversee quality concerns - including Critical Incidents - in ways that rectify wrongs and ensure improvement.
• Develops integrated processes and mechanisms to encourage best practices, improve clinical outcomes, and achieve defined standards of care. Engages medical staff and medical leaders in the Quality, Risk, and Accreditation processes.
• Works closely with Quality leadership to ensure that preventative mechanisms are in place, issues are resolved efficiently, and there is confidence in the staff, leadership and public using the services of their COC.
• Ensures implementation of standardized and effective credentialing and privileging process for medical staff in compliance with provincial legislation and strategy and with VCH Medical Staff By-laws, Rules, and Policies.
• Works with relevant partners as applicable to foster internal networks and partnerships to expedite medical staff recruitment, retention, and compensation negotiation consistent with the established service delivery plan, as well as ethical, regulatory and patient care requirements.
• Oversees day-to-day privileging and credentialing and the reappointment process of medical staff. In collaboration with Executive Director NP, Midwives and Dentists, as well as local department heads and Regional Department Heads, manages medical issues related to professional conduct and oversees investigation/resolution of complaints and concerns regarding medical care.
• Manages issues related to the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations.
• Works with the VP Medicine and Academic Affairs in developing an effective financial and workforce plan for designated portfolio area, determines priorities, funding allocations, and approves variances within the context of operational demands. Works closely with VCH Finance to manage assigned budget and administers financial resources.
• Oversees issues related to the Medical on Call Availability Program (MOCAP), including outstanding contracts.
• As needed builds relationships with professional associations, external agencies, academic institutions, and other health organizations to influence medical practice, support program planning and teaching activities, and create partnerships and opportunities for students and medical staff development.
• Additionally, the incumbent may represent Vancouver Coastal Heath (VCH) on legislative and other committees and boards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Licensing, & Experience:

• A Medical Degree and eligibility for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
• At least ten years’ recent experience in medical leadership in progressively more complex and leadership roles
• Master’s Degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, or Public Health would be an asset.
• Eligibility for a faculty appointment with the University of British Columbia, School of Medicine required.
• Maintains professional memberships and associations.

Knowledge & Abilities:

• A systems thinker with an unwavering commitment to ensuring that medical leadership is playing an active role in creating cultures, environments and relationships that ensure Quality and Safety of Patient Care.
• Uses sound business acumen to develop and foster collaboration and effective working relationships with stakeholders that promote cooperative goals and contribute to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
• Applies superior interpersonal communication skills and expertise to manage conflicts and negotiate effective resolution of issues/disputes, as well as to enroll and persuade where necessary.
• Inspires a shared vision and aligns performance goals and objectives for medical staff to ensure alignment with service delivery strategy while maintaining group cohesiveness, motivation, commitment, and effectiveness.
• Provides timely and appropriate advice and consultation utilizing effective targeted communication strategies, to facilitate effective decision making and operations within the intent of the medical by-laws.
• Builds credibility, understanding and trust in the external community to assist the CoC and VCH to meet its strategic directions
• Uses strategic thinking, taking into account long-term goals assessing options and implications;
• Effective communicator with strong organizational skills, client-focused orientation, and commitment to providing long term quality services.
• Promotes, encourages, and enables medical leadership development.
• Demonstrates a positive record of working effectively with key stakeholders to achieve collaborative and sustainable outcomes.
• Leadership skills, including demonstrated ability and comfort with decision-making responsibilities, coaching and teaching, and the ability to inspire and build confidence in others;
• Demonstrated ability to manage change and create innovative solutions for complex and diverse issues;
• Ability to manage diverse human, financial and physical resources within a complex environment;
• Proven ability to foster partnerships and to achieve organizational goals within the CoC; and
• Ability to foster a climate of cooperation amongst, and build solid relationships with public agencies, foundations, government, boards, committees, and other partners.
• Demonstrates Integrity, humility, and fairness. Engages others to inform robust decision making.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Interested in applying? Feel free to reach out to Olivia Todd, Executive and Medical Staff Talent Acquisition Advisor: medstaffcareers@vch.ca or click “Apply Now.”

Please note that a resume and cover letter are 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.