Physician QI Advisor, SSC Physician Quality Improvement

Vancouver Coastal Health & Providence Health Care

Expression of Interest

Through an innovative partnership formed in 2015 with the Specialist Services Committee (SSC), Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Providence Health Care (PHC) are undertaking an enhanced approach to quality improvement, which includes providing physicians an opportunity to lead quality initiatives and we invite expression of interest for this Physician Quality Improvement Advisor position.    

This is a 0.5 day per week position for a one year term with the possibility of a 2 year extension.  Remuneration is based on the medical leader stipend rate.
Interested applicants please submit a resume and covering letter by 10 June 2025 to:

Pheona Lui

Analyst/Administrative Assistant – Medical Quality Leadership & Practice

Pheona.lui@vch.ca

Job Summary

The Physician Quality Improvement (QI) Advisor plays a key mentoring and advisory role in advancing physician-led quality improvement initiatives within the SSC Physician Quality Improvement Program at VCH/PHC.

Working in partnership with a dedicated technical team, the Advisor supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of QI projects by:

• Building physician capacity in quality planning, quality control, quality improvement, and leadership (including teaching and facilitating related training sessions)
• Engaging senior leaders and medical staff to identify, prioritize, and act on system improvement opportunities
• Supporting physicians (incl. novices, alums, and physician leaders) to lead and sustain improvement initiatives aligned with system-level priorities
• Promoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation

The Physician QI Advisor collaborates closely with VCH/PHC leadership to ensure alignment of QI activities with organizational priorities and strategic objectives.  They also advise senior leaders, including medical and operational  leaders, on designing and implementing components of a whole-system QI approach that aligns with Medical Staff Bylaws.

SCOPE

• Provide one-on-one mentoring and coaching to Physician QI Leaders and the development of QI projects undertaken by Physician QI Leaders or other physicians.
• Advise on learning opportunities for the physicians of VCH/PHC to increase their capability for QI.
• Acts as a physician resource to navigate other physicians through the QI landscape at VCH/PHC.
• Liaise with the physicians and staff from Quality and Patient Safety at VCH; and Quality, Safety and Accreditation at PHC as required to ensure a comprehensive and coherent approach to quality within and across the organizations; and to identify areas of highest need for QI.
• Advise physician senior leaders such as Regional Department Heads and Senior Medical Directors in the design and implementation of components of a whole system quality that align with Medical Staff Bylaws. Components of a whole system quality allow for quality planning, quality control (or monitoring), quality improvement; and can be further enhanced with sustainment and spread. Acts as a resource to senior leaders in the planning, development and implementation of health system performance improvement initiatives.
• Support alums with system-level priority work.
• Participate and engage with projects that have an impact on system-level priorities.
• When required, work collaboratively with other health authorities to share learnings and provide guidance on development and implementation of a Physician QI model.
• The Physician QI Advisor will be a member of the VCH and PHC PQI and Spread Committee and may be asked to chair the VCH and PHC PQI and Spread Committee as needed.

Ensures services of the SSC Physician QI program within VCH/PHC are:

• Aligned with the criteria as determined by the SSC PQI and Spread Committee.
• Consistent with VCH/PHC operational goals and objectives.
• Effectively communicated to all key partners.
• Integrated within and across programs and services.
• Delivered in an effective and efficient manner.

ACCOUNTABILITY

This role is accountable to the VP Medicine & Academic Affairs, VCH; and VP Quality & Safety and Long Term Care, PHC, with the work directed by the VCH and PHC PQI and Spread Committee.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Medical Doctor in active clinical practice with current, or eligibility for, registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
• Physician Medical Staff at VCH or PHC
• One-year successful clinical experience, preferably within VCH/PHC.
• Demonstrated leadership skills (ability to lead teams and to promote teamwork)
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills, particularly in adult learning and QI methods (e.g., Model for Improvement, Lean, PDSA cycles)
• Experience working across disciplines and engaging diverse key partner groups
• Ability to interpret and use data for improvement and decision-making
• Familiarity with change management principles
• Proven ability to foster physician engagement and leadership in QI initiatives
• Knowledge of healthcare system operations and current health authority priorities
• Quality Improvement Training completed such as PQI Level 3 (Advanced Training) or equivalent
• Knowledge or experience with Quality Planning and Quality Control tools and practices are an asset
• Ability to adapt readily to a rapid and changing environment and respond with initiative.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in motivating staff to be involved in continuous quality improvement.
• Executive or leadership training (e.g. MBA, Physician Management Institute or equivalent) are an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively introduce and manage change that is consistent with the vision, purpose, and operating principles of the SSC Physician QI Initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to provide coaching and advice to junior and senior colleagues and staff.
• Understanding of system-level priorities, including those of the Ministry of Health, and VCH/PHC.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, implement, manage, and evaluate programs.
• Excellent negotiation, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to relate effectively with clients, medical staff, and members of the interdisciplinary Physician QI Teams.

This is a 0.5 day per week position for a one year term with the possibility of a 2 year extension.  Remuneration is based on the medical leader stipend rate.

Shared Value

You care for everyone:

• You’re compassionate, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of others.
• You are respectful, treating people as equals, and valuing others’ perspectives and differences.
• You are appreciative of others’ efforts and give them praise when it’s due.

You are always learning:

• You are open minded, always receptive to different perspectives and ways of doing things.
• You are curious and ask questions to find a deeper understanding.
• You share your expertise and mentor others by sharing your knowledge and experience.

You strive for better results:

• You are accountable, and take responsibility for what you say, what you do, and who you engage in achieving better results.
• You’re a solution finder, empowered to solve the challenges we face in healthcare.
• You take ownership for growth and development and personal development, always seek feedback and opportunities to improve how we do things.

Equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to delivering exceptional care and building a great place to work. VCH values and accommodate unique differences to ensure that staff and medical staff – both current and prospective – have the opportunity and are supported to thrive.

To build a strong and representative workforce, we are seeking candidates who will contribute to a caring and inclusive culture. We encourage applications from members of communities that are disadvantaged on any grounds under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including Indigenous Peoples, people of colour, people of all genders and sexualities and people with disabilities.

 Interested applicants please submit a resume and covering letter by 10 June 2025 to:

Pheona Lui

Analyst/Administrative Assistant – Medical Quality Leadership & Practice

Pheona.lui@vch.ca