Associate Physician, Pediatrics

Position Summary
Within the context of a client and family centred model of care and, in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic directions of Northern Health Authority (NHA), the Associate Physician (AP) Pediatrics serves as a physician extender to physicians providing acute care, and/or outpatient care in the Pediatric Clinical Teaching Unit of the hospital. On a day-to-day basis, the AP performs services within the scope of an AP’s clinical duties and responsibilities while under the supervision of an identified member of the hospital medical staff and is accountable to the Department Head, Pediatrics. The AP supports the provision of continuous care in a team-based environment working collaboratively with the Attending Physician. Consistent with the role of Family Physicians (FP) in the health system, the AP will work under supervision of the Pediatrician to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and provide consultation to patients with acute, chronic and complex illnesses, diseases, injuries, and functional disorders; this may include palliative care. The AP will provide history and physical examinations, advance care planning, the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic studies, including laboratory, diagnostic imaging, and electrocardiograms, and the administration of medications normally considered part of the practice of hospital medicine. Working in collaboration with the Attending Pediatrician, the AP may provide care to patients in critical/acute care settings in conformance with unit policies and AP Program Accreditation. In collaboration with the Attending Pediatrician, the AP will assess, stabilize, and determine the disposition of inpatients with emergent conditions consistent with medical staff policy regarding emergency and consultative call services.

Qualfications
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
Education and Experience
-Must be eligible for registration with the CPSBC in the Associate Physician – Community class, or Acute class and under sponsorship of NHA. For further information on AP licensure, please visit Associate physician | College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (cpsbc.ca)
-Qualified candidates will hold or achieve certification, PALS and NRP prior to commencing orientation and maintain such certification throughout their employment.
-Must hold Canadian Citizenship, be a permanent resident or be legally able to live and work in British Columbia.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
-Knowledge and skills to diagnose and manage common medical problems in the pediatric patient.
-Confidence and experience in recognizing and initiating response to emergency situations such as shock and severe respiratory distress in pediatric patients. Ability to recognize medical instability and address initial priorities of resuscitation. Able to judge situations where discussion and reporting to Attending Pediatrician is necessary.
-Ability to take a confidential and sensitive history from adolescent patients and an understanding of the limits of confidentiality when caring for mature minors or youth patients. An understanding of the Child, Family and Community Services Act BC would be beneficial (particularly as it relates to the duty to report a child/youth in need of protection).
-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.

Evaluation 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.