ASSOC PHYS PEDS UHNBC at Northern Health - BC

Summary Of The Role Responsibilities

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.

FUNCTIONAL REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Associate Physician reports to the Department Head, Pediatrics, or delegate for all matters pertaining to their clinical practice. The Associate Physician administratively reports to the Executive Director, UHNBC Operations or delegated administrative leader.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The AP has a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, and has excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work within a team, and to build relationships with other health professionals and disciplines. 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.

• Participates in inpatient rounds under the supervision of the Attending Pediatrician and along with other care team members.
• Assesses the day-to-day care of patients, including writing medical orders, consulting with other services, and responding to changing patient conditions, in consultation with Attending Pediatrician.
• Organizes consultation with pediatric subspecialists at BC Children’s Hospital, including arranging transport, with the support of the Attending Pediatrician.
• Performs and documents admission history and physical examinations, progress notes, discharge summaries, and medication reconciliations as per CPSBC and organizational standards, policies, and guidelines.
• Develops treatment plans in response to changing patient conditions, where appropriate and in consultation with Attending Pediatrician.
• Follows through on investigations and in consultation with the Attending Pediatrician.
• Communicates with, and responds in a timely manner to calls from, the nursing staff and other care team members.
• Communicates with patients, family members, other consulting services, and trainees concerning patient care plans, as appropriate.
• Performs procedures within the scope of their demonstrated competence which may include: peripheral IV starts, lumbar punctures, intubations, umbilical vein and artery catheterizations*.
• Participates in professional development activities consistent with the terms required by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
• Attends and participates where required in clinical rounds, morbidity and mortality rounds, and other educational/research sessions.
• Participates in quality improvement projects relating to their program.
• In any and all of the above (duty statements 1 to 9), the AP will not proceed until full orientation and competence has been established with sign-off by the appropriate medical leader (department head, Chief of Staff or Medical Director).