Physician (Hematology/Oncology)

About the role

The Hematologist/Oncologist is accountable to the Chief of the Medicine Service, for assuring the most effective delivery of care in hematology/oncology while meeting and exceeding compliance standards. The hematology/oncology (H/O) Physician will provide expert consultation and treatment to patients in the inpatient and outpatient clinical settings, including, but not limited to, specific H/O clinics, H/O procedures, and for inpatient medical, surgical, and critical care services. In this role, the incumbent will also provide feedback and patient education to the patients and their families and will demonstrate excellence in all facets of patient care and meets or exceeds compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, diagnose, consult, and order appropriate diagnostic studies and treatments for all H/O patients assigned under their care.
• Provide consultative evaluations for other services, including general medical wards, surgical wards, and the emergency department, and perform administrative functions and other tasks as assigned by the Chief of the Medicine Service.
• Oversee the chemotherapy unit. This includes but is not limited to determining treatment regimens, patient suitability for treatment, and initial management of chemotherapy complications for patients under their care.
• Perform diagnostic procedures such as bone marrow biopsy.
• Provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the promotion of health and treatment of critical illnesses.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with patients, families, and other members of the health care team.
• Adhere to stated policies and provide timely documentation of clinical notes (e.g., Consult H&Ps, clinic notes, and procedure notes).

Requirements

• Privileges to assess, diagnose, and treat - with pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and procedure-based therapies - patients referred to the H/O Section.
• Attending required staff meetings, communicating up and down the chain of command, and helping prepare heads-up and issue briefs related to adverse patient outcomes.
• Maintain involvement in matters concerning clinic productivity, relevant performance measures, Quality and Patient Safety oversight, as well as process improvements (system redesigns).
• Remain privileged and practicing in medical services. The exact privileges and procedures for a particular physician will be approved by the Professional Standards Board.

Qualifications

• Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.
• Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Successful completion of an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency in internal medicine, followed by completion of a fellowship in Hematology.
• Demonstration of the provision of inpatient or consultative services for at least 50 Oncology patients during the past two years.
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification. (ACLS also required for Moderate Sedation)
• Privileges to admit, evaluate, diagnose, and provide treatment or consultative services to patients over the age of 18 years old - with hematologic or oncologic disease.
• Administration of Chemotherapy & biologic response modifiers.
• Management and care of indwelling venous access catheters.
• Two years experience in Hematology/Oncology, board certified/eligible.