Physician - Hospice & Palliative Care (HPC) Medical Director

About the role

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a member of the Geriatrics & Extended Care Medical Staff and of the GEC Oversight Committee, attending assigned meetings, helping to assure adherence to its bylaws, rules, and regulations.
• Participates in establishing and maintaining policies, procedures and guidelines designed to assure provision of adequate, comprehensive, and timely services to Hospice & Palliative care programs throughout the NCHCS.
• Makes clinical and administrative oversight to ensure the adequacy and appropriateness of the medical care provided to patients in HPC programs throughout the NCHCS.
• Works collaboratively with the HPC Program Coordinator to formulate program-specific report cards and performance measures and to assist in the analyses and completion of action plans specific to palliative care programs.
• Liaises with VISN and National HPC leadership.
• Chairs the Hospice and Palliative Care Subcommittee.
• Oversees and directly supervises an interdisciplinary team of staff, including but not limited to physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and administrative support assistants.
• Timely addresses and completes appropriate suspense, patient advocacy concerns, White House and Congressional inquiries, and OIG requests.
• Conducts focused and ongoing peer evaluations for staff, participates in Peer Review inquiries, and completes staff performance evaluations.
• Covers clinical responsibilities and coordinates call responsibilities for HPC programs.
• Mentors and provides orientation to new employees joining the Palliative Care Section.
• Serves as HPC consultant as necessary to the providers throughout GEC programs.
• Participates in educational didactics both formally and informally for HPC fellows and other trainees.
• Provides comprehensive palliative care consultations and/or hospice services through the role of HPC Attending physician.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
• 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.
• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine.
• Possess board certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine.
• Supervisory experience in Hospice and Palliative Care.
• Teaching experience to Medical Students and Residents/Fellows.
• Physical Requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. This is a designated drug testing position. After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Requires lifting 15-44 pounds; pushing (approx. 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing from 3-5 hours and kneeling. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Must have depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Hearing aid is permitted.