Psychiatry

About the Role

The Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Island Health is seeking a full-time Geriatric Psychiatrist to join a team of two others in the Cowichan Valley. The role involves providing clinical services to geriatric patients (generally over 65) with psychiatric and/or cognitive challenges and frailty. Services include outpatient consulting, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, direct and indirect care, multidisciplinary team leadership, and medico-legal expertise as required by the BC Mental Health and Adult Guardianship Acts.

Patients will have access to an innovative tertiary geriatric psychiatry system, including acute inpatient services at the newly opened Patient Care Centre in Victoria, linked to rehabilitation and residential facilities in Victoria, Duncan, and Ladysmith for seamless care. The position requires involvement in the Island Medical Program for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, with a focus on medical education and psychiatry residency programs. A UBC-affiliated appointment and membership in the UBC Geriatric Psychiatry Program are highly encouraged.

Research opportunities are available, particularly in clinical trials for dementia, as part of the Canada-wide C5R Consortium. Participation in the on-call rotation (supported by BC’s Medical on Call Availability Program) is optional. Administrative duties include attending clinical team meetings and quarterly Division of Geriatric Psychiatry meetings.

Facilities

• Lodge on Fourth Mental Health Unit: 12-bed specialized facility
• Cowichan Lodge Tertiary Mental Health facility: 24 geriatric and 26 general adult beds (opened in 2013)

Responsibilities

• Provide consulting services for geriatric outpatients
• Deliver psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy
• Lead multidisciplinary teams
• Offer medico-legal expertise under BC Mental Health and Adult Guardianship Acts
• Participate in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education (mandatory)
• Engage in clinical research, particularly dementia trials
• Attend clinical team and quarterly Division meetings
• Optional participation in on-call rotation for crisis response

Requirements

• Eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC)
• FRCPC eligible
• Membership in the Canadian Association of Geriatric Psychiatry (mandatory)
• Experience in collaborative, multidisciplinary, community psychogeriatric care
• Fellowship considered an asset
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills

Benefits

• Office space, administrative support, telephone, fax, and email provided at no cost (shared office space possible)
• Eligibility for additional remuneration under the Rural Subsidiary Agreement (RSA), including:
  • Recruitment Incentive: up to $10,000 (pro-rated based on FTE)
  • Relocation: up to $15,000 (amount based on location relocating from)
  • Retention Flat Fee: $6,508.80
  • Fee Premium: 4.2%
  • CME funding: $3,000/annum (years 3–4) and $6,000/annum (after 4 years)

Location

The Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island offers a temperate climate and diverse landscapes, including lush countryside, coastal villages, freshwater lakes, saltwater beaches, and farmland. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, golfing, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. The area features local artisans, five top vineyards and wineries, and excellent public and private schools. Victoria, 45 minutes south, provides additional educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.

Start Date

May 4, 2024

Pay

Fee-for-service compensation with potential additional remuneration under the Rural Subsidiary Agreement (RSA).