Hospice / Palliative Medicine Physician

Job Description

The Associate Medical director shall be a physician licensed to practice medicine in the state where the hospice is located. In his / her absence, the medical director shall designate another physician to serve as acting medical director.

The Associate Medical director of VITAS fulfills two primary functions, each of which is expected to consume approximately one half of the time and work effort of the position :

• The Associate Medical director has overall responsibility for medical direction of the care and treatment of patients and their families rendered by the hospice care team, and shall consult and cooperate with the patient's attending physician. The medical director provides physician direction and guidance to the hospice program, its physician employees, and other staff and volunteers to assure the maintenance of quality standards of care for patients and families.
• Educates practicing physicians and others engaged in health care services regarding the hospice program and its potential benefits to patients.

In fulfilling the two primary functions explained above, performs the following duties :

Assure appropriate evaluation and certification of terminal prognosis of patients.

Interview and participate in the hiring and contracting of team physicians with the general manager, patient care administrator and / or team manager.

Participate as an active member of the local / regional management team (includes budget process, strategic planning, etc.)

Ensure medications are utilized within accepted standards of practice.

Educate community physicians on the principles of palliative medicine.

Assist in the development of and actively participate in clinical training for all hospice patient care and admissions personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION