Palliative Care Physician - Annapolis Valley

About This Opportunity

The Valley Regional Palliative Care Service is seeking applications for a permanent full-time certified Palliative Care Physician to join the palliative care team to provide coverage in the Annapolis Valley. A supportive interdisciplinary palliative care team is in place and consists of palliative care nurses, social workers, administrative assistant, and program manager. The successful candidate will be joining three other certified Palliative Care Physicians who share a 1.5 FTE. In addition to playing an important clinical role, collaboration and consultation to family physicians and medical specialists using a shared-care model is key.

College of Family Physicians of Canada certified (or equivalent) candidates must have a certificate of added competence (or equivalent) in Palliative Care. Fellow of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada certified candidates must have either a certificate of added competence (or equivalent) in Palliative Care or Royal College certification (or equivalent) in Palliative Medicine. Preference will be given based on full time experience in palliative medicine. Candidates must be eligible for specialty licensure in Nova Scotia and must be able to independently commute to a variety of care settings served by this service; care is provided in all care settings in the area including hospital, home, long-term care, and assisted living residences. The physician works closely with the palliative care team. 

The beautiful Annapolis Valley has community hospitals in Middleton, and Annapolis Royal as well as Valley Regional Hospital (VRH) in Kentville. VRH serves a catchment area of 80,000, has 137 beds and provides the following services:

• ambulatory care
• cardiovascular services
• clinical dietetics
• community cancer services
• diagnostic imaging
• emergency medicine
• intensive care unit
• laboratory services
• medical and surgical unit
• mental health and addiction services
• obstetrics
• occupational therapy
• palliative care 
• pediatrics
• physiotherapy
• psychiatry
• rehabilitation services

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to working as part of the integrated speciality Palliative Care Service to:

• assists in the development and delivery of interprofessional initiatives in Palliative Care across all faculties
• provide care in all care settings in the area including hospital, home, LTC, assisted living residences and Hospice
• follow patients after initial consult with appropriate visits, phone support and collaboration with the patient’s other health care providers, in a manner that is most supportive of each family physician and patient
• prescribe and administer medications and treatments, CADD pumps usage
• mentor medical students and family medicine residents from Dalhousie University

Expected Hours

• full-time - 52 weeks minus 6 weeks vacation/CPD paid time
• Monday to Friday, 7.5 hours per day

Qualifications

• Eligible for Licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS)
• Eligible for certification with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
• Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA)
• Certificate of Added Competence in Palliative Care (CCFP-PC) or equivalent accredited training in Palliative Medicine or Certified Palliative Medicine Physician by the The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCP-PM) or equivalent
• demonstrated ability and experience working in a shared care model and across a multitude of care settings
• demonstrated interest in the palliative approach to care and capacity building with other colleagues
• opportunities for teaching and research available

Community Details

The beautiful Annapolis Valley spans across over 100 km between two parallel mountains - the north and south - and is rich in both history and culture. There is a diverse agricultural industry with an abundance of farmer markets in various communities. The Valley is home to several award-winning wineries as well as Acadia University. The Annapolis Basin is in the west and the Minas Basin - which boasts some of the highest tides in the world - in the east. There are many communities throughout the Annapolis Valley all with their unique qualities and charm! Vibrant arts, museums, hiking & biking trails, live theatre, parks, recreational activities, cafes and restaurants along with specialty shops are just some examples of what you'll find. There is lots to do and see in the Annapolis Valley! Have It All