The palliative care physician has responsibility for the medical care and treatment plan provided for seriously ill patients on the palliative care service.  The physician shall consult and cooperate with the patient’s attending physician(s).  The physician provides direction and guidance to palliative team members to ensure that quality care is provided, and to ensure knowledge of and adherence to palliative care standards, policies and procedures.  The palliative care physician will provide education to both interdisciplinary palliative care team members as well as to practicing physicians and others engaged in health care services regarding palliative care and its potential benefits for patients with advanced, serious illness.

Provide consultation in palliative care, symptom management and supportive care to meet the needs of the patient as requested by the referring physician. Facilitate clarification of patient and family goals of care. Facilitate access to appropriate support models of care (i.e., hospice, rehabilitation, on-going aggressive treatment). Assist with diagnosis, treatment and management of acute and chronic health conditions. Educate facility staff, co-workers and the community on all aspects of palliative care and the services provided by VITAS Palliative Care. Attend, participate, and lead (when applicable) internal VITAS Palliative Care team meetings. Consult with the referring physician, the acute care team and other involved providers to contribute to the patient’s plan of care.   Prepare and maintain accurate patient records, charts and documents to support the medical practice and reimbursement for services provided. Prescribe medications and treatments according to patient’s palliative care needs and in collaboration with the referring physician.  Order diagnostics / treatments as needed after collaboration with the referring physician. Interpret, evaluate and communicate diagnostic findings to the appropriate parties. Collaborate with and supervise palliative care team members. Assist in development of clinical practice guidelines / standards in support of quality palliative care as requested by supervisor. Utilize a customer service approach in all interactions with VITAS customers. Adhere to the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, staff and the organization. Participate in on-call rotation as needed. Other duties as requested by supervisor.

Experience:

 

Minimum two years of experience. Knowledge of the interdisciplinary team concept. Experience in patient education, care planning and management of pain and other symptoms for patients with advanced, serious illness is desired. Ability to communicate tactfully, verbally and in writing with department heads, managers, coworkers and vendors to resolve problems and negotiate resolutions. Working knowledge of computers, internet access, and the ability to navigate within an automated system as well as a variety of software packages such as Outlook, Excel and Word.  

 

Education: 

 

Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy degree from an accredited university.

            

Certification & Licensure:

 

Licensed to practice medicine in state. DEA license. Advanced and ongoing training in palliative medicine, diagnostic skills, symptom management and communication skills. Board certified or board eligible in Hospice and Palliative Medicine preferred. Reliable transportation, current state driver’s license and automobile insurance.

 

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

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