Physician (Hospice & Palliative Care Medical Director)

Description:

The Iowa City VA is an integrated health care system serving 52,000 Veterans in eastern Iowa and western Illinois with a 52-bed hospital and 10 clinics in the community. The Palliative Care service sees approximately 2000 Veterans/year to provide anticipatory guidance, symptom control and identify goals and preferences for Veterans with serious illness. The palliative care team consists of medical providers, pharmacists, social workers, RN case managers, chaplain and music therapist.

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.

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed. 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. (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: (1) Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR
[(2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR
(3) Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States), which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences.
Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e., not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee-basis. PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; rather, they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision. Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs. Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, fellowship trained with at least 3-5 years of experience. Proficiency in spoken and written English. Customer Service: Meet the needs of customers while supporting the VA mission. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provide the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Age, Development, and Cultural Needs of Patients: Accept chosen lifestyle and assists with necessary adjustment relating to change in health. Recognizes risk factors related to health. Encourage physical and social activity as appropriate. Provide physical, emotional and intellectual assistance as appropriate. Privacy/Computer Security: Protect printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHS&RA policy. Incumbent is skilled in the operation of the VA's computer system and is aware of the confidential nature of the information contained therein and is aware of his responsibility to safeguard against the unauthorized release of this information. Protect data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs. Green Environmental Management System (GEMS): Incumbent is aware of the GEMS System. The GEMS program seeks to cost-effectively meet or exceed compliance with applicable Federal, state, and local environmental: public health: and resource protection laws, regulations, and VA requirements. Employees need to be aware of and familiarize themselves with how their activities, including purchasing, consumption, and recycling decisions, impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources.
Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: he position will require walking, standing or sitting for periods of up to 4-6 hours each day and delivering care, providing holistic care, and case management in the home of the veteran. This may require excessive bending, lifting, twisting, and driving in inclement weather. You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.