Job Description
The Hospice Physician plays a pivotal role in the hospice’s patient care team, overseeing the medical aspects of care in collaboration with the Hospice Medical Director and the patient’s personal attending physician. This position involves providing medical direction and acting as a consultant to the interdisciplinary team on matters of pain and symptom management. Additionally, the Team Physician serves as a liaison with community physicians and develops procedures for emergency care coordination. They also address the general medical needs of patients that may not be covered by the attending physician, ensuring comprehensive support. A key responsibility includes reviewing patients' eligibility for hospice services, ensuring that those in need receive the appropriate care and support.
Qualifications
Education: Graduate of an accredited medical school, holding a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.
Credentials: Current medical license in California, with an active DEA number for prescribing Schedule II medications. Board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine is highly desirable.
Experience: Proven experience in hospice or palliative care, particularly in end-of-life care, including effective pain management, symptom control, and support for terminally ill patients.
Core Competencies: Exceptional clinical skills and a deep understanding of the hospice philosophy of care. Respected by physician peers and capable of serving as a liaison between the hospice team and other healthcare providers. Demonstrates a compassionate approach to working with dying patients and their families, exhibiting strong communication skills and fostering positive interactions with all members of the hospice team.
Credentials: Current medical license in California, with an active DEA number for prescribing Schedule II medications. Board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine is highly desirable.
Experience: Proven experience in hospice or palliative care, particularly in end-of-life care, including effective pain management, symptom control, and support for terminally ill patients.
Core Competencies: Exceptional clinical skills and a deep understanding of the hospice philosophy of care. Respected by physician peers and capable of serving as a liaison between the hospice team and other healthcare providers. Demonstrates a compassionate approach to working with dying patients and their families, exhibiting strong communication skills and fostering positive interactions with all members of the hospice team.
Responsibilities & Functions
- Patient Assessment:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ medical conditions.
- Evaluate patients’ eligibility for hospice services.
- Care Planning:
- Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
- Update care plans as needed based on patients’ changing conditions.
- Symptom Management:
- Provide medical direction for pain management and symptom control.
- Adjust medications and treatments to alleviate discomfort.
- Team Collaboration:
- Work closely with the Hospice Medical Director and other team members, including nurses, social workers, and chaplains.
- Serve as a consultant for the interdisciplinary team regarding medical issues.
- Family Support:
- Communicate with patients’ families to discuss care options and address concerns.
- Offer emotional support and guidance to families coping with end-of-life issues.
- Community Liaison:
- Act as a liaison with community physicians to ensure continuity of care.
- Coordinate emergency care procedures when necessary.
- Compliance and Documentation:
- Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in patient care.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care activities and interventions.
- Quality Improvement:
- Engage in quality assurance initiatives to improve hospice services.
- Contribute to the development of best practices in palliative care.
- Advocacy:
- Advocate for patients’ needs and preferences in care decisions.
- Promote the philosophy of hospice care within the broader healthcare community.
