Associate Medical Director Polk Hardee Highlands

Tidewell Hospice , a member of Empath Health , is seeking an Associate Medical Director to provide clinical leadership and ensure the highest standards of hospice and palliative care. In this role, you will guide the medical management of patients with advanced illness, support interdisciplinary teams, and uphold the mission and philosophy of hospice care. The Associate Medical Director oversees symptom management, care planning, and clinical quality while collaborating closely with nurses, CNAs, chaplains, and other care partners.


Since 1980, Tidewell Hospice has proudly served families across southwest Florida with compassionate, dignified care. As a member of Empath Health, we help patients with advanced illness live meaningfully while supporting their families with warmth, expertise, and respect.

What you'll Do :

• Provide medical leadership for hospice patient care, ensuring high-quality symptom management, care planning, and adherence to hospice philosophy and clinical standards.
• Round in care centers Monday–Friday and offer real-time clinical guidance to nurses, CNAs, chaplains, CTMs, and other interdisciplinary team members.
• Review and sign daily admissions, medication reconciliations, prescriptions, orders, recertifications, and Certificates of Terminal Illness to support timely, compliant care delivery.
• Participate in weekly IDG meetings to review recerts, admissions, medications, and care plans while guiding team decision-making and clinical quality.
• Coordinate care with hospitals, specialists, and external providers, including intercepting hospital admissions and facilitating transitions to inpatient units or home care.
• Complete daily responsibilities such as death certificates, prescription approvals, and plan-of-care calls to ensure seamless, patient-centered care across the Tidewell service area.
• Part-time hospice Associate Medical Director Physician up to 20 hours per week. Availability to answer calls from nurses, CNA’s, chaplains, CTM’s, plan of care calls, etc., Monday through Friday 8-5.

Why Join Empath Health?

• Earn Competitive Pay: Your skills and contributions are recognized and rewarded.
• Benefits & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement with company match, plus wellness programs to support your mind and body.
• Industry-Leading PTO: 5+ weeks to rest, recharge, and live your Full Life.
• Grow Your Career: CEU support, tuition reimbursement, and advancement opportunities.
• Make a Difference: Join a mission-driven team dedicated to kindness, compassion, and Full Life Care for All.

What You'll Need :

• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school, with board certification in a related specialty.
• Current Florida medical license under Florida Statute 458 or 459, along with active federal DEA registration.
• Minimum of two years of recent, direct medical practice experience; hospice and palliative medicine certification strongly preferred.
• Hospital staff privileges at one or more hospitals and valid CPR certification if patient-facing.
• Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care aligned with hospice philosophy and Empath Health’s mission.

What You'll Find at Empath Health


Unified in empathy, we serve our communities through extraordinary Full Life Care for All.
Empath Health is a not-for-profit healthcare organization providing Full Life Care through a connected network of services across Florida, including hospice, home health, grief care, geriatric primary care, elder care (PACE), HIV and sexual health (EPIC), and dementia support.
Full Life Care means caring for the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, with empathy and dignity. Our care goes beyond medicine to help people feel seen, supported, and valued at every stage of life.
At Empath Health, you’ll find purpose, partnership, and possibility in a culture where compassion drives excellence and every team member helps make life’s journey more meaningful.

Empath Health values diversity as it strengthens our community and care. We embrace the diversity of cultures, thoughts, beliefs and traditions of our employees, volunteers and people we are honored to serve across our network. Our diverse staff reflects our community and each day, we work to be respectful, sensitive and competent with each other and those in our care. In every journey, we are dedicated to achieving comfort, dignity and exceptional care. Those of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply with us or seek our care and services.

Our commitment to patient, client, staff and volunteer safety is a cornerstone of a High Reliability Organization with a focus on zero harm. Participation in the seasonal influenza is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Empath Health employees.

Providing compassionate, full life care is an honor we take seriously at Empath Health. Join our team and make a positive impact in the community!

Equal Opportunity Employer


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For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.