Hospice and Palliative Care Faculty Physician- UPMC Altoona

Job Description

Job Description

Hospice and Palliative Medicine - Faculty Attending Physician

Position Overview:

• Location: UPMC Altoona
• Address: 620 Howard Ave, Altoona, PA 16601
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Shift: Daytime
• Visa Sponsorship: J1 & H1B Visas accepted

Our organization is on the lookout for a certified family medicine or internal medicine physician, holding ABFM or AOBFP certification, who is either board eligible or certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. This role is for a faculty attending physician within our esteemed fellowship program. While prior teaching experience in academic medicine is advantageous, it is not a strict requirement. We operate a single-trainee fellowship program in collaboration with Altoona Family Physicians, a well-established family medicine residency program that emphasizes rural healthcare and is affiliated with a university in Central Pennsylvania.

Our palliative care team offers consultation and management services in various settings, including inpatient care, an outpatient palliative clinic, and several local nursing homes. The team comprises physicians, advanced practice providers, a fellow, a licensed social worker, a pharmacist, and a medical assistant/secretary. Additionally, we have a dedicated program director and coordinator overseeing the fellowship, along with a physician who serves as a certified hospice medical director for a local hospice agency.

Our fellowship program boasts a strong track record of successful completions, attributed to our comprehensive hands-on training that encompasses a wide range of diagnoses and acuity levels, complemented by well-structured didactic sessions. As the sole fellowship at our hospital, the fellow benefits from exposure to various subspecialists. Our sponsoring institution is UPMC Graduate Medical Education, with UPMC Altoona as the affiliated hospital. The close integration with the family medicine residency also allows for the possibility of incorporating primary care into your practice, should that interest you.

We are in search of a candidate who possesses a vision and enthusiasm for fostering excellence in training future Hospice and Palliative Care Physicians, embodying the core values of our organization:

• Quality and Safety
• Dignity and Respect
• Caring and Listening
• Responsibility and Integrity
• Excellence and Innovation

Clinical and Program Highlights

• One fellow per year, occasionally two
• Inpatient Palliative service available Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, with phone coverage during nights and weekends
• Current team includes two full-time faculty physicians, three advanced practice providers, and a social worker
• Outpatient Palliative Clinic operates three days a week
• Services provided for local nursing homes

Qualifications:

• Required:
• Board Certification from ABFM or AOBFP
• Eligibility for licensure in Pennsylvania
• A strong commitment to patient-centered care and exceptional interpersonal skills are essential, as we prioritize delivering high-quality care in a compassionate and professional environment.

What We Offer:

• Non-Profit Health System, Employed Model (PSLF Eligible)
• Competitive compensation package with opportunities for additional incentives
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, with HSA and FSA options available
• Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage
• Group life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• CME allowance
• Tuition assistance available for self, spouse/domestic partner, and dependents
• Paid occurrence-based malpractice insurance
• 401(a) retirement plan with a 50% employer match (pre-tax), plus an employer-funded pension plan
• Paid occurrence-based malpractice insurance with no tail policy required

Our fellowship program is situated in the picturesque region of central Pennsylvania, approximately two hours from Pittsburgh and three hours from Baltimore/Washington. Altoona offers an affordable cost of living, blending the amenities of a small metropolitan area with the natural beauty of a rural setting. The region features diverse dining options, year-round outdoor activities, sports, cultural events, and artistic opportunities. Additionally, Altoona is home to a variety of religious communities, excellent public and private schools, and numerous institutions of higher education.

We invite you to explore the possibility of making Altoona your next career destination!

About Us

We are a renowned nonprofit healthcare provider and insurer dedicated to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, we are at the forefront of health innovation through clinical and technological advancements, research, and education. Committed to enhancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide nearly $2 billion annually in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania.

With a workforce of 100,000 employees, including over 5,000 physicians, we serve patients across more than 40 hospitals and 800 outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as internationally. Our insurance services cover over 4 million members, ensuring the highest quality care at the most affordable prices.

Our Values: We are guided by shared values that shape our work and hold us accountable to one another. Our principles of Quality & Safety, Dignity & Respect, Caring & Listening, Responsibility & Integrity, and Excellence & Innovation are crucial in fostering a cohesive and positive experience for our employees, patients, health plan members, and the community.

Support for a Diverse Workplace: We recognize that talent and skill are enhanced by the diversity and cultural expertise our staff brings to the workplace. A diverse workforce at all levels enriches our organization, ensuring we possess the knowledge, critical thinking, agility, and innovation necessary for a leading integrated healthcare system.

If you are interested in this opportunity or would like further information, we encourage you to apply today!