Palliative Care Physician

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an enthusiastic physician to join our palliative care team, dedicated to supporting members facing potentially life-limiting illnesses. This role will involve a combination of inpatient and outpatient palliative medicine, with a primary emphasis on outpatient care, where the physician will conduct assessments, provide treatment, and offer recommendations. The physician will collaborate closely with nurses, chaplains, social workers, clinical pharmacy specialists, and other team members. Outpatient consultations will mainly take place in our medical offices and through virtual platforms, while inpatient responsibilities will be at our two main hospitals, Emory St. Joseph's and Emory Decatur Hospitals. This position requires working alongside the member's other healthcare providers to address medical issues, focusing on enhancing the quality of life and functional capabilities of patients. Responsibilities will include counseling on advance directives, addressing physical and psychosocial concerns, and discussing end-of-life care, among other relevant topics.

Ideal candidates should hold board certification in internal medicine, family medicine, or other relevant specialties, along with board certification in palliative care medicine.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Conduct office, telephone, video, and inpatient visits as necessary. Evaluate, treat, and/or provide care recommendations for members referred to Palliative Care.

• Address clinical challenges and develop the medical components of care plans, including but not limited to recommendations for observations, lab tests, medications, referrals, and prescriptions as appropriate.

• Collaborate with other members of the Palliative Care Team, as well as the member's primary care physician, oncologist, cardiologist, and other healthcare professionals, to enhance the member's overall health and functional status.

• Act as a resource for other clinicians, nurses, clinical pharmacy specialists (e.g., authorizing medication adjustments as needed), social workers, and chaplains to improve care for members with potentially life-limiting illnesses.

• Engage in Palliative Care-related meetings, including relevant workgroups and departmental gatherings, to review team objectives, activities, and quality metrics, and suggest interventions to enhance care for members.

• Participate in community outreach, presentations, and continuing medical education activities related to Palliative Care to raise awareness and understanding of issues pertinent to those facing potentially life-limiting conditions. Additionally, contribute to ongoing educational initiatives to boost staff awareness of palliative care services across departments.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• A minimum of one year of post-residency experience in managing palliative care patients in outpatient and/or facility settings.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with patients facing potentially life-limiting illnesses, their family members or caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.

• Willingness and ability to travel to various locations for patient care.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Two years of post-residency experience in delivering palliative care services to patients in outpatient and/or hospital/facility environments.

• Experience working within an interdisciplinary team.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities. All applicants will be evaluated for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We uphold a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment substance abuse testing.