Urgent Care Physician

Urgent Care Physician

Major Duties and Responsibilities: Clinical Duties - Independently evaluate and manage Veterans presenting to Urgent Care. - Perform comprehensive history, physical examinations, diagnostic evaluations, and clinical decision-making. - Treat and stabilize emergent and acute conditions such as myocardial infarction, chest pain, CHF, stroke, seizures, altered mental status, dyspnea, COPD exacerbations, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, COVID-19, pain syndromes, UTI, fractures, musculoskeletal injuries, lacerations, and minor trauma. - Order, interpret, and act upon diagnostic tests including labs, EKGs, x-rays, and review radiologist-interpreted CT/MRI/ultrasound studies. - Determine appropriateness of transfer to community hospitals for higher-level care. - Provide consultative support to Primary Care clinicians for acute and urgent medical concerns. - Collaborate with In-Patient Mental Health medical APPs on chronic disease management, acute illness, rounding, documentation review, and clinical oversight. - Provide medical emergency support across all BCVAMC physical locations when assigned as Medical Officer of the Day (MOD). - Provide clinical oversight and participate in peer review activities. - Collaborate with Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Supervise Resident Physicians as assigned. - Maintain timely, accurate encounters, notes, and reports in accordance with policy. - On-site presence is required; telework is not authorized. Quality of Care - Maintain professional competence through FPPE, OPPE, credentialing, privileging, and quality improvement activities. - Deliver care aligned with Joint Commission and VHA standards. - Support Performance Improvement and Quality Management initiatives. - Stay current on clinical trends, evidence-based practices, and specialty-specific protocols; serve as a resource to clinical staff. Administrative Duties - Participate in quality improvement activities and systems redesign projects. - Attend monthly staff meetings and other medical center committees as assigned. - Contribute to departmental process improvements and operational planning. - Participate in disaster/surge event backup call schedules; rare overnight coverage may be required. Education and Research - Maintain professional development through continuing education and independent learning. - Participate in clinical research programs when appropriate. - Supervise medical trainees assigned to Urgent Care, including Medical Residents and other trainees. - Follow all VA policies and regulations governing research; participation is optional. Supervisory Controls The UCP functions within the Urgent Care department and reports to the Associate Chief of Staff for Medical Services. The physician exercises independent clinical judgment commensurate with training and privileges and collaborates with clinical and administrative leadership. Assignments may be supervisor-directed or arise from patient care needs. Work is reviewed for effectiveness, quality, and timely completion. Work Schedule - Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Schedule may change based on facility needs. - Participation in disaster/surge backup call is required. - Occasional overnight coverage during emergencies may be required. - Participation in pandemic response and direct patient care is required regardless of personal risk factors. Preferred Experience - Experience in urgent care or emergency department settings. - Demonstrated competence in higher-acuity practice. - Experience working with interdisciplinary teams. - Prior VA experience preferred but not required.