Physician - Psychiatrist (PCMHI)

Psychiatrist Position

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The psychiatrist will function within the concept of physician with training in Mental Health diseases. These functions shall include:

• Obtain an appropriate health history and physical examination on patients who present to the Outpatient Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Urgent Care, Inpatient Medical units and other assigned clinical areas as appropriate.
• Interpret the history and clinical findings, order laboratory tests, radiographic studies, ancillary tests and requested consultations within the context of the psychiatric illness; as well as perform additional evaluations of the patient to secure a comprehensive differential diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Perform patient care functions including staff physician responsibilities in the Outpatient Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Urgent Care, Inpatient Medical units, and other assigned clinical areas as appropriate.
• Supervise the physician assistants, Psychiatry Fellows, Psychiatry Residents and Medical Students in the various mental health settings. Interact and coordinate the clinical activities and needs of the assigned Mental Health clinics with the psychiatric physician assistants, case manager, nurse practitioners, and social workers.
• Provide education and counseling for patients regarding mental health conditions and the prescribed treatment plans and the planned medication coordination with the health care team.
• Evaluate the health needs of the population referred for management of mental health diseases and develop strategies to optimally care for this population within the resource limitations that exist.
• Assist the ACOS, Mental Health Service Line in the administrative duties of the Mental Health Service Line including tasks with participation on committees, quality assurance and management of clinics as needed.
• The psychiatric physician will participate in appropriate record keeping responsibilities related to the VA database and electronic health record.
• The psychiatric physician will participate in an annual, structured proficiency review. This review will include the following: overall assessment of clinical proficiency and the physician's scope of practice, results in departmental/service monitoring and evaluation of drug utilization, medical record review and any other objective quality improvement data that is available. The ACOS, Mental Health Service Line or designee will complete the review. The Chief of Staff will concur with the review.
• Additional Clinical duties as delegated.