Hospice / Palliative Medicine Physician

Hospice / Palliative Medicine Physician at VITAS Healthcare summary :

The Medical Director of VITAS oversees the medical care provided by the hospice team, ensuring quality standards and effective treatment for patients with terminal illnesses. This role involves collaborating with attending physicians, supervising team physicians, and participating in community education to promote hospice services. The Medical Director also engages in quality improvement initiatives, manages healthcare regulations, and supports medical education and research related to palliative care.

Medical Director Job Description

The medical director of VITAS fulfills two primary functions, each of which is expected to consume approximately one half of the time and work effort of the position :

• The medical director has overall responsibility for medical direction of the care and treatment of patients and their families rendered by the hospice care team, and shall consult and cooperate with the patient's attending physician. The medical director provides physician direction and guidance to the hospice program, its physician employees, and other staff and volunteers to assure the maintenance of quality standards of care for patients and families.
• The medical director educates practicing physicians and others engaged in health care services regarding the hospice program and its potential benefits to patients.

In fulfilling the two primary functions explained above, the medical director performs the following duties :

Quality of Clinical Care

Supervision of team physicians (home care and inpatient)

Management

Ensure medications are utilized within accepted standards of practice.

Community Relations

Education and Research

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Keywords :

Hospice, Palliative Medicine, Medical Director, Patient Care, Quality Improvement, Community Education, Terminal Illness, Healthcare Management, Clinical Supervision, Symptom Management