Physician Lead, Physician Health Program

The Physician Health Program (PHP)

Our mission is care for the health of BC physicians, medical learners and their family members by providing confidential, accessible services and collaborating with physician health partners. The BC PHP also supports physicians in Prince Edward Island and in Newfoundland and Labrador.

PHP is a responsive, high-quality care provider and community services navigator for physicians, trainees, retired physicians, residents, medical students, and their families. We offer a 24-hour intake helpline, along with counselling, system navigation, community referrals, and expert physician health support from in-house Program Physicians.

The opportunity

Physician Lead, Physician Health Program (four sessions per week leadership, plus a minimum one session per week providing clinical services).

This is a part-time, contractor role paid at the sessional rate according to the Physician Main Agreement.

Reporting to the Vice President, Physician Health Program, the Physician Lead joins a team of experienced health professionals providing services that support physicians, trainees and their families in overcoming challenges that are affecting their health and well-being. This role combines clinical leadership responsibilities (across PHP and directly to the Program Physician team) with direct support provision.

The Physician Lead will:

• Train, mentor and support PHP’s Program Physicians (PPs).
• Participate in the recruitment of PPs.
• Provide a focal point for the VP to engage with PPs, focusing different opinions into a consensus voice.
• Provide medical expertise to the team in complex and concerned colleague cases.
• Provide quality improvement/quality management insights into clinical matters and clinical care.
• Participate in periodic reviews of the overall effectiveness of the program.
• Assist in outreach presentations, external engagement requests and physician wellness activities; act as an ambassador for PHP.
• Maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with all PHP staff.
• Maintain awareness of the PHP’s clinical and administrative procedures and standards, leading by example in this regard.

In addition, they will provide clinical services to eligible clients; they will:

• Conduct detailed intake assessments for physicians, physicians-in-training and their families.
• Co-create treatment plans with PHP Clinical Coordinator staff to assist clients in achieving their goals and connect clients to appropriate community resources.
• When required, they will receive and support with calls related to third-party physician-at-risk (“Concerned Colleague Calls”).
• Manage calls regarding a client or a “Concerned Caller” if/when the designated Program Physician or Clinical Coordinator is not available.
• Attend weekly team meetings.

What success looks like

The Physician Lead will bring a collaborative, solutions-focused approach, exercising sound judgment and providing trusted expertise in complex or sensitive situations. They will demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, build effective relationships, and contribute constructively to shared priorities and decision-making.

They will be proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and bring a strategic perspective while remaining responsive to evolving needs. They will be accountable for delivering high-quality work and services in accordance with the expectations and objectives of the program.

What you bring

• Experienced Physician with current licensure by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia in good standing.
• Demonstrated experience in physician health; clinical experience in evaluating psychological, psychiatric and/or substance abuse conditions is an asset.
• Ability to promote and maintain strategic relationships with associated organizations such as regulatory bodies, professional associations, health organizations, educational institutions, legal representatives, and medical staff organizations.
• Proven leadership ability including at least five years’ experience in a relevant role, including the ability to manage, engage and champion physicians, providing clear expectations and the appropriate tools and training to meet those expectations.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information in a discreet and professional manner.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent facilitation, conflict resolution, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient computer skills required (i.e., MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative on projects.

The Physician Health Program thanks all individuals who express interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Doctors of BC is committed to fair, inclusive and equitable practices in its engagement of independent contractors. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic or other irrelevant distinction.