Hospice/Palliative Medicine Physician

Hospice/Palliative Medicine Physician at VITAS Healthcare summary:

The Hospice/Palliative Medicine Physician is responsible for overseeing and providing medical care to terminally ill patients in a hospice setting. They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and attending physicians to ensure high-quality patient care and participate in clinical education and training. This role requires specialized knowledge in palliative medicine, symptom management, and compliance with medical licensure and regulatory standards.

The physician has the responsibility for the medical care and treatment of patients rendered by the hospice interdisciplinary team (IDT) and shall consult and cooperate with the patients' attending physicians. The physician provides direction and guidance to the staff and volunteers of the hospice IDT to assure the maintenance of quality standards of care for patients and families. Actively participates in the clinical education and training for hospice patient care, admissions, and administrative personnel.
QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a member in good standing on the medical staff of an accredited hospital in the state where the hospice is located.
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of primary medical care, with at least a working knowledge of oncology.
• Knowledge of palliative medicine, with particular emphasis on control symptoms associated with terminal illness.
• Registration with the Drug Enforcement Agency to write scheduled prescriptions.
• Medical malpractice and liability insurance in amounts and with carriers satisfactory to VITAS.

EDUCATION Graduate of an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy with current license to practice in the state where the hospice program in located. Board eligible/certified in Internal Medicine, Family Practice, or other related specialty with a working knowledge of the principles of palliative medicine and symptom management.

Keywords:

hospice physician, palliative medicine, terminal illness care, symptom management, oncology knowledge, interdisciplinary team, clinical education, medical care, patient treatment, end-of-life care