About This Opportunity

The Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) is seeking multiple physicians to work part-time as an Addiction Medicine Physician Consultant(s) as part of an Addiction Medicine Consult Service. Consultants provide in-person, evidence-informed clinical advice and guidance in response to consultation requests from hospital settings as outlined in the service scope; and provide telephone support to physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists in the care of people with substance use disorders.

Responsibilities

The Addiction Medicine Physican Consultants(s) work collaboratively with the interprofessional clinical team to:

• Provide in-person, evidence-informed clinical advice and guidance in response to consultation requests from hospital settings as outlined in the service scope; and provide telephone support to physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists in the care of people with substance use disorders;
• Contribute to the response to urgent needs of patients being seen by the Addiction Medicine Consult Team by offering recommendations and support to the most responsible physician; 
• Undertake in-person comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, collecting and reviewing information from patient record;
• Develop an initial patient case formulation and working diagnosis;
• Develop goals of care in collaboration with patients, and families (defined broadly and as appropriate) and establishing and reviewing a care plan by working in collaboration with the patient, the patient’s most responsible physician, and the provider circle of care and community supports, as needed;
• Determine patient medication needs as part of the overall management plan, review the indication for prescribed medications and provide medication recommendations to the most responsible physician with a focus on reducing harms, including harms to the community;
• Provide psychosocial support as needed;
• Provide information and recommendations to the most responsible physician to complete client discharge plans related to addiction care;
• Support the development and delivery of evidence-informed education and knowledge-building related to substance use and related care and treatment to patients, inpatient healthcare providers and other partners;
• Lead and/or contribute to the development of evidence-informed healthcare policies that relate to substance use/concurrent disorders and related conditions;
• Complete administrative documentation related to the service;
• Participate in the development, planning and quality improvement activities for the Addiction Medicine Consult Service. 

Expected Hours

The MHAP Addition Medicine Consult Service will operate 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday-Friday. The Addiction Medicine Physician Consultant(s) will work 5 days/week on a rotational basis, no more than one week in every four weeks. The work schedule will be determined collaboratively between the Physician Lead, Addiction Medicine and the successful candidates. The Consultant will provide telephone support to the service as required.

Reporting Relationship

Accountable to the MHAP Physician Lead, Addiction Medicine.

Professional Requirements

• Current medical license issued by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS);
• Must hold, or be willing to obtain, active credentials and privileges with NSHA;
• Must maintain liability insurance through the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA);
• Must have current certification or obtain certification in Addiction Medicine when eligible through one of the following professional organizations:
  1. The College of Family Physicians Canada’s (CFPC) Certificate of Added Competence (CAC) for Addiction Medicine (AM);
  2. Area of Focused of Competence in Addiction Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada;
  3. American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) certification;
  4. International Society of Addiction Medicine (iSAM) certification; or
  5. Certification by the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine. 

Experience Requirements

• 2 or more years clinical experience in practicing Addiction Medicine is an asset;
• Experience in clinical leadership is an asset;
• Experience practicing Addiction Medicine in a variety of clinical settings is an asset; 
• Experience providing hospital-based care is an asset;
• Experience working within or collaboratively with a complex system environment is an asset.

Other Qualifications

• Demonstrated well-developed clinical judgement, skills and experience, in particular, related to substance use and co-occuring disorders;
• Aims to provide culturally safe care that is trauma-informed and applies a health equity lens;
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and application of the principles of and approaches to harm reduction;
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships and partnerships with coworkers and partners;
• Demonstrated ability to engage, encourage and support clinical staff to foster knowledge mobilization and embed change to practice;
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication and critical problem-solving skills.

Application Requirement

Please submit your expression of interest with cover letter and CV outlining your experience in relation to the accountabilities for the position.

Community Details

Halifax, the largest urban area in Atlantic Canada and Nova Scotia's capital city, sits in the center of Nova Scotia's east coast and is an important seaport that looks out over one of the world's largest natural harbours. Halifax is a perfect paradox. We are where land meets sea, old meets new, urban meets rural, and traditional meets trendy. We balance a relaxing pace with modern urban amenities and affordability with world class-experiences. We value our strong historical ties but drive to shake up the norm. This perfect balance makes Halifax one of the best places in the world to visit, no matter what a visitor is looking for: see for yourself in this video!

Nature lovers will find sandy beaches, beautiful gardens, hiking, birding, and beachcombing. Urbanites can enjoy the symphony, live theatre, art galleries, and museums, along with a lively nightlife that includes brewpubs and a great culinary scene.