CHEO/University of Ottawa | FULL-TIME PHYSICIANS FOR INTERMEDIATE CARE UNIT DIVISION OF CRITICAL CARE
The Department of Pediatrics at CHEO, University of Ottawa is recruiting 4 full-time physicians (MRPs) for the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) within the Division of Critical Care, starting October 1, 2024.
The Department of Pediatrics is affiliated with CHEO, the CHEO Research Institute and the University of Ottawa. Together, we provide outstanding patient care, leading research, and quality pediatric medical education. The Department of Pediatrics provides health care to newborns, children, and youth of the Ottawa area, as well as those from Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, Nunavut, and parts of Northern Ontario (population of approximately 1.8 million). The Department of Pediatrics has 18 distinct divisions, which includes Critical Care.
The Most Responsible Physician (MRP) for the Intermediate Care Unit is responsible for providing high quality medical care to pediatric patients requiring intermediate level of care as per hospital and provincial criteria. This role involves both direct patient care (80% clinical –13 weeks of daytime as well as nighttime home based on-call coverage per year) and academic responsibilities (20% teaching, quality improvement and compliance, research). The position also involves a minimum of 30 hours direct, non-clinical teaching time per year. This position does not include clinical shifts in CHEO’s Level 3 PICU.
Patients meeting IMCU unit capabilities include patients with higher acuity needs, as well as patients who are more resource intensive. This includes the management of tracheotomy/ventilation and non-invasive respiratory supports, sedation, and procedures for IMCU patients, multi-system organ failure, and some post-surgical management. IMCU is ideally a transitional space and not intended to support long-term ventilation, chronic patients, or complex care. The expectation is that most patients will transition to medicine or complex care teams; however, patients may often be discharged home directly. There may be surgical patients who also meet the criteria for IMCU admission.
Anticipated supports to the IMCU MRP include
Physician assistant 7 days a week.
Nurse practitioner 5 days a week.
Multi-disciplinary team support (RT, RD, Pharmacy, Social Work, Child Life Specialist etc.)
Learner coverage - estimating 4 weeks IMCU rotation blocks by PGY4 pediatric residents during the day.
Coverage for overnight patient management and admissions by PICU junior and/or PGY4 rotation resident.
Internal Critical Care Response team (SPOT)available for support 24/7
Bedside nurses with IMCU training.
Required skills and abilities
Strong clinical skills in pediatric medicine with knowledge and experience aligned with Level of care level 2 criteria including non-invasive ventilation.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
Proficiency of electronic health record systems (preferably EPIC).
Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
Qualifications
Medical degree (MD) from an accredited institution.
Board certification in Pediatrics, with ability to complete all clinical responsibilities outlined above. Critical care experience preferred, but not essential.
Clinical duties
Provide MRP coverage 24/7, in 5–7-day blocks minimum per month.
Provide at home MRP coverage overnight and availability to take calls from in-house staff regarding new patient admissions and acute patient care issues. In extreme acute clinical circumstances, in person attendance after hours may be required.
Provide comprehensive medical care to up to a maximum twelve (12) Level 2 pediatric patients in the intermediate care unit outlined in CHEO’s level of care document. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized patient care plans. If there are not adequate supports in place, then the number of patients will be decreased to ensure patient safety.
Conduct daily rounds with a multi-disciplinary team to admit patients, assess patient progress, adjust treatment plans, and transfer, discharge patients.
Coordinate care with allied health members and other health care providers such as pediatric subspecialists, community discharge team to ensure cohesive care.
Respond promptly to patient and family inquiries, provide clear and compassionate communication.
Ensure comprehensive documentation of patient care (admissions, progress, transfer, discharges, shadow billing) in EPIC.
Non-clinical responsibilities (Administrative, Research, Quality, Education)
Report directly to IMCU Project Leads.
Work with a multi-disciplinary team, including nurses, allied health members (including PA, NP, pharmacy, RT, RD, SW, Pharmacy, CLS, OT/PT and support staff for the care of patients in the IMCU.
Collaborate with hospital administration to ensure adequate resources and staffing for the unit.
Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to strategic planning.
Foster a collaborative and positive work environment.
Participate in the development of clinical protocols and best practices.
Monitor and evaluate patient outcomes and clinical performance indicators.
Lead quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and care quality.
Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
Provide ongoing directed education and training opportunities to healthcare staff, post-graduate trainees, and physician assistants in the IMCU.
Stay current with advancements in pediatric medicine and incorporate new knowledge into practice.
Remuneration
$227,500 -$260,000 based on experience and academic rank + Hospital On-Call Compensation (HOCC) at $100/night on call). Permanent full-time positions preferred; however temporary locums will be considered.
As per DPA members, additional work in IMCU and/or other areas of the hospital will be remunerated additionally as per DPA policy. Remunerations outside the hospital will be accountable to the DPA external stipend policy.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit an application using the following URL: https://cheo.bamboohr.com/careers/45
CHEO and the Department of Pediatrics are equal opportunity employers. We strongly encourage applications from individuals, including Indigenous peoples, those who identify as LGBTQ2S+, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. If you require an accommodation during any phase of the recruitment process, please contact the Department of Pediatric Associates at DPAHR@cheo.on.ca. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.